STATEMENT: The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong responds to the UK Home Office survey of Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa holders living in the UK results
Tuesday 1st February - Today, the Home Office published the results to their survey of Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa holders living in the UK. The Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa route opened a year ago on the 31st of January 2021, allowing BN(O) status holders and certain family members to live, work and study in the UK. The survey was commissioned to understand more about the visa holders.
The results show that from the 500 participants sample, 98% of visa holders are over 25 years-old and 72% were married. The results also showed that out of those who received the visa, 90% already had a partner or family also living in the UK. These figures highlight the number of families who feel forced to leave Hong Kong in search of a more liberal life for themselves and their children. Young couples and families leaving Hong Kong will have a detrimental effect on the next generation of Hong Kong.
Further, 96% of those arriving in the UK intend to stay longer than the duration of the current visa or plan on staying indefinitely, showing no intention to return to their native Hong Kong. Of the 500 surveyed 59% had children, 48% of which are aged 4-10 years old.
In terms of education, 69% of those who received the visa last year had a degree or higher and 39% of those interviewed had a professional occupation; showing that the majority of those coming to the UK are well educated professionals.
Responding, President of the CFHK, Mark L. Clifford, said:
“Whilst it is encouraging to see the British National (Overseas) visa route has positively affected so many lives, we cannot forget why such a scheme is needed. People are leaving Hong Kong in their masses due to the oppressive political regime which China has imposed on the city.
“The survey results highlight the number of talented young people who are fleeing their home city in order to find a better, freer life in a country which practises democracy. These people are entering the UK willing to contribute to the British economy, injecting skills, experience and entrepreneurialism. It is worth noting however that although they talent to the UK, they are being forced to make the move, thus sapping Hong Kong of the same talent and skill.
“The UK has a responsibility to use its position to help those targeted by China’s crackdown on freedoms as a joint signatory of the Sino-Joint Declaration, and the BN(O) scheme has shown that they are committed to doing so.”
ENDS
About CFHK
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong presses for political and economic consequences for China’s failure to keep its promises to respect Hong Kong’s freedoms; supports the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the release of political prisoners; and urges the business community to stand against China’s assault on freedom and the danger it poses to Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. Hong Kong’s fate is linked to the preservation of freedom, democracy, and international law in the region and around the world.
For more information, please contact:
E: media@thecfhk.org
www.thecfhk.org
@thecfhk
The results show that from the 500 participants sample, 98% of visa holders are over 25 years-old and 72% were married. The results also showed that out of those who received the visa, 90% already had a partner or family also living in the UK. These figures highlight the number of families who feel forced to leave Hong Kong in search of a more liberal life for themselves and their children. Young couples and families leaving Hong Kong will have a detrimental effect on the next generation of Hong Kong.
Further, 96% of those arriving in the UK intend to stay longer than the duration of the current visa or plan on staying indefinitely, showing no intention to return to their native Hong Kong. Of the 500 surveyed 59% had children, 48% of which are aged 4-10 years old.
In terms of education, 69% of those who received the visa last year had a degree or higher and 39% of those interviewed had a professional occupation; showing that the majority of those coming to the UK are well educated professionals.
Responding, President of the CFHK, Mark L. Clifford, said:
“Whilst it is encouraging to see the British National (Overseas) visa route has positively affected so many lives, we cannot forget why such a scheme is needed. People are leaving Hong Kong in their masses due to the oppressive political regime which China has imposed on the city.
“The survey results highlight the number of talented young people who are fleeing their home city in order to find a better, freer life in a country which practises democracy. These people are entering the UK willing to contribute to the British economy, injecting skills, experience and entrepreneurialism. It is worth noting however that although they talent to the UK, they are being forced to make the move, thus sapping Hong Kong of the same talent and skill.
“The UK has a responsibility to use its position to help those targeted by China’s crackdown on freedoms as a joint signatory of the Sino-Joint Declaration, and the BN(O) scheme has shown that they are committed to doing so.”
ENDS
About CFHK
The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong presses for political and economic consequences for China’s failure to keep its promises to respect Hong Kong’s freedoms; supports the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the release of political prisoners; and urges the business community to stand against China’s assault on freedom and the danger it poses to Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. Hong Kong’s fate is linked to the preservation of freedom, democracy, and international law in the region and around the world.
For more information, please contact:
E: media@thecfhk.org
www.thecfhk.org
@thecfhk