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Hongkongers in the UK: Visas, Security and Services
17 October 2024
Lead MP
Connor Rand
Altrincham and Sale West
Lab
Responding Minister
Seema Malhotra
Tags
ImmigrationCrime & Law EnforcementEconomyTaxationForeign Affairs
Word Count: 12409
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Connor Rand raised concerns about hongkongers in the uk: visas, security and services in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The speaker asks the government to ensure that Hong Kongers with criminal records from protesting are not denied visas; to engage in conversations to close the loophole for those born between 1979 and 1997; to guarantee the safety of Hongkongers in the UK, especially given recent Chinese state aggression; and to address issues like accessing retirement savings and tuition fees.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The speaker is concerned about the erosion of democracy and human rights in Hong Kong since 2020, with over 10,000 arrests of protesters, 900 journalists losing their livelihoods, and a rapid increase in political prisoners. There are also issues with the BNO visa scheme's loopholes for those born between 1979 and 1997 who cannot apply due to age restrictions. Additionally, there is fear among Hongkongers about Chinese state interference and threats of espionage.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Mr Carmichael congratulated the hon. Gentleman on securing the debate, noting that even after Hongkongers arrive in the UK, they face ongoing threats from the Chinese Communist party, including illegal police stations and persecution on campuses.
Blair McDougall
Lab
East Renfrewshire
The MP noted that many Hongkongers have settled in his constituency, expressing their delight at being in the UK but also noting a pervasive sense of fear. He highlighted reports of secret police stations operating on British soil and questioned whether diplomatic privileges granted to organisations like the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office are being abused for transnational repression. The MP urged the government to ensure that BNO holders receive consular assistance, especially concerning political prisoners such as Jimmy Lai.
Bobby Dean
Lib Dem
Carshalton and Wallington
I highlighted the challenges faced by Hongkongers in my constituency, particularly social workers whose qualifications are not recognised. I mentioned an innovative internship programme with Kingston University to help these social workers get recognised. Up to 98% of recent arrivals have a degree but face high university fees for their children. There are security concerns and fears about surveillance and persecution from the Hong Kong Government.
Hendon
The speaker expressed his personal connection to Hong Kong's democratic movement and discussed the challenges faced by new arrivals in accessing their savings through the MPF system, difficulties in recognising qualifications, and concerns about transnational repression. He urged the Government to renew its covenant with the people of Hong Kong.
Gregory Stafford
Con
Farnham and Bordon
He thanked the hon. Member for securing the debate, emphasizing the importance of the Conservative Administration's decision to launch a special immigration route in June 2020 for Hongkongers holding British national overseas status. Since its launch, more than 150,000 Hongkongers have moved to Britain using this visa pathway. Stafford highlighted the significant role BNO visa holders play in key sectors such as healthcare and noted that over 700 Hongkongers are now working in the NHS. He also expressed concerns about China's threat to democracy and security, urging the Foreign Secretary to raise these issues during meetings with the Chinese Government.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
The speaker highlighted the importance of welcoming Hongkongers in his constituency and praised local initiatives such as the East Midlands Councils' welcome programme. He raised concerns about access to higher education for young BNO Hongkongers, difficulties with drawing down Mandatory Provident Fund savings, and issues with English language teaching funding. Additionally, he suggested ways to expedite qualification recognition and address shortages in skilled professions.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
In an intervention, Jim Shannon agreed with Bobby Dean's points regarding the challenges faced by Hongkongers in accessing services and feeling secure in the UK. Jim Shannon welcomed the BNO visa programme and highlighted that it has enabled around 150,000 Hongkongers to reside in the UK. He noted that a single adult applying for a five-year BNO visa pays an application fee of £250 and an immigration health surcharge of £5,175. Shannon expressed concern about security issues faced by Hongkongers living in the UK, including reports of phone tapping and surveillance. He also mentioned incidents involving hacking of statements from the all-party parliamentary group for international freedom of religion or belief. He intervened to highlight the case of Jimmy Lai, a British citizen from Hong Kong who was denied his religious liberty in prison. Asked about students from Hong Kong having the same opportunities as those born in the UK, urging the Minister to provide an answer.
Luke Taylor
Lib Dem
Sutton and Cheam
Mr Taylor discussed the challenges faced by Hongkongers in his constituency, including fears of transnational repression and surveillance. He highlighted issues with eligibility gaps in the BNO visa scheme for individuals aged 27 to 45, urging the government to address this oversight. Mr Taylor also mentioned concerns over access to mandatory provident funds held hostage in UK banks and the impact of CCP's expanding embassy operations.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
He discussed the experiences of Hongkongers in Leeds, highlighting that around one third of an estimated 4,000 people who have settled there since 2020 live in his constituency. He cited a survey indicating that more than half of respondents feared speaking out against injustices due to repercussions for family members still in Hong Kong, and reported ongoing intimidation and harassment, including at events where attendees were photographed without consent and threatened with photos being shared with authorities.
Neil Coyle
Lab
Bermondsey and Old Southwark
Mr Coyle highlighted the financial barriers faced by BNO Hongkongers, particularly regarding university fees and mandatory provident fund access. He raised concerns about cyber-security issues and physical harassment experienced by Hongkongers in the UK, suggesting the need for protective measures similar to those for synagogues and mosques.
Paul Holmes
Con
Hamble Valley
Acknowledged the contributions of other MPs and highlighted the challenges faced by Hongkongers, including financial instability and language barriers. Emphasised the importance of ensuring access to public funds for BNO visa holders and addressing pension fund issues.
Phil Brickell
Lab
Bolton West
Mr Phil Brickell highlighted the impact of the Chinese Government's national security law and the BNO visa scheme, noting that around 150,000 Hongkongers have fled to Britain. He expressed concern for Hongkongers under the age of 18 on the day of the handover who are unable to apply for BNO status independently, advocating for their eligibility in the expanded scheme. Brickell also discussed the financial barriers faced by young Hongkongers seeking university education and emphasised the urgency of securing the release of British citizen Jimmy Lai, imprisoned in Hong Kong for over 1,500 days.
Government Response
Seema Malhotra
Government Response
The Government are deeply committed to supporting members of the Hong Kong community who have relocated to the UK, reflecting the UK's historic and moral responsibility for and commitment to the people of Hong Kong. Since the launch of the BNO visa route in 2021, over 209,000 people have been granted a BNO visa, with more than 150,000 arriving in the UK. The standard immigration rules on criminality and adverse behaviours apply to applications through the BNO route but are assessed flexibly to avoid automatic refusal of applications due to politically motivated or trumped-up charges. There is £1 million funding for voluntary and community sector organisations to deliver projects focused on employability and mental health wellbeing, with initiatives like The Growth Company's Jobs for Hongkongers programme and local schemes addressing employment challenges. International fees are a concern but the majority of BNO status holders will qualify for home fee status and student finance once they have obtained settlement in the UK, subject to meeting eligibility requirements. Regarding the Mandatory Provident Fund, the issue of £3 billion funds being frozen is under review with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office raising concerns directly with the Hong Kong Government and the MPF Schemes Authority. On security, attempts by foreign Governments to coerce, intimidate or harm critics overseas are unacceptable, and UK's capability to understand and respond to China's challenges through an audit of the relationship. The National Security Act 2023 provides new powers for law enforcement to protect from modern state threats, including transnational repression with a clear definition needed. There are no plans to shut down the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, and Jimmy Lai's case is prioritised with UK diplomats attending his court proceedings regularly.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.