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.

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner