Information for people from Hong Kong

About

The government’s official welcome pack is available in English and Traditional Chinese.

• English
• 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