Hongkongers in the UK: Visas, Security and Services

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.