Government responds to questions on international support for holders of Hong Kong British Overseas Passports; and rights of travel for holders of BNO passports. Minister says: “whatever obstacles China puts in the way of BN(O)s leaving Hong Kong, we will do all we can to enable them to come to live, work and study in the UK”

Feb 16, 2021 | News, Parliament

Government responds to questions on international support for holders of Hong Kong British Overseas Passports; and rights of travel for holders of BNO passports.Minister says: “whatever obstacles China puts in the way of BN(O)s leaving Hong Kong, we will do all we can to enable them to come to live, work and study in the UK”

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL12877):

Question:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the government of the United States about parity of treatment between British National (Overseas) passport holders and full British citizens for visa purposes; and what plans they have to seek such parity with other governments. (HL12877)

Tabled on: 02 February 2021

Answer:
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:

We remain in regular contact with our close partners, including the US, on Hong Kong and are pleased to see the steps they have taken to put in place measures in support of people of Hong Kong.

Date and time of answer: 16 Feb 2021 at 14:36.

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Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL12878):

Question:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what advice they provide to people in Hong Kong who only hold a British National (Overseas) passport who wish to travel to the UK. (HL12878)

Tabled on: 02 February 2021

Answer:
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:

The vast majority of BN(O) passport holders will have another passport, such as the Hong Kong SAR passport which they can use to travel on. We have not been made aware of anyone who has been unable to travel.

We understand there may be a very small number of individuals who may only hold the BN(O) document and we are working with the Home Office to explore options for this group.

We look forward to welcoming those who wish to settle here.

Date and time of answer: 16 Feb 2021 at 16:13.

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Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has provided the following answer to your written parliamentary question (HL12753):

Question:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the (1) practical, and (2) political, implications of the announcement that the governments of China and Hong Kong will not recognise British National (Overseas) passports as valid travel documents. (HL12753)

Tabled on: 01 February 2021

Answer:
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon:

We are disappointed but not surprised by the Chinese decision not to recognise British National (Overseas) passports. However, whatever obstacles China puts in the way of BN(O)s leaving Hong Kong, we will do all we can to enable them to come to live, work and study in the UK. BN(O)s and their families will be able to use documentation other than BN(O) passports to take up this visa. We look forward to welcoming those who wish to settle here.

Date and time of answer: 15 Feb 2021 at 15:22.

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