Written Question·Treasury·UIN 189933
Pensions: British National (Overseas)
Tabled: 16 June 2023
Answered: 26 June 2023
Question
Dame Siobhain McDonagh
Labour — Mitcham and Morden
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has had recent discussions with HSBC on access to pension savings for people on British National (Overseas) visas.
Answer
Andrew GriffithWe are aware of the difficulties British National (Overseas) (BN(O))s are experiencing in seeking early withdrawal of their pension held by the Mandatory Provident Fund in Hong Kong. The root of the problem is the Chinese Government's decision not to recognise the BN(O) passport as a valid identity document in Hong Kong. The UK firmly opposes the discrimination of BN(O)s in this way. We have urged the Hong Kong authorities to facilitate the early drawdown of funds as is the case for other Hong Kong residents who move overseas permanently.