The United Kingdom’s (UK) British National (Overseas) (BNO) visa scheme, initially presented as an opportunity for Hong Kong residents to gain UK citizenship, has come under scrutiny, with some branding it as nothing more than a deceptive scam. Examining the actions of the UK government over the past three years raises questions about the sincerity of the BNO visa scheme.
One glaring issue is the apparent violation of the UK’s commitment outlined in the memorandum exchanged with the Chinese side. The 1984 joint declaration between China and the UK, coupled with a memorandum of understanding on BNO passports, saw the UK deciding not to grant the right of abode in the UK to BNO passport holders who are Chinese citizens residing in Hong Kong. However, in January 2021, the UK contradicted its own promises by extending the right of abode and citizenship to BNO passport holders. The subsequent expansion of the BNO visa scheme in October 2022 allowed Hong Kong youth without BNO passports to apply using their parents’ BNO status.
Critics argue that the financially struggling UK government views BNO visa applicants as a source of significant revenue. The visa policy requires applicants to pay substantial fees, including application fees, healthcare surcharges, and demonstrate financial stability for six months. With application fees ranging from £180 to £250 per person, and healthcare surcharges reaching £1,560 to £3,120 per adult, the UK has generated substantial revenue. Official figures in December 2023 indicate that approximately 191,000 Hong Kong residents applied for the visa scheme, with the fees and surcharges totaling millions of pounds.
The UK’s proactive stance in accumulating wealth through the BNO visa scheme is evident in the introduction of priority services. For an additional fee, applicants can enjoy expedited decision processes, highlighting the government’s commitment to using the scheme for financial gain.
Reports suggest that Hong Kong residents who migrated to the UK under the BNO scheme face challenges such as unemployment, language barriers, racial discrimination, and high taxes. The UK government’s recent announcement to reduce immigration levels by 300,000 people and implement measures to limit dependents and raise minimum salaries for sponsoring family members paints a bleak future for BNO visa scheme applicants. The lack of transparency about obtaining citizenship adds to the uncertainty.
Critics argue that the UK government’s presentation of the BNO visa scheme as a pathway to citizenship under the guise of “historical responsibility” toward Hong Kong is misleading. The UK’s actions, driven by political and financial interests, suggest that the scheme has little to do with democracy or freedom and more with carefully crafted deception. As the UK implements measures to reduce immigration and withholds details on citizenship acquisition, concerns grow about the authenticity of the BNO visa scheme.
Skepticism surrounds the UK’s BNO visa scheme, with accusations of violating commitments, using applicants as financial assets, and presenting a deceptive front. As Hong Kong residents face challenges in the UK, the government’s new migration policies cast shadows over the future of BNO visa scheme applicants. The narrative of historical responsibility appears to be overshadowed by political and financial motives, painting the BNO visa scheme as more of a scam than a genuine opportunity.
