Following DLUHC’s announcement, on July 22, confirming the second year of their £43 million Integration Programme for Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) visa holders, the Greater London Authority (GLA), as one of the 12 regional UK Welcome Hubs, has developed a Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) visa: Year 1 Review - Briefing document for London Boroughs.
This briefing provides a comprehensive summary of:
- The political background in Hong Kong that led to the launch of the visa scheme;
- Resources, funding and support for London Councils provided by the Government and the GLA;
- Lessons and challenges experienced while supporting Hong Kong BN(O)s in the first 1st year of the programme; and
- Announcements/plans for Year 2 of the programme
Key highlights for London Boroughs:
- Funding for Local Authorities and Civil Society: The GLA will be opening a second round of funding for both Local Authorities and Civil Society in the new year. We encourage Local Authorities to apply and consider how this funding could improve your borough’s capacity to deliver integration work for Hong Kong BN(O), or support existing programmes. More information on these two grant funds is available in the Briefing.
- Monthly steering group meetings with key stakeholders supporting BN(O) integration in London: The GLA also chairs the London Hong Kong Integration (LHK) Steering Group. This steering group is held monthly as it looks to facilitate cross-sectoral working in the provision of support for new arrivals from Hong Kong, and to ensure a harmonised, coordinated, and efficient approach to Hong Kong Integration across different local authorities and stakeholders, to more effectively identify and seek solutions to problems which harm the welfare of Hongkongers, or hinder their social integration.
We invite and encourage all London Councils to attend this Steering Group, whether your council is already providing support to Hong Kong BN(O)s or whether this is the first time your council is exploring engagement with BN(O)s. Each Steering Group’s agenda is shared in 1-week in advance. Please contact the email below.
For inquiries on the GLA’s Hong Kong Welcome and Integration Programme or general support for BN(O) in London, please contact: HongKongVCSE@london.gov.uk