In May this year, the UK government released a new immigration white paper outlining plans to tighten immigration policies. These include raising the threshold for applying for permanent residency from five to ten years — changing the “5+1” route to “10+1” — and increasing English language requirements for immigrants. However, the government has yet to clearly state whether these new policies would apply to BN(O) visa holders from Hong Kong, or whether those who have already arrived would be affected. The white paper has sparked widespread public debate.

On Monday (8 September), the House of Commons held a three-hour debate on the issue, during which more than 30 MPs spoke. The majority voiced support for Hongkongers and opposed the government’s attempt to “move the goalposts”.