A new life on British soil for some 52,000 Hongkongers

Some 52,000 Hongkongers immigrated to the U.K. in 2022 through the British National (Overseas) (BNO) visa scheme, according to the latest data released by the Office for National Statistics of the U.K. 

The data rolled out by British authorities also revealed a net population increase of 606,000 in 2022, a new record higher than the net immigration of about 164,000 in the previous year. 

According to the ONS, those from outside of the EU arrived on student and work visas, as well as 114,000 Ukrainians and 52,000 Hongkongers on the BNO visa scheme. 

Since the BNO visa scheme was introduced in 2021, about 110,000 people have started a new life on British soil by the end of last year. 

According to Britain’s Home Office, the majority of BNO visa applicants are bachelor's degree holders or have received further education. They are expected to contribute to the economy by generating a net income of between 2.4 and 2.9 billion pounds in five years. 

Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak admitted the numbers were too high. Speaking on a TV program, Sunak said: “Numbers are too high; it’s as simple as that. And I want to bring them down.” 

Yet, he insisted immigration was not out of control: “Well, no, I think the numbers are just too high.” 

(Staff reporter and BBC)