Local Authority Information
A new immigration route opened on 31 January 2021, providing British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) status holders from Hong Kong and their dependants with the opportunity to come to the UK to live, study and work, on a pathway to citizenship.
The Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is leading delivery of a £43.1 million HMG funded national ‘Welcome Programme’ to support BN(O) status holders and their families to help them to successfully settle in their new communities.
The Welcome Programme includes:
English Language and Destitution Support
English language and destitution support: funding is available for local authorities to support BN(O) status holders and their family members in need. This is reimbursed by DLUHC via a DELTA claim and the funding can be claimed by all county councils and unitary authorities. Where lower tier councils are providing some elements of the support, they will need to agree arrangements for claiming the funding with the local upper tier authority, while ensuring that the limits for English language and destitution support are not exceeded.
Online Welcome Pack
Online Welcome Pack
SMP Welcome Hub
SMP Welcome Hub
Educational Resources for Schools
Educational Resources for Schools
Hate Crime Reporting Services
Hate Crime Reporting Services
National and Regional VCSE Funds
National and Regional VCSE Funds
More detailed information on the welcome support can be found HERE
The East Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership has an officer dedicated to providing a service to HKBNO in our region and we are keen to work with the local authorities in our area to provide support and guidance:
Maria Brambles
Hong Kong BNO Policy Officer East Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership
Get in touch… Maria.Brambles@emcouncils.gov.uk
