202007.06

Hong Kong residents, the BNO status and UK citizenship

by Gulbenkian Andonian in GA News, GA News Blog, Immigration

點擊呢度閱讀特拉迪顿中文

Recent tensions in Hong Kong, where China has enforced new security law have led to widespread criticism from the international community and the UK government. The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has stated that the UK will now offer up to three million residents in Hong Kong a route to British citizenship as the sovereignty of this former British colony is compromised.

What are the new security laws?

China’s new security law that bans sedition, secession and subversion in Hong Kong will fundamentally change the territory’s legal structure. It introduces new crimes with severe penalties and up to life in prison and gives the mainland security personnel the legal authority to operate in Hong Kong with impunity. The enforcement of this new law by China on Hong Kong has been widely condemned by Australia, Canada, the UK and the US in a joint declaration stating that the laws will undermine Hong Kong’s “one-country, two-systems” freedom which it can legally enjoy until 2047.

What is the UK government proposing for BNO passport holders?

As it currently stands, there are around 350,000 Hong Kong citizens who enjoy a special immigration status with the UK under the British National Overseas (BNO) scheme which was created in the lead up to Hong Kong’s independence on July 1st 1997. This means that Hong Kong citizens can come to the UK as visitors without having to obtain entry clearance from any British diplomatic missions abroad (e.g. in Honk Kong), and can stay here for up to 6 months and then return when they wish for further visits. If any now fear for their lives, they may also come to the UK and claim asylum here as soon as possible. The fear is that the Chinese may prevent the Hong Kong citizens with BNO passports from leaving the country and if that happens, those with such passports or entitled to them, may have no option but to try and leave the country by diverse means and find their way to a safe third country, sympathetic to their plight, such as Britain.

What changes have taken place?

There are around 2.5 million who are eligible to apply under the scheme of obtaining BNO passports. Many will no doubt now take steps to do so. The UK Home Office has said that the UK will allow BNO holders to enter and live and work in the UK for extendable periods of 12 months and up to 5 years after which period, BNO passport holders will be able to apply for permanent residence, that is the freedom and right to live and work in the UK.

There will be no requirement of BNO passport holders having to obtain a job offer before they come to the UK, and there will be no minimum salary requirements for permission to work, as there is for other foreign nationals applying for work permits in the UK. They can work at any job and at any salary, but must not be paid less than the minimum wage authorized by the UK government. They can also study in the UK if they wish. A year after the grant of permanent residence, they can apply for British Citizenship.

BNO holders are currently offered the following limited rights, but all will now change as a result of the current political situation

Right to enter the UK without a visa for up to six months (but this will now be one year with the possibility of extensions up to 5 years)
Subject to immigration controls with no right to live or work in the UK.
No right to switch from being a visitor to study or work while in Britain.
Must pay for NHS care if ill during a visit.
Not considered a British citizen by the European Union and as a result, cannot benefit from free movement rules.
If wishing to come to work, study or join family, must apply for a visa under the same rules for other citizens who are not from the European Economic Area.

They will not be subject to these limited rights anymore and will enjoy more rights as BNO status holders with a full path to British citizenship after 5 years.

As featured on Bloomberg Radio

We are keeping up to date with all the latest information about immigration changes for Hong Kong residents and BNO status holders. Our legal experts are often invited to share their views and expertise on UK immigration issues on various news networks and have spoken about the issue on Bloomberg radio, click here to listen.

Contact our team of Top Immigration Lawyers London

The situation in Hong Kong is a timely topic, and we will keep you informed every step of the way on its developments. As expert immigration and nationality lawyers in the UK, our legal team can advise you on the best path to citizenship if you have the BNO status. We have a multilingual team of experts who can discuss your case with you in both Cantonese and Mandarin and have decades of experience in helping nationals from Hong Kong pursue the best possible path to British citizenship and nationality.

To discuss your case, call us on +44 (0) 207 269 9590 or fill out the form below and one of our team will reply to you in 24 hours on UK working days.

We provide a 5 star service

Extremely professional, experienced and friendly team of solicitors. Highly recommend. Thanks to all especially Dave, Fadi and Jahed :)

Sorath Abid

05:57 25 Feb 20

No words can descirbe the professionalism and kindness of all the team members at Gulbenkian Andonian. Thanks to all especially Caroline, Fadi, Henry and Dave. You are the Best : )

Ali Khan

22:57 21 Feb 20

Very good One of the best firms in England. I can't thank them enough for what they have done for me and my family! I was about to lose my British citizenship and they have managed to stop that.We went to court and we won!That you very much

lulzim culaj

12:55 12 Feb 20

Gulbenkian Andonian were very transparent, knowledgeable, efficient, and friendly in handling my case. Positive results were achieved in an unexpectedly short time every time I consulted and used their service. I am glad to have met and utilised their help for taking care of my case, it certainly was quicker and less stressful using Gulbenkian Solicitors.A special and big thank you to Mr. Farhat who handled my case and helped me so much throughout my immigration journey.

Danny Tahesh

09:30 10 Jan 20

An exclusive and amazing moment of truth from Gulbenkian Solicitors who have outstandingly and amicably strived, represented and rescued my wife from the wrath of eviction by the Home Office from UK after 18 years of overstay faltering. My spouse’s case had been declined by The High Court Tribunal on about 3 occasions with no room for appeal. Amazingly Gulbenkian Solicitors exceptionally teamed up and eloquently provided excellent customer service through a high degree of articulation, diligence and professionalism that has seen 1st Tier-Tribunal Immigration Judge granting my wife right of leave to remain in the UK. I highly recommend anyone with similar complex immigration situation and seeking legal status to use Gulbenkian Solicitors. Beyond no reasonable doubt, my wife’s situation was awfully difficult, but rest-assured a positive and unexpected solution has been successfully achieved.

EK Chitsa

22:39 08 Jan 20

My family and I will be eternally grateful to you for the opportunities you have allowed us to pursue by your assistance in the immigration process. All of your hard work is invaluable to us. Thank you for your professionalism and continued support. I really appreciate everything. It was a long journey, a long battle... I still remember when I met Mr dave in 2013 and explain to him about my immigration problem, he taught me to be patient and time will be the fruits of my patience. My son is now 7 years old and with the support of Mr dave and Mr danny this impossible dream has been possible. Mr danny has been very supportive thought the whole process of my application, he has been very positive and always lift me up when I had doubt about any other issues. Mr danny has been the gem of this wonderful journey. We'll now what can I say about Mr dave, he has been my mentor, a father figure,my angel guardian, he has guided me and advice me thought out my difficult phrase in life. I was living in fear, I let go opportunities in my work, but now all those fear has gone, I was feeling like a bird who live in a cage that flying was a desease. Now I look forward to application for my son british passport and I will continue to recommend other people who has difficulty in their immigration matter to seek help to Mr dave. As for me they are one of the best around and will aways be the best. They can make impossible dream come true. Thank u so much Mr dave and Mr danny.RegardRobin and family.

robin fitness plan

22:12 27 Dec 19

They were the catalyst to free me (19years of slave). Would like to give lots of prayers and thanks to Jahed Morad for his sincerity to bring these shackles off, so that I can finally begin my PhD in the faculty of Neuroscience. Lots of love to all.YNWA Liverpool to win premier league this year. Jahed’s favorite team. This law firm to win best firm of the year.

ZiZOu Khan

22:53 01 Dec 19

Gulbenkian Andonian have helped us so much with my husbands case and could not thank them enough. Especially Mr Farhat, our solicitor. Also Caroline, the receptionist, who is very polite and understanding. I would highly recommend them and if I could give them 10 stars, I wouldn't hesitate. Thank you very much for everything.

Erseleda Asllani

12:15 07 Nov 19

Excellent team and service. The support from the team from Caroline at the reception to the individual team members is excellent. Mr Fadi, Henry and David have beem magnificent.. I have no hesitations to recommend them.Thank you for everything.

Kannon Nathan

12:42 03 Nov 19

I have finally got my British Passport. I remember the first day I came to the office in the old building and All looked lost.Thanks to everyone at the firm for all the effort and dedication you put in. May God Bless you All and If i know anyone with an immigration problem, theirs only one place.

ivan bunjako

18:42 02 Oct 19

Couldn’t be more satisfied of the whole process! We won a very difficult immigration case thank to the firm’s expertise and professionalism.. Definitely recommended. Thank you team ❤️

V S

17:09 09 Sep 19

They are very friendly ,caring always ready to help it's not all about money.They try to put you at the right place,They fight for you until they get what they want for you.Best solicitors I have ever met.They are very honest and reliable.100%.

Sharon Johnson

00:14 23 Aug 19

Sharon Johnson

00:14 23 Aug 19

Excellent service. I strongly recommend Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors. The team are highly professional and efficient. I have returned to the firm after they successfully solved an immigration issue and will return again in the future. Special thanks to Mr Jahed Morad for his work on both our applications.

S Osman

15:31 19 Aug 19

Dave and Henry have become my personal heroes of immigration appeal matters! Dave earned my trust from the first meeting as an honest, balanced and reliable person who can fix my broken case. Henry who has further dealt with my case is extremely knowledgeable, committed and just a warm person to work with throughout such a rocky and emotional matter. We have eventually won the case in the court due to their patient and intricate work. I have been blessed to work with both of the two gentlemen and wish Gulbenkian Andonian to continue this great mission in defending the real stories of the people brushed aside by the bureaucratic box-ticking exercise. Bonne chance!

Kamila S

07:21 13 Aug 19

Classy and professional in their application. A team whose sum of parts truly make up the whole. Very knowledgeable and very well run. Fadi, you are a gem. Thank you.

Samuel Taylor

16:29 09 Aug 19

I want to say a few words about Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors. I have gone through several immigration lawyers and law firms in England for different issues, but the most defining issue of my life was handed to Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, and I can easily say, it was the best choice I made in my life and the most I am proud of. The team at Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors , starting from the receptionists to the solicitors to the partners , treated me like family with the utmost professionalism. They are the most intelligent, open minded, experienced and stubborn (in the best way possible) professionals I have seen. Always one-step ahead, planning for all eventualities and always optimistic which I felt was very helpful, last and definitely not least, they are realists, they will not promise you things not achievable. I write this because I witnessed this first hand, I saw how they dealt with my case, a case that no other law firm would look at and which many of my family members and friends had very little hope of achieving. They defied the odds and they got what I hoped and prayed to achieve. They stood by me in ways I never imagined, every single advice they gave me was spot on, every step they took was studied and calculated, they never kept me in the dark and they were always supportive. A special shout out to my heroes, Dave Vasoodaven and Hayk Sayadyan. they told me from day one, they were here to help and indeed they did. Hayk, fought this case like his life depended on it and i can not thank him enough, i will never forget when i got emails from him at 2am and 3am, this is dedication on another level. Dave managed the process very professionally and i am so proud and happy i took all the advice he gave me.Thank you so much for what you did for me. I can go on and on but I will end it here. Who ever has you on his side is blessed. Keep up the good and hard work, Thank you ☺

Ali Ibrahim

18:57 01 Aug 19

This is very exciting moment to give a excellent review where i have received the service and it will defiantly memorable for rest of my life.firstly, i do apologies to Dave and Jahed Murad, becoz its bit late to write this review as i was busy with my personal life and went back to my country.I received my visa under the 7 years uk born child family and private life Application. i receive the visa in first time application with in 8 months, becoz, my case worker fellow Mr. Jahed Morad prepare the whole application with cover letter under the law and rules regulations that home office honoured us leave to remain in Uk. Jahed was fantastic, friendly, very straight and truly honest speaker and hard worker regarding my application.Dave Vasoodaven, is the most kind person i saw in law industry so far in my life. firstly i met with him and i told my whole immigration history to him and he was sympathy-zed and showed his kindness and humanity to take my case and referred to Jahed Morad. Many thanks to everyone.

md rahman

11:09 04 Jul 19

I strongly advice Gulbenikan Andonian as a company, and Mr. Henry & Mr. David individually. I have been struggling for three years with home office & with my previous law firm till I find Gulbenikan Andonian. From the first they I went to talk about my issue, they have assured me that the application they will make will be successful. They are very professional, they exactly know what they are saying and doing. Apart from their professional approach, every single person I contacted in their office are always warm and friendly. You can trust these people in your matters as much as you can trust yourselves. My only regret is not finding them at the beginning of my journey, but I can`t be enough thankful to them as they succeed in my application, and brought my family together. They always talk based on relevant law, and never play with the words for just taking your money. They deserve every single penny they ask for.

Canan Kulaksiz

10:52 04 Jul 19

Brilliant and Brilliant and Brilliant.What a pleasure we got to work with this extremely professional firm. Our case was very complicated of article 8. They are well experienced in immigration courts from my own experience.Zara shamal was incredibly helpful and she has a very structured approach to preparing the appeal bundle. She really is such a asset to this law firm.Henry expertise on human rights and appeal was outstanding and fantastically intelligent.Without any hesitation, I will definitely recommend Gulbenkian ANDONIAN.

Farhan Akhtar

11:54 03 Jul 19

Thank you very much Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors.Me and my wife had a great experience with Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors team.I must admit that we had a very complicated and difficult immigration case which was turned down by many law firms. We were on the edge of leaving the U.K when we were referred to them. Our case was handled in a very highly professional manner and a successful outcome which couldn’t be achieved without the help of Mr Dave Vasoodaven, Ms Zara Shamal, Mr Henry Lau and not forgetting Mr Fadi Farhat. It was a long battle over the years which finally turned into a success. Mr Dave Vasoodaven is a very honest, professional person and has a great sense of humour. I still remembered the first appointment with Mr D. Vasoodaven. He guided and advised us all the way along and I would say he acted as a father to me. Thank you Ms Zara Shamal and Henry Lau for your dedication and hard work, advises and kept us updated on our case all the time. You were highly professional, passionate and patience with us. You went an extra mile to make our case successful. A big thank you for Mr Fadi Farhat. We were blessed to have you representing our case in the tribunal. Your dedication and passion on our case made us felt like pulling our sinking boat to the shore.I would also like to thank Caroline and Danny for their support and warm welcome every time we visited your office.I sincerely appreciate your team effort and will never hesitate to recommend your services to anyone.

ashvin luchmun

12:10 21 Jun 19

While myself and my fiancé were searching for a good reliable solicitor to represent my ILR case, we came across Gulbenkian Andonian Law Firm in Google. We approached them and met Dave who was pleasant and hopeful at the first introduction itself. Thereafter, I was introduced to my solicitor Fadi who was just brilliant! Although I was a demanding and impatient client, Fadi handled my requirements and worked on my case productively and we won it! I also must mention Henry was very cooperative and helpful in assisting on my case. Overall I highly recommend them and I am very thankful I choose them for my ILR case. Thank you Fadi, Dave & Henry once again!

Nishalaya

19:49 19 Jun 19

Very happy with the service i have recieved. Simply the best at what they do. Sabi

Fiorik Fikaj

19:27 18 Jun 19

Our Ukrainian family had a hopeless immigration past.We applied first time with our previous solicitors to the Home Office 7 years ago and had been refused.We spent a lot of money and had lot of worries.By the recommendation of some friends,we came to Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors.Their advice to us was very good and they gave us the best solution.Jahed Morad was our lawyer and caseworker and he put same confidence in us.So,when we applied with Jahed after less than 6 months, we had a successful case and got residence permit cards.In our opinion,it is better to deal with professionals even if it cost bit more,then loose time and more money for someone unprofessional.Many Thank’s to Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors and to Jahed Morad.

Galina T

05:40 09 Jun 19

Excellent service provided by Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors. In particularly I want to mention Fadi Farhat who has continued to assist me and my family successfully over the years. He is extremely efficient and keeps to his promise. He confidently assures you even when the odds are against you; and in all instances the result is always positive. Highly recommend.

Sean Lodovica

07:43 03 Jun 19

Highly recommend to avoid this firm they will rip off your pockets and you only realise when the damage is done. They gave me false hopes regarding my judicial review matter, took £4,000 from me, only to have the case refused. Giving false hope to any client is not the standard a firm should operate on, however small. In spite of this, they will even charge you for the phone calls they make to you, told by Mr... And if that was not enough, an extra £500 was demanded in spite of the £3,500 agreed fee during our first meeting. At the time, I had no choice but to pay. In the end, I sought advice from another firm that provided a professional service with honesty and integrity. Will I use Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors again? Yes, if I have spare cash to throw away.

T Hussain

22:21 10 May 19

Have used these Solicitors and cannot recommend them enough, I was completely satisfied and had a successful outcome which could not have been achieved without the help of Dr Bernard Andonian,Mr Fadi Farhat, Ms Zara Shamal, Mr Henry Lau, and Ms Caroline Gardner, it had been a very trying time for me and my partner but They kept reassuring us and dealt with our impatient professionally, A Big Thank you to you all and would not hesitate in recommending A No 1 Solicitors, First Class.

Faz Sheikh

17:45 18 Apr 19

Received an excellent service, delivered with professionalism from the Gulbekian Andonian team. Had the fortune and pleasure to instruct Mr Henry Lau. I highly recommend Mr Lau. His knowledge, client care, expertise, and resourcefulness are admirable. Anyone in need of his services would be fortunate to instruct him.

Klarens Simoni

15:14 12 Mar 19

Gulbenkian Andonian have been an integral cog in assisting me successfully acquire my indefinite leave to remain. The firm consists of incredibly professional and personable people that consistently go the extra mile. HUGE thank you to Hayk & the whole team.

Polina Sengupta

11:27 11 Mar 19

Very professional and dedicated chamber of solicitor. A special mention to Mr.Jahed who works efficiently to deliver his promises and helps his clients.

Moazzam Khan

15:05 20 Feb 19

Very professional and dedicated chamber of solicitor. A special mention to Mr.Jahed who works efficiently to deliver his promises and helps his clients.

Moazzam Khan

16:35 19 Feb 19

dedicated supportive highly qulified professionals with great attitude towards me that's how I would describe Gulbankian Andonian Andonian team.strongly recommend to my friends and families . I wish them all the best and success .thank you !

Mohammad Bahraini

19:27 04 Feb 19

I had a very complex case and had been turned down by a few firms as my case was termed a "waste of time" as i had had just too many refusals plus a deportation letter under my belt until I was introduced to this firm.They are true professionals, respectful, dedicated and very thorough with you so you know where you stand with your case and with that I have been granted the leave to remain after a "looooooooooong" heart breaking battle with the State.Give them a try as no case is too big, too small or too useless for them.They have an AMAZING TEAM.Thanks EVERYONE.

Emma N

07:14 25 Jan 19

I have had the best experience with this firm. They are all very professional, helpful and know what they are doing. I would like to thank Bernard, Henry, Hojabr and specially Jahed who has recently been working on my application. They have all been very helpful and thorough in their approach. I would also like to thank Caroline and Danny for always being so cheerful and welcoming every time I have visited the office. Well done to the whole team, would highly recommend them.

wajiha saeed

21:56 08 Jan 19

Me and my husband had a great experience with Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors. our case was handled in a highly professional manner, fantastic service and very kind people. Big thank you to Mr Jahed Morad for his support and hard work # 5 stars from us.

zaidi zohra

12:44 12 Dec 18

Best immigration lawyers! Moved from a different (terrible) one nearby and haven't looked back since, If anyone needs any visa help, they are the best place to go to! We won the appeal case and they made it a lot less stressful! Thank you again!

Paan Ratch

11:21 21 Nov 18

If you are looking for UK Tier 1 expert, then Gulbenkian is the best. Professional, transparent , reliable and always reachable to support your application . I Strongly recommend Gulbenkian.

Mohamed Salah

12:17 22 Jul 18

Offered a perfect solution to my citizen ship problem. They fixed everything in a very comfortable professional way. I will recommend this business to everyone, thank you.

Robert Hyde

15:16 11 Jul 18

We want to say this firm is by far the best of the best! We went through 3 immigration firms in central London and discovered Gulbenkian Andonian online and was not in the least disappointed!! They worked meticulously and left no stone unturned! They delivered with flying colours and honestly speaking I will always fully recommend this team of amazing lawyers! Thank you to everyone for helping us in our moment of need!!

Scott Levine

14:22 06 Jul 18

They are honest, compassionate, reliable, considerate, most importantly they know their job and you will receive services commensurate to the fees charged. They are highly professional. My family and I will recommend them to everyone in need of any of their services. In fact they have been very helpful bringing to a successful end our difficult immigration battle, now we sleep in peace. Thank you for a good work done.

True Grace

23:10 25 Jun 18

Finding a lawyer you can trust is not easy, after going to several different law firms in Holborn, I was recommended Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors and I was not disappointed. They have an amazing level of professionalism while being very approachable and highly experienced. I will recommend this firm to anyone! 10 stars **********

darrell tate

15:02 30 May 18

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