The UK government has announced that it will allocate 43 million British pounds, or about HK$460 million, to assist Hong Kong people who have moved to the UK on BNO (British National Overseas Passport) visas to integrate into local life.
The funding will be used to set up 12 orientation centers to help Hong Kong families and individuals start a new life in the UK, deal with issues including housing, education and employment, and fund district councils to provide appropriate assistance to those in need, including learning English and supporting housing costs. Schools will be provided with teaching resources to teach students about the historical links between Hong Kong and the UK.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Mr Albert Cheng, said the scheme would enable people with BNO status and their families to start their new lives in the UK as soon as possible on arrival, supporting them to find housing, schools and opportunities, and reiterating that the UK Government would ensure that people arriving in the UK are happy and successful and see the UK as their home.
Home Secretary Doreen Pendleton described the program as unprecedentedly generous and will continue to work to help immigrants rebuild their lives in the UK. Foreign Secretary Raab then said that this is another major initiative by the UK to support BNO holders and reflects the UK government’s commitment to Hong Kong people.
The UK has been accepting applications from BNO-eligible Hong Kong people for visas to move to the UK since the end of January this year, and providing a pathway to citizenship. The British government announced that 27,000 people have applied as of mid-March, and 154,000 people are expected to arrive in the UK this year.
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