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Welcoming Hong Kong Residents

The formal passing of responsibility for the territory of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People’s Republic of China at midnight on 1 July 1997, when the UK transferred sovereignty over Hong Kong, is commonly known as the handover of Hong Kong.

The government made a commitment to the people of Hong Kong who chose to retain their ties to the UK by taking up BN(O) status. A welcome pack for arrivals can be viewed here.

Update: March 2024

In March 2024, DLUHC continued funding for the Hong Kong BN(O) Welcome Programme for 2024/25. This includes continued demand-led funding for local authorities in England for English language and destitution support where needed, alongside further funding for Welcome Hubs. It also includes a grant scheme which will fund VCSE organisations to deliver support in the priority areas of a) employability and b) mental health and wellbeing. The latest information regarding this can be found in the dedicated Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) Welcome Programme section of the .gov website.

hong kong citizens

UK Government pledges ‘support’ to Hong Kong citizens coming to UK

During April and May 2021, over 34,000 residency visa applications were received from people residing in Hong Kong. The UK Government estimates that approximately 300,000 British National (Overseas) families will take up the visa offer over the next 5 years.

British National (Overseas) families relocating to the UK via the Hong Kong BN(O) route are to benefit from a dedicated support package to help them successfully settle into UK life, as announced on 8th April 2021 by the Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick. The UK’s offer of visa and settlement routes for residents of Hong Kong can be found here.

The Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) Integration Programme, which is backed by over £43 million, will help status holders integrate into their new communities by accessing work, educational support and housing.

British National (Overseas) Visa

If you are from Hong Kong and you are a British National (Overseas), you may apply for a British Nationals (Overseas) visa for you and your family members, also known as a BNO Visa. This will entitle you to work, live and study in the UK.

You will need to demonstrate that you are financially capable of supporting yourself and your family, including housing costs, for six months. Further information on meeting visa requirements, including associated charges, documentation required to provide evidence of your relationship with family members and how to apply can be found on the UK government website via this link.

bno visa

How can House of Fisher help?

House of Fisher are pleased to welcome Hong Kong residents and families looking to relocate to the UK. We are the leading owner and operator of Serviced Apartments and Aparthotels within the Thames Valley, offering stylish and spacious accommodation in the South of England.

Our portfolio of serviced apartments and aparthotels are ideally located to provide secure, ‘home from home’ accommodation, with most of our properties offering car parking and family sized apartments that are fully equipped and enjoy large wardrobes offering comfort for flexible terms from one night to 30 nights, or longer.

We currently provide accommodation to many guests relocating to the UK and fully understand the stress, concerns and upheaval such a significant move can create.

We are, therefore, best placed to assist and make everything as straightforward as possible, whilst you settle and decide upon the property you would like to purchase or rent long-term.

One of the ways we alleviate your stress is by providing 24/7 Guest Services support. Our team is always available to assist you either in person, or via phone, video, chat or email so help is always on hand for all the services you need, from housekeeping to maintenance.

Our serviced apartments offer modern, luxury accommodation that is fully equipped to our exacting high standards, are fully Health and Safety compliant and are cleaned to your highest expectations, ensuring peace of mind for the entirety of your stay.

Looking to relocate?

Contact our relocations team today on 01189 514151 and our friendly, knowledgeable team will be on hand to assist you.

reading's accessibility to london

Reading’s Accessibility to London

Our exclusive Aparthotels by House of Fisher in Reading are centrally positioned within a 10 minutes walk to Reading’s new £800 million train station. Reading is a thriving business hub, home to over 11,000 businesses which include the headquarters for utility providers, biopharmaceutical companies, green energy and cybernetics companies.

With a close proximity to the M4 motorway and convenient transport links to London as well as the main UK Airports, Reading has drawn the attention of many global companies, with many big names such as Microsoft, Oracle, Hewlett Packard, Sanofi, Huawei and Cisco choosing to have offices there. Renowned technology hub Reading, has been referred to as the ‘UK’s Silicon Valley’ for many years, making it a logical town for the initial 5G rollout in 2019.

In a recent UK Good Growth for Cities index, Reading positioned #2, reporting high scores for jobs, income, housing, the environment and transport. It is not surprising that many London commuters chose to benefit from sourcing affordable housing in Reading.

over 60 state funded schools
9 rated as ofsted outstanding
7 private schools
ranks in the top 30 universities

Educational Opportunities

Reading has a vast selection of schools and colleges, including over 50 state funded primary schools for 4-11 year olds with six rated as outstanding in their recent Ofsted inspection, 10 state secondary schools and colleges. Three of the town’s ten state secondary schools and colleges (for 11 – 18-year-olds) also achieved this top rating. Further information, including performance tables, can be found here.

The University of Reading ranks in the top 30 UK universities with over 19,000 students attending from 150+ countries.

In addition to state funded education, Reading also boasts 7 private schools, offering places for children of high school age with some also offering nursery and primary places.

reading education
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farnborough airshow

Popular local events

The Thames Valley hosts a wide range of hugely popular events throughout the year, you could experience the wonders of the world renowned horse racing at Royal Ascot, Windsor and Newbury, Reading Music Festival, and the world’s largest Airshow in Farnborough. Our portfolio of serviced apartments and aparthotels are ideally located close to major tourist attractions including Windsor Castle and Legoland, offering entertainment for a wide variety of ages and interests.

Please call our dedicated relocations team on 01189 514151, who will be happy to talk through your requirements and advise the best solutions for you.

Enjoy South England Outdoor Space

The Thames Valley, located in the heart of South East England, benefits from an array of incredible countryside and areas of outstanding natural beauty. On the doorstep and easily accessible via public transport or car is breathtaking scenery, forests and parks.

All House of Fisher serviced apartments and aparthotels are located conveniently for unbeatable transportation links. They also benefit from amenities being on the doorstep but still have green parks and attractions close by.

south of england scenery
hong kong community

Be part of a Hong Kong community

There are various Hong Kong communities throughout the Thames Valley and many local community groups across social media. Examples include the University of Reading Hong Kong Society and Hong Kong ARC based in Newbury. These are an excellent opportunity to help you and your family settle in quickly and adjust to any culture changes when relocating into a new country.

We are here to support you

House of Fisher are pleased to welcome Hong Kong residents and families looking to relocate to the UK. Call our dedicated relocations team on 01189 514151 and our friendly, knowledgeable team will be on hand to assist you with every part of your relocation.