Britain unveils HK$460 million package to support Hong Kong families arriving in country under BN(O) scheme
- Support package comes after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson last month spoke to four Hong Kong families that moved to the country on special BN(O) visa
- Under the new £43 million integration programme, Hongkongers will receive help with housing, education and employment
The British government has launched a £43 million (HK$460 million, US$59 million) package to support BN(O) families that settle in the country, funding local councils nationwide to help the new arrivals from Hong Kong with housing, education and employment.
During the video call, Johnson heard about the challenges the new arrivals faced in Britain, particularly over work opportunities, schools and their children’s passport status.
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Under the new integration programme, £30.7 million will go to councils across England to provide help for the arrivals, covering English language and housing support for those in need. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will deliver similar policies with a budget of £5.8 million.
A further £5 million will be used to establish 12 “virtual” welcome hubs across the country, with funding for projects such as local helplines giving advice and assistance on issues related to daily life, including school admission, registering with a doctor and starting a business.
The government will also provide dedicated Hong Kong educational resources for schools to teach pupils about the historic connection between Britain and its former colony.