Hong Kong residents settle in UK under new visa scheme

The UK opened a new visa route for Hong Kong residents in January 2021, giving people with British National (Overseas) status the right to live and work in Britain. The scheme was created after China introduced a national security law in Hong Kong in 2020. Holders of this visa can use the NHS and take up employment, but they cannot claim most welfare benefits, so they must support themselves financially. After five years, they can apply for permanent residency, and after six years they can become British citizens. However, settling in the UK brings real difficulties. Finding housing is one of the biggest problems, as landlords can refuse applicants and renters often must pay large sums upfront. Over 90 percent of Hong Kong homes have air conditioning, a comfort that is far less common in Britain.