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About
The government’s official welcome pack is available in English and Traditional Chinese.
In addition to this guide, the government have created this webpage with useful information on key areas of concern for new arrivals such as housing, education, National Insurance Numbers, starting a new business and many other concerns.
Coming to UK information flowchart
The HKBN(O) Co-creation Flowchart event was completed on 8 March 2022 (Tue). Please see the co-creation flowchart produced by the event and the info-graphic flowchart with QR codes.
Visas
Find out more about the UK government’s Hong Kong British National Overseas visa route
Visit UKHK for a useful video in Cantonese on practical information regarding the HK BNO visa
Visit HK Brits for a variety of resources and advice relating to the HK BNO visa in English and Traditional Chinese
Visit Migration Yorkshire to see an example of a printed copy of a HK BNO Biometric Residency Permit (BRP)
Employment
Find out more about the UK government’s advice on careers
Find out more about the UK government’s advice on translating qualifications
Find out more about the UK government’s advice on starting a business
Find out more about the UK government’s advice on opening a bank account
Visit UKHK for practical information regarding employment within the UK as well as a video in Cantonese on taxation.
Visit HK Brits for a variety of resources and advice relating to employment and tax in English and Traditional Chinese
Education
Find out more about the UK government’s advice on choosing a school
Find out more about the UK government’s advice on higher education
Find out more about the UK government’s advice on further education
Find out more about the UK government’s advice on further education for adults
Visit UKHK for a useful video in Cantonese on practical information regarding the UK education as well as links to how to choose a school
Visit HK Brits for a variety of resources and advice relating to education in English and Traditional Chinese
English language classes/ESOL
Find out more about the UK government’s advice on learning English
Here is a list of ESOL providers in the South East who have volunteered to provide ESOL to new HK arrivals either for free or at reduced price. This is separate but complementary to local authority funded ESOL.
Local authority funded ESOL providers in the South East England delivered courses to HKBN(O) visa holders, please read the attached information sheet. (Please right click the hyperlink (in blue color), copy link address and paste the link into a new browser address bar to download the spreadsheet.) Hong Kong BN(O) English Language Support (ESOL) is updated in year 2.
Find out more about Kent County Council’s ESOL courses.
English Language Provision (ESOL courses) for New Arrivals from Hong Kong – A guide for Local Authorities.
English Language Provision (ESOL courses) for New Arrivals from Hong Kong – A guide for Hong Kong New Arrivals.
English Language Provision (ESOL courses) for New Arrivals from Hong Kong – A guide for Hong Kong New Arrivals (Traditional Chinese).
Health
Find out more about the UK government’s advice on registering with a GP
Visit UKHK for a useful video in Cantonese on the UK health system and the Immigrant Health Surcharge
Visit HK Brits for a variety of resources and advice relating to UK Healthcare in English and Traditional Chinese
Find out more general healthcare in the UK by watching this video designed by Wokingham Borough Council. (Remark: Since the video is created by Wokingham Borough Council, particular local services only covered Wokingham and nearby areas. Please refer to your local service providers for your region.)
Housing
Find out more about the UK government’s advice on renting
Access this letter “To Whom It May Concern” created by DLUHC, the purpose of the letter is to correct some common misunderstandings about BN(O)s’ immigration status and their rights and entitlements, often experienced in housing, employment and opening a bank account.
Visit HK Brits for resources and advice relating to renting in English and Traditional Chinese
Find out more about the UK government’s advice on buying a property
Visit UKHK for a useful video in Cantonese on practical information regarding the housing system in the UK
Police and Reporting Hate Crime
Find out more about the UK government’s advice on hate crime
Places of Worship
Visit UKHK for a useful video in Cantonese on churches in the UK as well as links to finding a church in your area
Visit UK Brits to access information and advice relating to religion in English and Traditional Chinese
Food
Visit UK Brits to access information and advice relating to food and nutrition in English and Traditional Chinese
News
Welcome to our new website
Welcome to our new website. We hope to be able to update you regularly with the latest news across the sector and keep you informed about resources and information in a timely fashion.