Martin Ford 08 April 2021

£31m Hong Kong integration fund launched

£31m Hong Kong integration fund launched image

Funding of £30.7m will be provided to councils to support new arrivals from Hong Kong.

The Government has launched an integration programme for Hong Kong citizens following the introduction of a new visa enabling them to live in the UK for up to five years and apply for permanent residency.

The visa came into force in January, having been announced last year as a response to China’s imposition of stringent new security laws in the former British overseas territory.

The programme is designed to help people access housing, work and educational support and ‘quickly integrate and contribute to their newfound communities’, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

So far, 27,000 people have applied for a visa since January and the Government estimates between 123,000 and 153,000 and their dependents will come to the country in the first year.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said: ‘This programme will ensure British National (Overseas) status holders and their families have the very best start as soon as they arrive, and support to help them find a home, schools for their children, opportunity and prosperity.

‘We are a champion of freedom and democracy and will live up to our responsibilities to the people of Hong Kong, so that these families will come to find the UK a place they can call home.’

The £30.7m fund for councils in England will cover targeted support for new arrivals, including learning English housing costs for those who need it.

Another £5.8m will be provided to devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Twelve ‘virtual welcome hubs’ have also been established around the UK, which will work with local authorities where face-to-face contact is required.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£36101 - £48622 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£36,101 to £48,622 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£36101 - £48622 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£36,101 to £48,622 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Pensions Officer - Systems Team

West Northamptonshire Council
£33,369 - £36,163
The Pensions Service are looking for a highly motivated individual who are performance focussed and driven to provide excellent customer service. You must demonstrate a flexible approach to delivering all aspects of pension administration. This should be Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Revenues and Recovery Team Leader

Ashfield District Council
£37,938 - £40,476 per annum (pay award pending)
We have an exciting opportunity for a Revenues Recovery Team Leader to join our Revenues and Benefits service. Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Senior Compliance & Enforcement Officer

Ashfield District Council
£34,314 - £37,035 per annum (pay award pending)
In this key role, you’ll investigate breaches of planning control, negotiate solutions, and take formal enforcement action where needed. Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council
Linkedin Banner