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Visas: British National (Overseas)

Asked by James NaishLabourHome OfficeTabled Answered 16 June 2025UIN 58064

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will relax the 90-day absence rule for British National (Overseas) visa holders for exceptional circumstances for visa holders from Hong Kong.

Answered by Seema Malhotra

British Nationals (Overseas) who wish to become British citizens can apply for registration under section 4(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981. There is some discretion over the requirement not to have been outside the UK for more than 90 days in the final year of the residential qualifying period. Published guidance sets out when that discretion would normally be exercised.

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