Insight | Introducing BNO Welcome Hubs

The UK has offered a path to citizenship for BNOs, but now it is vital that Hong Kongers are welcomed. 

We are working with the government, civil society and local authorities to ensure that a proper plan for integration is in place.

The UK has already announced £43 million support to make Hong Kongers welcome, and we will work with the government to advocate for the voice of Hong Kongers to be heard as they allocate the funds. 

Part of this funding will be used to establish 12 virtual Welcome Hubs. These will cover the nine regions of England, plus one in each of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and will provide tailored advice for Hong Kong arrivals.

In our conversations with the government, we have been assured that the hubs will be opening throughout the summer.

The hubs will play an important part in integrating newly arrived Hong Kongers into UK society, co-ordinating a range of support which will be offered by local authorities (councils) and partners in the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. This includes:

-        developing and translating locally tailored welcome packs with practical information on where and how to access key local services (such as applying for school places, registering with GPs, or setting up businesses);

-        commissioning and co-ordinating support services for Hong Kongers (for example, befriending schemes)  

-        providing additional support such as English language, or housing support for those who are struggling

-        working closely with local police forces and Hong Kong community groups to tackle hate crime

In the meantime, the government has published a Welcome Pack to help answer queries new arrivals may have about life in the UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/welcome-a-guide-for-hong-kong-british-national-overseas-visa-holders-in-the-uk

We are in discussions about improving the information accessible to new arrivals. If you have any suggestions, please get in touch with us.