Hong Kong BN(O) funded support for Councils
Contents
Overview of Government Funded Welcome Programme
Please Note: From 31 March 2026 the National “Welcome Programme” for BN(O) visa holders has concluded.
Changes to the support available to BN(O) visa holders includes:
- demand-led funding for local authorities in England to support BN(O) status holders and their families with English language and destitution support, have both concluded. BN(O) visa holders can access English language classes through Adult Skills Funding. BN(O) Visa holders can also continue to apply to have their No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) conditions lifted, however no funding is available to local authorities to support households.
- an online Welcome: a guide for Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa holders in the UK on GOV.UK (www.gov.uk), providing all those on the BN(O) route with information on how to access services and understand life in the UK, with similar resources specifically for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland continues to be available online.
- a network of 12 Welcome Hubs across the UK to prepare for the arrival of those on the BN(O) route, established using the existing infrastructure of the Strategic Migration Partnerships (SMPs) continues to operate until further notice. More information on the details of the SMPs is available on our About us – NW RSMP page.
- a national Mental Health support programme has now concluded.
- funding to deliver a reporting and support service for those on the BN(O) route and all other East and Southeast Asian communities in the UK who experience racism or any forms of hate, has also concluded.
For more information on the Welcome Programme please see the Visa Guidance page.
Demand-led Funding for Local Authorities
There are two demand-led funded elements of the Welcome Programme which councils are responsible for claiming from have now concluded as of 31 March 2026.
English Language Provision
BN(O) visa holders can access funded, or part funded, English language classes through the Adult Skills Fund via their local council, as long as they meet certain eligibility criteria.
For more information on how to access English language classes please contact your local council. You can se the gov.uk website to Find your local council – GOV.UK.
You can also visit our English language page for more information.
Destitution Support
BN(O) visa holders have no recourse to public funds (NRPF), meaning they cannot claim most mainstream benefits or housing support. However, if a BN(O) household is destitute or at imminent risk of destitution then they can apply to have their NRPF conditions lifted. This is called a Change of Conditions application.
You can find more information on how you can Apply to change your permission to allow access to public funds – GOV.UK on the Home Office website.
Who can claim the funding & How the funding is claimed
Dedicated funding to local councils has concluded as of 31 March 2026.
Please see Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) Welcome Programme – information for local authorities on GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) for more information.
Or please get in touch with the Welcome Hub via email [email protected]