Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

British National Overseas Visa 2026-07-13

Monday 13 July 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department assesses the British national overseas visa settlement route as successful, with over 170,000 Hongkongers moving to the UK.
  • The government is considering responses from consultations on earned settlement and will bring forward reforms at the earliest opportunity.
  • The Minister for Security is reviewing the matter of UK organisations potentially engaging in political influence on behalf of the Chinese Communist party.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Peter Swallow Lab
Immigration
Context

The question arises from the successful launch of the British national overseas visa settlement route for Hongkongers, with more than 170,000 individuals moving to the UK and thousands granted settlement status.

Question

What assessment has the Department made of the effectiveness of the British national overseas visa settlement route?

Answer from Mike Tapp

We assess that the route has been a success. Since it launched, more than 170,000 Hongkongers have moved to the UK, and thousands have now been granted settlement status.

Answered
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Q2 Peter Swallow Lab
Immigration
Context

The Hong Kong community in Bracknell Forest has welcomed the continuation of the five-year settlement route for BNO visa holders, but concerns remain over changes to language and income requirements, as well as delays for those prosecuted under the national security law.

Question

Will the Minister set out when my constituents will be given clarity on these really important issues?

Answer from Mike Tapp

We have consulted widely on earned settlement. We are considering the responses, and will bring forward reforms at the earliest opportunity. In the meantime, those on the BNO route can continue to apply, and the service standard for that route continues to be six months.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about specific timelines and clarity on issues but received a vague response regarding reforms at an unspecified time in the future.

How: Under Review, At The Earliest Opportunity

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Q3 Alicia Kearns Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The BNO route has provided sanctuary for Hongkongers but raises concerns about safety under CCP influence, especially with no registrations under the foreign influence registration scheme.

Question

Do the Government really believe that not a single organisation in the UK is engaged in political influence on behalf of the Chinese Communist party, and if not, how many investigations have there been into those failing to disclose?

Answer from Mike Tapp

I thank the hon. Lady for her important point. It is essential that we keep those who are here safe. The Minister for Security is keeping this matter under review, and will write to her in due course.

Not addressed: The questioner asked about specific investigations but the answer avoided providing concrete information or timeline.

How: Under Review, Will Write To Her

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