The ILR qualifying period for BN(O) visa holders should remain 5 years.

Background

In response to the government’s recent proposal to extend the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from 5 years to 10 years, we ask the government to keep the 5-year ILR qualifying period for British National (Overseas) visa holders.

Additional details

Hongkongers with British National (Overseas) status are British nationals and should not be treated the same as other migrants. We have a unique historical connection to the UK. In 1981, the British Nationality Act stripped us of our British citizenship (formerly CUKC) without the consent of Hongkongers. This was followed by the handover of Hong Kong to China without full democratic consultation with its residents. The UK government has a moral and historic responsibility to us.