27 MPs took part in a Westminster Hall debate on Tuesday, with most raising concerns about how the government’s proposed income and English-language requirements could affect BN(O) holders on the 5+1 route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

The government minister responsible for migration, Mike Tapp, said concerns would be reviewed during the 12-week consultation but stressed the new requirements were “basic standards”. He gave no guarantees but understood the concerns raised by MPs on the “special circumstances” of Hongkongers in Britain.

Rushcliffe MP James Naish said BN(O) families were never meant to be treated as economic migrants. Many were “income-poor but asset-rich”, and thousands who already passed the B1 English test could be excluded if the requirement rises to B2. A survey of 5,000 BN(O)s found only 8% of households expected all members to qualify for ILR under the new proposals.

MPs warned that some Hongkongers cannot return home, and sudden changes would threaten fairness. Others raised concerns for post-1997 Hongkongers fleeing political risk.

Clive Jones MP summed up the mood: “BN(O) visa holders are not foreigners, they are British nationals.”

Tapp said he was open to hearing views on exemptions, transitional arrangements and the role of assets, stressing that he would “listen” during the consultation.