I am Hongkonger arriving to the UK

Resources available for Hong Kong nationals arriving to the country and our borough.

Visas and immigration

Information on visas and immigration including studying, working and living here permanently.  

International qualifications

The UK European Network Information Centre (UK ENIC) provides expert advice on behalf of the UK government on the comparability of international qualifications, including those from Hong Kong to UK qualifications.

Finding a job

You are entitled to work while you are living in the UK. Before you can start work, you need to apply for a National Insurance number. You can start work without a National Insurance number if you can prove you have the right to work in the UK.

If you are unable to find a job straight away, or need additional financial support, you are eligible to apply for benefits immediately. Find out what support is available to you.

A local Jobcentre Plus, can also help you find employment and assess you for financial benefits.

The Mayor of London provides information about different employment rights and details of what to do if you are having trouble at work with its Employment Rights Hub.

Welcome Pack by the UK government

Central government has issued a Welcome Pack for arrivals from Hong Kong on the British Nationals (Overseas) visa.

The Welcome Pack includes information on employment, starting a business, education, housing, healthcare, applying for public funds, acting on discrimination and legal rights and responsibilities.

For further information on:

• Living in the UK, government and democracy 
• Bank holidays in the UK
• Information on the British citizenship application process for adults and children 

Migrant Londoners Hub

The Mayor of London has developed a Migrant Londoners Hub providing information to welcome new arrivals to the city and support migrant Londoners with information about their rights.

The Migrant Londoners Hub covers information on:

• Securing and maintaining immigration status, and what to do if an immigration application was unsuccessful
• Information on applying for British citizenship, voting and participating in democratic life
• Access to welfare and rights as a migrant worker in London
• Access to healthcare, mental health and wellbeing
• Information on renting in London, asylum accommodation and support, and support for migrants at risk or experiencing homelessness
• A dedicated page with information for professionals working with migrants and refugees, including local authorities, healthcare workers, etc. It includes signposting to available resources and training

Hongkongers in Britain

Help, advice and information for the Hong Kong community is available at Hongkongers in Britain (HKB) website. HKB is a civil-society organisation whose aims are:

• To safeguard the rights for Hongkongers seeking asylum from improper treatment of detention and deportation
• To inform and share the culture and community of Hongkongers with British society and vice versa
• To facilitate integration, promote racial harmony, and enhance socio-cultural connections between Hongkongers and British society
• To advance charitable objectives beneficial to the Hongkongers community in the UK

Kingston Beats

Kingston Beats is a local organisation based in the neighbouring borough of Kingston which supports Hongkongers in Southwest London. They focus on connecting newcomers from Hong Kong with the community in the UK.

Kingston B.E.A.T.S partner with Islington Chinese Association (ICA), a London based charity dedicated to promoting Chinese cultures and social inclusion.

Hackney Chinese Community Services

Other London wide community centres providing local services and events include Hackney Chinese Community Services who serve their local East and South East Asian community.

For information on London wide events and tourist attractions check Visit London.