JAKARTA - The United Kingdom (UK) has just announced its biggest legal migration change in 50 years and it may be especially good news for people holding British National (Overseas), or BN(O), status from Hong Kong.

Under the new “Earned Settlement” system, most migrants will have to wait 10 years to settle in the UK, compared to the current five-year route. 

But Hong Kong BN(O) holders are not being forced into that longer timeline. They will keep their 5-year pathway to settlement, along with their immediate family members.

This announcement comes at a time of tighter restrictions for other migrant groups. Workers on low-paid visas may face up to 15 years before they can apply for permanent residency, while migrants relying on public benefits may need to wait 20 years, and some illegals or visa overstayers up to 30 years.

The policy is clearly designed to reward those seen as “contributing” to the UK. For instance, NHS doctors and nurses can still settle after five years, and high earners or top international talent may qualify after just three years. 

The government also wants migrants to demonstrate “good character,” integration (including English skills), and economic contribution.

But the changes are not yet law. They're currently in a public consultation phase (running until 12 February 2026) around the new system.

BN(O)s exist because of Britain’s colonial history in Hong Kong and the handover deal with China back in the '80s. 

There are about 2.9 million BN(O) status holders still alive, according to UK government estimates. As of March 2025, 163,400 Hongkongers have arrived in the UK on the BN(O) visa. According to the UK’s six-monthly report (Jan–June 2025), there have been 232,498 applications for the BN(O) visa, and 223,904 visas granted.