Nearly 10,000 Hongkongers have received permanent residence in the UK under the British National (Overseas) visa pathway. The UK Home Office released updated statistics on Thursday showing 9,804 grants of settlement so far.
The figures cover the period since the scheme began in January 2021. Of the total, 8,682 grants were issued in the 12 months ending March 2026.
The UK Home Office stated: “Since the scheme began, there have been a total of 9,804 grants of settlement to individuals whose most recent leave was on the BN(O) route, with 8,682 grants issued over the latest 12-month period [ending March 2026].”
Holders who complete five years of residence can apply for indefinite leave to remain. This status allows them to live, work and study in the UK indefinitely and to seek British citizenship after one additional year.