Forum of February 2024: Cost of living crisis
In the February forum we explored the cost-of-living crisis (CoLC) and its impact on BN(O) visa holders. CoLC is affecting everyone in the country. Hong Kongers in the UK are unavoidably impacted as a member of the community. Yet, they could face additional challenges due to their immigration status. The forum delved into defining the CoLC, reflecting on its implications on the work of welcoming groups, and understanding its specific challenges for BN(O) visa holders, including no recourse to public funds (NRPF).
Heather Rolfe, Research Lead of the Committee and Research Director and Relationships of British Future shared key findings on the impact of CoLC from our latest report about the BN(O) Hong Kongers in the UK to kick start the forum. Following Heather’s introduction, the forum featured presentations by Indrani Currie, Immigration Advice Service Manager at Citizens Advice in North& West Kent, and Zephyr Li, Hong Kong BN(O) Scheme Project Coordinator at Wales Strategic Migration Partnership.
Heather explained the survey findings on factors related to cost of living. These include housing, employment and financial wellbeing. The participants were asked about how CoLC affected them. Around 80% of participants are affected while 20% of them are living beyond their means. It is also worth noting that almost 1 in 10 have no savings to draw. Some Hong Kongers are aware of NRPF yet they have concerns that the application of change of condition would affect their settlement eligibility. She suggested that these findings highlight employment as a the key to help easing CoLC thus further employment support is essential, and the awareness of Hong Kongers towards NRPF and available support and benefits need to be enhance
Our second speaker, Indrani of Citizens Advice in North & West Kent gave useful tips to support Hong Kongers with her observations. She advised Hong Kongers to check with the legal rights and terms on paying deposit for renting a house and being paid fairly on employment. Besides, Hong Konger university students paying international fees can check with the university when they obtain the status “Indefinite Leave to Remain”. She also clarified that application of change of condition to lift NRPF would not affect the settlement status. It is also worthwhile for Hong Kongers to access every benefit and support resource available, and talk to local authorities or advice agencies to see what support they can offer before applying for change of condition.
Our last speaker, Zephyr of Wales Strategic Migration Partnership highlighted the diverse background of the Hong Kong community. He pointed out that Hong Kongers are impacted by the high housing mortgage rate and the pension locked in Hong Kong. This could lead to mid or long-term financial issues for Hong Kongers since currently some of them are spending their savings to support their living amidst the CoLC. He also explained the difference of Hong Kongers’ eligibility between Wales and England. For example, BN(O) Hong Kongers can access ESOL courses and employment support in Wales. However, they also face employment barriers such as qualification transferability which affect their income and employability and hence cost of living.
Thanks to the engaging members, we had a very constructive group discussion session that enriched everyone’s understanding of the issue. Various groups spoke and shared their views and experiences on the challenges faced by Hong Kongers such as increase in IHS fee, some groups of Hong Kongers like older people are more sensitive to seek support, and many more.
More about NRPF from NRPF network website: https://www.nrpfnetwork.org.uk/information-and-resources/rights-and-entitlements/benefits-and-housing-public-funds/benefits/benefits-that-are-public-funds
