My Take | Plan to toughen UK migrant rules is more hot air than hot policy

Former Hong Kong residents who have moved to the UK face many challenges, from the cost-of-living crisis to finding well-paid jobs.

The majority have settled in well, been made to feel welcome and are determined to forge a new life, ultimately applying for British citizenship. But an unexpected policy proposal, revealed by new Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, has, understandably, raised concerns.

The opposition leader favours tighter controls on the ability of migrants generally to claim the right to permanent residency and citizenship. Those who have claimed social benefits while on a visa would, under the proposal, not be allowed to stay. If this is not bad enough, the party says it intends to require applicants for permanent residency to show they are a “net contributor” to the UK, paying more in tax than they receive in benefits.

That is not all. Currently, many new arrivals, including those from Hong Kong, can claim the right to stay indefinitely and access benefits after five years and apply for citizenship a year later. The Conservatives want to extend the first period to 10 years and the second to five. This would mean a staggering 15-year wait for citizenship.

Badenoch hopes to have the policy implemented through an amendment to the ruling Labour Party’s immigration bill, to be discussed in parliament this week. This is most unlikely, given the government’s big majority.

It was the Conservative Party that launched a special visa scheme for Hongkongers with British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports in 2021, in response to the city’s national security law.

A source told the Post the new immigration policy will not affect the party’s “commitment to supporting the Hong Kong community”. But the announcement adds to the uncertainty faced by the 158,000 Hong Kong people who have moved to the UK under the scheme and others on the way.