Hong Kong veterans can now settle in UK after decades of campaigning
Hundreds of Hong Kong veterans of the British military will be able to apply to settle in the UK under a new Government visa route to open later this year, following decades of campaigning and being refused citizenship.
The Government's Hong Kong Veterans Settlement route will enable hundreds who served in the British Armed Forces to live and work in the UK.
The settlement route will be open to all Hong Kong servicemen and women who served in the British military prior to 1 July 1997 and their family members, including a partner or spouse and dependent children.
Those who are eligible will be able to apply for 'indefinite leave to enter', which will allow them to live and work in the UK without restriction, with a potential path to full British citizenship.
This has come after former service personnel spent decades fighting for UK citizenship, despite many having served "side by side" with British personnel.
Of the 1,500 Hong Kongers who served in the ranks of the Royal Navy and the British Army, only 159 were granted a British passport.
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said: "The immensely valuable contribution that many Hong Kongers made to the UK while serving in the UK Armed Forces is one that will not be forgotten.
"We relied on these veterans to support Hong Kong's administration and emergency services as well as in the international effort of Operation Granby, which liberated Kuwait from Iraqi forces in 1991."
The immigration minister added: "On every occasion, their loyalty was pivotal. It is only right that we recognise their exceptional dedication, service and sacrifice by introducing our new settlement route for Hong Kong veterans."
Applications for the settlement scheme are expected to open this autumn.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Johnny Mercer said: "I am incredibly grateful for the contribution of veterans from across the world who have served in the UK Armed Forces, including those from Hong Kong, who played a vital role up until the transition in 1997.
"By delivering this settlement route, we rightly provide Hong Kong veterans and their families a path into a new life post-service, here in the UK."
Many residents of Hong Kong served in the British armed forces before the handover to China on 1 July 1997.
Their role was to form part of the military garrison in the territory, and support Hong Kong’s administration and emergency services.
The veterans provided important roles in UK operations, such as Operation Granby, which contributed to the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi forces in 1991.
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