United Kingdom: Hong Kong SAR Veterans Settlement Route Forthcoming
March 30, 2023
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At a Glance
- The UK government announced a new scheme that will allow individuals from Hong Kong SAR who served in the British military prior to July 1, 1997 and their family members to apply for indefinite leave to enter, which offers the ability to live and work in the United Kingdom without restriction and puts them on a path to full British citizenship.
- The new scheme grants the same benefits as to other members of the British military who were also stationed in Hong Kong SAR.
The situation
The UK government announced the “Hong Kong Veterans Settlement route,” which will allow individuals from Hong Kong SAR who served in the British military prior to July 1, 1997 and their family members, including domestic partners, spouses and dependent children, to apply for indefinite leave to enter.
Impact
This route will allow eligible individuals to live and work in the United Kingdom without restriction and will put them on a path to full British citizenship.
Background
- Rationale. The new scheme grants veterans of the British military from Hong Kong SAR the same benefits as other members of the British military who were also stationed in Hong Kong SAR, and is intended to honor their contributions.
- Alternative option for individuals from Hong Kong SAR. The UK government has also opened a route for those individuals who hold British Nationals (Overseas) status to live, work and study in the United Kingdom.
Looking ahead
The route is expected to open sometime between September and November 2023. Fragomen will report on additional application procedures at that time.
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].
