Accountants working in kitchens, IT specialists working in warehouses: new migrants from Hong Kong struggling to bring their skills to the UK economy
Hong Kongers who have moved to Britain are struggling to find work that matches their skills and qualifications, denying the UK economy much-needed skills and making it harder for new arrivals to cope with rising living costs, according to new research today.
The new report, ‘Working it out: Hong Kongers, employment and the cost of living,’ draws on detailed interviews with recently arrived Hong Kongers. Researchers spoke to trained accountants now working in kitchens, IT and insurance specialists employed in UK warehouses, a teacher working in a care home and a former editor now doing events waitressing.
The research finds they are being held back from making their full contribution to the UK economy due to difficulties with UK recruitment and interview practices; lack of suitable employment and careers support; challenges with their qualifications being recognised; lack of employer awareness of the BN(O) visa and their rights to work in Britain; and sometimes a lack of confidence in spoken English.
The report makes a series of recommendations to national and local government and employers to help Hong Kongers find work that uses their skills so they can thrive in the workplace and make a full contribution to the economy. These include tailored careers advice and support; addressing barriers to people’s qualifications being recognised, for example in teaching and healthcare; raising awareness of the BN(O) visa among employers; and ensuring that Hong Kongers can access more advanced English language classes that equip them for the workplace.
A new guide for employers is also published today, explaining who the newly arrived Hong Kongers are, their right to work under the BN(O) visa and some simple pointers for employers to help people integrate into the workforce.
More than 150,000 Hong Kongers have moved to Britain since the British Nation (Overseas) visa (BN(O)) was launched in 2021 in response to restrictions on democratic freedoms in Hong Kong. Research from the Welcoming Committee for Hong Kongers and thinktank British Future finds that these BN(O) Hong Kongers are better-qualified than the average British person and have valuable skills and experience. Yet for a range of reasons, many are currently working below their skill level.
Heather Rolfe, Research Director of thinktank British Future and co-author of the report, said:
“Hong Kongers want to stay in Britain and contribute to our society and economy. Most say they feel welcomed by the local people and like the places where they live and the democratic freedoms of Britain. But many have found it difficult to find work that uses their skills, qualifications and experience.
“We shouldn’t let this talent go to waste. With tailored careers assistance, Hong Kongers could bring a range of skills to Britain’s economy. The government has pledged to reform Jobcentre plus and the careers service – they should make sure this also works for Hong Kongers and other humanitarian migrants, so they can work and contribute to the UK.”
Selected quotes from Hong Kongers who participated in the research:
“I’ve been looking for a job for a while now. Will this situation continue for a few more months, a year? (....) My wife is very understanding and supportive. But at some point, you start to feel worthless.” (Man, 35-44, South West)
“After seven months I was very disheartened, almost ready to switch careers to something like supermarket work, sales or warehousing. But fortunately I landed a job in my field.” (Woman, 35-44, North West)
“We come from a completely different culture and the job-hunting process is entirely different. There’s a period of adjustment needed.” (Man, 35-44, South East)
“It's like they don't care about what you did in Hong Kong for some reason.” (Woman, 25-34, South East)
“Given how many Hong Kong people are coming and going, I think the BN(O) visa scheme is not widely understood even locally.” (Man, 35-44, South West)
“There's a misconception among employers that we are either asylum seekers or wealthy immigrants. The government should clarify our identity.” (Woman, 35-44, West Midlands)
The report also examines the difficulties that some Hong Kongers are experiencing with the cost of living in the UK. Under the BN(O) visa, Hong Kongers have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), denying them access to most benefits. This can be waived in extreme circumstances. Most Hong Kongers are aware of this and have no desire to claim benefits: but one unintended consequence has been a reluctance to access any government help, including employment and careers support, in case it violates the NRPF conditions of their visa. The report recommends giving much clearer guidance on where NRPF does and does not apply, or removing the NRPF stipulation from the BN(O) visa altogether.
The Welcoming Committee for Hong Kongers helps to coordinate the UK’s welcoming efforts across civil society, communities, business, education and government. It conducts research to inform policy and shares best practice around the integration of Hong Kongers. It also supports welcoming organisations working to help new arrivals from Hong Kong to settle and integrate in the UK.
The Welcoming Committee is housed at the charity British Future. This research was funded by the Hong Kong BN(O) Welcome Programme, administered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.