Hongkongers on BN(O) pathway won’t face tougher English test, UK confirms

2026.03.19 07:50 Statistics show about 46,900 Hongkongers arrived in the UK under the scheme in its first year and will soon be able to apply for permanent settlement. Photo: EPA-EFE The UK government has confirmed that stricter English language requirements for immigrants announced earlier this month will not apply to Hongkongers applying through the British National (Overseas) visa pathway. The clarification from Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp came after more than 30 members of parliament sent a letter to the Home Office last month urging it to maintain the existing English threshold for BN(O) applicants. “The increase in the English language requirement in the statement of changes in Immigration Rules (HC 1691) does not apply to those on the BN(O) route,” Tapp wrote in a written reply to parliament on Monday, referring to the new rules requiring the applicants to have higher proficiency in English. He added that the current B1 English language requirement for settlement under the BN(O) route remained unchanged. On March 5, the UK government announced planned changes to English language requirements for settlement applications but did not specify at the time whether they would apply to BN(O) visa holders. The proposal raises the required level for settlement from B1 to B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages for a number of immigration routes. The changes are to take effect from March 26, 2027, offering applicants enough time to meet the higher standard. When the proposal came up last November, it sparked debate in parliament on whether the higher English requirement would hinder Hongkongers from securing settlement status under the BN(O) pathway as some may struggle to reach the B2 level. James Naish, one of the MPs, warned that “moving the goalposts” to B2 could shut many people out of the settlement, despite years of lawful residence, work and contribution. Another MP, Wera Hobhouse, said thousands of BN(O) visa holde

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