WelcomeWelcome: Programme:a guide for Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa holders in the UK

Welcome

The ProgrammeBritish forNational (Overseas) - BN(O) visa- holders:route update

reflects the UK’s historic and moral commitment to the people of Hong Kong who chose to keep their ties to the UK when Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997.

TheIn WelcomeJanuary Programme2021, wasthe Home Office launched the BN(O) visa. This enables BN(O) status holders and their family members to live, work, and study in Aprilthe 2021UK.

In byApril 2021, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) tolaunched supporta peoplenew arrivingUK-wide inWelcome theProgramme UKto support those on the BN(O) visa.visa settle into the UK.

The

Year government5 remainsof steadfastthe inWelcome itsProgramme

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• Continuing funding for English language provision

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Information for BN(O)s

This enablesinformation eligibleis BN(O)sfor:

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• or ifthose theywho are ordinarilyapplying residentto inmove to the UK, andon theythe  meetBN(O) othervisa.

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Find waitingyour list.local Welcome Hub and their contact details.

Residency

Voluntary, criteriaCommunity, forand BN(O)s

Social Enterprise (VCSE) grant scheme

UKIn nationalsyear 5 of the Programme, our Voluntary, Community and individualsSocial withEnterprise (VCSE) funding will be used to extend the rightmental ofhealth abodeand arewellbeing consideredproject tobeing havedelivered eligibleby residencyBarnardo’s statusthrough ifto theySeptember are2025 legallyto residentdeliver support for BN(O)s in theoversubscribed UK.elements of their project.

See further details onabout the Adult skills fund: funding rulesproject.

English language and employment support programme

SpecialistSTEP Training and Employment Programme (STEP)programme

Understanding English language will help you when adapting to life in the UK.

The UK government is funding the STEP programme which is a completely free, 12 or 24 weeks virtual English language and employment support programme for Ukrainians and Hong Kong British National (overseas) - HK BN(O) - in England.

Thousands of Ukrainians and HK BN(O)s have already benefited from previous programmes such as STEP Ukraine and the Hong Kong Welcome Programme, achieving improved job prospects and English language skills whilst here in the UK.

Support will be adapted to individual needs, with flexibility around childcare, caring responsibilities, and work schedules. The aim is to improve English proficiency, build confidence, and support access to more stable or better-suited employment.

Who is eligible for STEP

• Ukrainians from all backgrounds and HK BN(O)s who are over the age of 18
• living in England under the 4 humanitarian Ukraine schemes, including the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme launched in February 2025, as well as those on the HK BN(O) routevisa scheme.

What does STEP involve

• The programme offers 2two levels of provision:
  • Intensive: English classes 5 days per week for 10 weeks, plus up to 12 hours of one-to-one employability support over 12 weeks
  • Less intensive: English classes 3 days per week for 24 weeks, also including up to 12 hours of tailored employability support

• All classes are heldremote, online, and teacher led. They are streamed so you will be with classmates at a similar level.

• STEP is delivered by World Jewish Relief and the British Council.

How to join STEP

For more information or to apply contact the provider, World Jewish Relief, via itstheir website: website: Specialist training and employment programme.

There, you can access and complete the online application form. Once submitted, you will receive an email confirmation of receipt.

The programme will run from September 2025 to August 2026, with final registrations for the STEP programme closing in January 2026.

If you have any questions about your application or eligibility, please contact Worldthe Jewishprovider Relief directly using the details below:

Email: Email: info@worldjewishrelief.org

Telephone: 020(0)20 8736 1250

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You can use On Your Side to find support and make a report if you experience or witness racism or any other form of hate. This includes any hostility against an aspect (or assumed aspect) of a person’s identity such as their race, gender, religion, disability, sexuality, or political beliefs. Racism could include:

• verbal harassment in person or online
• criminal damage such as graffiti
• physical violence

You can find out more on the On Your Side website.

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