The challenges faced by Hong Kong students holding British National (Overseas) (BNO) visas, launched in January 2021 to offer a citizenship pathway in response to China’s National Security Law. Despite being British citizens, these students are classified as international in Wales, facing higher fees and a five-year wait for home-fee status, unlike the three-year period in Scotland. This financial barrier hinders their academic and social engagement. BNO holders should have equal access to education as a reflection of Wales’ “nation of sanctuary” ethos. It resolves to advocate for home-fee status after three years, lobby for scholarships, job-matching, and career services at Swansea University, and engage with campaigns for fair treatment of BNO visa holders to support their integration and success.
Planned action:
1. Engage with NUS members and turn it into NUS wide campaigns
2. Advocacy for offering more help to BN(O)visa Hong Kong Students such as offering scholarship
Measurable of Success:
1. NUS have aware of the issues
2.More direct help to BN(O)visa students
3. Grants BN(O)visa Hong Kong students home fee status
Progress so far:
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Met with NUS UK president and engaged with NUS Cymru President
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Reviewing the proposal of Scholarship design for BN(O) visa students
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Engaging with BN(O)visa students in Swansea University