Many Hong Kong residents who moved to the UK have found life there far less ideal than expected, as Britain continues to tighten its immigration policies. On May 12, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced new restrictions, notably doubling the minimum residency requirement for permanent residency applications from five to ten years.
This tightening follows a clear pattern. At the end of 2023, the UK introduced its “toughest-ever” immigration restrictions. In April 2024, it raised the salary threshold for skilled worker visas from £26,200 to £38,700. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticized some migrants for “abusing the system” and stated the UK does not welcome those who “don’t contribute.”
Starmer explained that net migration in 2023 approached one million—roughly equal to the population of Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city. Concerned about high numbers of low-skilled and low-education migrants, the government aims to raise skill and English language standards, ensuring only top talent enters the country.
The Labour government’s move to “take back control of borders” aims to tailor immigration policy to national interests. Starmer emphasized the UK must compete globally for the best talent in fields like technology and healthcare. This implies that Hong Kong migrants under the BNO (British National Overseas) route who do not meet these high standards may face reduced welcome.
Many Hong Kong migrants face significant challenges post-migration, including language barriers and cultural adaptation. The recent policy shift has raised fears among BNO migrants that the UK is quietly “closing the door.” Some have shared online reflections urging prospective migrants to reconsider, warning that immigration requires not just resolve but also real capabilities, and that life abroad entails high ongoing costs.
Recent reports reveal employment struggles: only 35% of Hong Kong migrants in the UK secure full-time jobs. BNO migrants’ employment rate is reportedly 52%, well below the 76% rate among British citizens.
Compounding difficulties, the UK faces a growing cost-of-living crisis. An estimated 6.7 million people are in financial distress—the highest ever recorded. Charitable organizations report surges in debt-related aid requests, while bankruptcy filings increased 23% year-on-year as of February 2024. Though some energy prices have stabilized, rents and mortgages remain high, squeezing household budgets.
A study found Hong Kong migrant families earn an average HK$46,500 monthly before migration—significantly above Hong Kong’s median household income of HK$30,000. After relocating, their average monthly income drops nearly 30% to HK$33,300. Coupled with higher taxes and prices, many face tougher living standards.
Comparisons between London and Hong Kong confirm that most everyday expenses, including rent, utilities, council tax, and dining out, are more expensive in London. Some migrants express frustration, noting that life in Hong Kong remains comparatively easier, with higher wages and better benefits. Online commenters suggest that vocal advocates of migration are often those who never intend to leave, possibly to reduce job competition.
While migration motivations vary—such as seeking better education opportunities for children—only some Hong Kong migrants possess the skills and language proficiency valued by the UK. Many face difficulties integrating, and recent experiences of pro-democracy (“yellow ribbon”) activists in the UK highlight these challenges.
In summary, the UK’s increasingly stringent immigration policies, combined with limited job prospects and rising living costs, have led some Hong Kong migrants to quietly return home. This reality calls for serious reflection among those considering migration: impulsive decisions can lead to second-class status abroad. Those planning to migrate to the UK should wake up to these challenges before making life-altering moves.
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