Summary
A new immigration route opened on 31 January 2021, providing British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) status holders from Hong Kong and their dependants with the opportunity to come to the UK to live, study and work, on a pathway to citizenship.
The government has produced an online welcome pack for all BN(O) status holders with information, translated into Cantonese, on how to access services and understand life in the UK.
South West Councils provide more resources for new arrivals, drop in sessions and a request for assistance online form.
Welcome to Devon
Local authorities are already playing a key role in working with local partners and communities to ensure BN(O) status holders are welcomed and given help and support to successfully integrate in their new communities across Devon. Working together we have created the Devon Hong Kong Welcome Partnership.
St. Sidwell’s Community Centre has created their own Welcome to Devon guide in Cantonese which aims to provide you with the information you will need to thrive here and to link you to community services that are there to help you.
Destitution support through the government’s HK Welcome scheme
If you are struggling financially, there may be funds available to help you. If you meet the eligibility criteria for access to this support please complete a ‘change of conditions’ form.
Further assistance
If you need assistance, please contact:
South West Councils
Dennett House
11 Middle Street
Taunton
TA1 1SH
Call: 01823 270101
Email: HongKongBNO@swcouncils.gov.uk