Update - February 9, 2026: The UK government has further expanded the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) route so that the adult children of BN(O) status holders who were under 18 at the time of the Hong Kong’s handover to China in 1997 will now be eligible to apply for the route independently of their parents. Additionally, the parents and children of such individuals will also be eligible to move to the United Kingdom via the BN(O) pathway.
April 17, 2023: The guidance relating to Hong Kong British National (Overseas) route has been updated to reflect the expansion of two existing concessions so that they now apply to all those eligible to apply under the route. The first concession allows family members of a main applicant under the Hong Kong BN(O) route who passes away during the application process to continue to apply to the route as if the main applicant were still alive; this concession has now been extended so it also applies to family members of an adult child of the Hong Kong BN(O) applicant. Further, the second concession allows the government to grant 12 months “Leave Outside the Rules” (allowing the government to grant permission even where the rules have not been fully satisfied) to individuals applying for Hong Kong BN(O) status who apply from within the United Kingdom and do not meet the financial requirement or the ordinarily resident requirement for the route; this now also applies to adult children of BN(O) status holders and their family members. The new guidance, like the original concession, does not mention what steps should be taken after the 12 months.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Podcast
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses how women are shaping the global space sector, the barriers they face and what is needed to support a more inclusive space workforce.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how immigration changes in the US and UK may affect workforce planning and mobility for the games industry in 2026.
Video
Director Fatima Aydin outlines Ireland’s roadmap for increasing minimum annual remuneration salary thresholds and the implications for employer workforce planning and compliance.
Blog post
Senior Associate Ruben Fiedler outlines the new employer information obligation under Section 45c of the German Residence Act, explaining when it applies, what employers must provide to third-country nationals recruited from abroad and the practical steps needed to ensure compliance from 1 January 2026.
Podcast
Partners Cosmina Morariu and Rahul Soni examine how immigration and global mobility trends are influencing workforce strategy across the luxury sector.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit compares the EU’s new Visa Strategy with the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system and assesses what the UK can learn to remain competitive for global talent.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights that new electronic signature rules may delay work permit procedures for foreign workers in Poland.
Blog post
Senior US Consular Manager Brian L. Simmons outlines how evolving US visitor visa rules, travel bans and new financial requirements may affect attendance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how early fans must prepare.
Video
In this video, Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas explains the statutory director visa, outlining who qualifies, key compliance considerations and what employers and directors should consider when planning appointments or changes to board leadership.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Media mentions
Europe Managing Partner George Koureas highlights the growing role of immigration in shaping global business and managing strategic risks.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Immigration Consultant Khadija Begum examine key UK immigration developments affecting the tech sector at the start of 2026, including higher sponsorship costs, new Skilled Worker English language requirements and emerging policy reforms shaping workforce planning.
Podcast
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses how women are shaping the global space sector, the barriers they face and what is needed to support a more inclusive space workforce.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how immigration changes in the US and UK may affect workforce planning and mobility for the games industry in 2026.
Video
Director Fatima Aydin outlines Ireland’s roadmap for increasing minimum annual remuneration salary thresholds and the implications for employer workforce planning and compliance.
Blog post
Senior Associate Ruben Fiedler outlines the new employer information obligation under Section 45c of the German Residence Act, explaining when it applies, what employers must provide to third-country nationals recruited from abroad and the practical steps needed to ensure compliance from 1 January 2026.
Podcast
Partners Cosmina Morariu and Rahul Soni examine how immigration and global mobility trends are influencing workforce strategy across the luxury sector.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit compares the EU’s new Visa Strategy with the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system and assesses what the UK can learn to remain competitive for global talent.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights that new electronic signature rules may delay work permit procedures for foreign workers in Poland.
Blog post
Senior US Consular Manager Brian L. Simmons outlines how evolving US visitor visa rules, travel bans and new financial requirements may affect attendance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how early fans must prepare.
Video
In this video, Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas explains the statutory director visa, outlining who qualifies, key compliance considerations and what employers and directors should consider when planning appointments or changes to board leadership.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.
Media mentions
Europe Managing Partner George Koureas highlights the growing role of immigration in shaping global business and managing strategic risks.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Immigration Consultant Khadija Begum examine key UK immigration developments affecting the tech sector at the start of 2026, including higher sponsorship costs, new Skilled Worker English language requirements and emerging policy reforms shaping workforce planning.