The United Kingdom’s plan to lengthen the residence period required for permanent settlement from five to ten years has triggered sharp criticism from exiled Hong Kong activist Nathan Law and migrant-rights groups. Speaking to The Guardian, Law warned that doubling the qualifying period would “betray Britain’s moral obligation” to asylum-seekers fleeing political persecution in the former colony. Although the proposed change does not directly affect the bespoke BN(O) visa pathway, it would impact Hongkongers—often younger activists—who arrived on standard asylum or work routes without BN(O) status.
Under current rules, most migrants can apply for “indefinite leave to remain” after five years. The Home Office consultation proposes extending that to ten years for several visa classes as part of a broader effort to reduce net migration. Advocacy groups such as Hong Kong Watch argue that the shift would trap vulnerable applicants in a limbo of repeated visa renewals, higher government fees and restricted access to public funds.
![UK Move to Stretch Settlement Period Raises Alarm for Hong Kong Refugees]()
For global-mobility and relocation teams, the potential rule change adds cost and complexity when moving Hong Kong talent to the UK outside the BN(O) scheme. “An extra five years of renewals could add £7,000–£9,000 per employee in visa and healthcare-surcharge costs, excluding legal fees,” estimates Kevin Lee, director of a London-based immigration law firm. Companies must also budget for longer periods before staff qualify for home-buyer mortgages tied to settlement status.
British employers tapping Hong Kong graduates via the Graduate visa or skilled-worker route may face higher attrition unless they offer sponsorship stability. Meanwhile, some consultants predict a spike in BN(O) applications from mixed-status families seeking the fastest path to settlement.
The Home Office says it remains “committed to supporting those at risk of persecution” and will publish final details in early 2026. Until then, HR teams are urged to include “scenario clauses” in assignment letters, outlining who shoulders future visa-extension costs if the rule takes effect.
Under current rules, most migrants can apply for “indefinite leave to remain” after five years. The Home Office consultation proposes extending that to ten years for several visa classes as part of a broader effort to reduce net migration. Advocacy groups such as Hong Kong Watch argue that the shift would trap vulnerable applicants in a limbo of repeated visa renewals, higher government fees and restricted access to public funds.
For global-mobility and relocation teams, the potential rule change adds cost and complexity when moving Hong Kong talent to the UK outside the BN(O) scheme. “An extra five years of renewals could add £7,000–£9,000 per employee in visa and healthcare-surcharge costs, excluding legal fees,” estimates Kevin Lee, director of a London-based immigration law firm. Companies must also budget for longer periods before staff qualify for home-buyer mortgages tied to settlement status.
British employers tapping Hong Kong graduates via the Graduate visa or skilled-worker route may face higher attrition unless they offer sponsorship stability. Meanwhile, some consultants predict a spike in BN(O) applications from mixed-status families seeking the fastest path to settlement.
The Home Office says it remains “committed to supporting those at risk of persecution” and will publish final details in early 2026. Until then, HR teams are urged to include “scenario clauses” in assignment letters, outlining who shoulders future visa-extension costs if the rule takes effect.
