The House of Commons has voted down an amendment to the Nationality and Borders Bill that would have made every 18- to 25-year-old Hongkonger eligible for the British National (Overseas) (BNO) visa as long as one parent holds BNO status.
During the 27-28 November debate, ministers argued that the expansion would be “too broad” and risked opening the door to applicants who have never lived in Hong Kong. Advocates—including 27 Conservative MPs—countered that many young protesters were born after Britain closed BNO registration in 1997 and are therefore excluded from the lifeboat scheme despite facing the greatest political risk.
![UK rejects bid to widen BNO visa scheme to cover Hong Kong youths under 25]()
Immigration Minister Kevin Foster said affected youths can use existing routes such as the Youth Mobility Scheme or student visas, but campaign group Hong Kong Watch called the decision “deeply disappointing” and vowed to press the House of Lords to revive the amendment.
For Hong Kong families contemplating relocation, the vote means adult children must still apply separately for student or work visas, increasing costs and complicating settlement planning. Consulting firms noted a spike in enquiries about alternative destinations such as Canada’s open-work-permit path for Hongkongers.
Law firms advise employers to review sponsorship policies for graduate hires in London and Manchester who may lose the BNO option.
During the 27-28 November debate, ministers argued that the expansion would be “too broad” and risked opening the door to applicants who have never lived in Hong Kong. Advocates—including 27 Conservative MPs—countered that many young protesters were born after Britain closed BNO registration in 1997 and are therefore excluded from the lifeboat scheme despite facing the greatest political risk.
Immigration Minister Kevin Foster said affected youths can use existing routes such as the Youth Mobility Scheme or student visas, but campaign group Hong Kong Watch called the decision “deeply disappointing” and vowed to press the House of Lords to revive the amendment.
For Hong Kong families contemplating relocation, the vote means adult children must still apply separately for student or work visas, increasing costs and complicating settlement planning. Consulting firms noted a spike in enquiries about alternative destinations such as Canada’s open-work-permit path for Hongkongers.
Law firms advise employers to review sponsorship policies for graduate hires in London and Manchester who may lose the BNO option.
