The British government will maintain the five-year pathway to permanent residency for British National (Overseas) visa holders despite proposing to extend the requirement from five to 10 years for other specific immigrant groups.
In a newly released consultation document on immigration reforms, the Home Office affirmed its commitment to the BNO visa route, stating: "The government remains steadfast in its support for members of the Hong Kong community in the UK and fully endorses the BN(O) route, continuing to welcome Hongkongers to the UK."
Authorities "fully recognize the significant contributions Hongkongers have already made to the UK, and the role they will continue to play in the future," thus preserving their eligibility to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years of residence.
The document outlined the government's approach to continue attracting "the brightest and the best" through targeted immigration pathways, including the Global Talent scheme for exceptional leaders and potential leaders, and the Innovator Founder route for top entrepreneurs.
