Cartwright King offers help to Hong Kong residents

The current situation in Hong Kong has caused worry for many, and countries across the globe are offering residents assistance in the current climate.

New guidelines produced by the UK government cover British Nationals Overseas (BNO) in the Special Administrative Region (SAR) of Hong Kong, and offer them the option to come to the UK on a longer permit than previously, and then change their status to a permanent resident.

Cartwright King immigration specialists have aligned to the new guidelines, and are in a position to help. As new guidelines are released, the firm specialists will be familiarising themselves ready to assist anyone needing information quickly.

The normal length of processing for immigration matters for a long term visa to the UK is around 60 days, although this can be shortened or lengthened if the circumstances and information is available.

This new route to immigration to the UK for resident living in the SAR will allow British Nationals Overseas to enter the UK without the current six month limit and grant them five years limited leave to remain living and working in the UK. After the five years have passed they can apply for settled status, and 12 months later apply for citizenship.

The firm deals with many immigration matters a year, and BNO’s can be assured that their case will be efficiently dealt with, allowing them to come to the UK and remain, away from the situation they have found themselves in their home country. It has been 23 years since the UK government passed the reins to the Chinese, and the offer the UK is making is to ensure that those in need have a place that will accept them quickly.

Nisha Leel, immigration specialist at Cartwright King said: ‘As specialists in the immigration field, we are able to help residents of Hong Kong with any immigration queries. The UK Home Office has offered assistance to residents looking to come to the UK, and we can help with the process from start to finish. The situation in Hong Kong is one that has not been seen for many years, but it can be straightforward. Following UK government guidance, residents from Hong Kong can be assured that we are monitoring the situation closely, and are on hand to help. We can offer advice and talk people through any concerns.’

Cartwright King has lawyers in many areas of law, and the information we are sharing has been written by immigration lawyer Nisha Leel.

For specialist advice in any of our areas of law, please call us or please email your enquiry using the contact form.