ICESCR concluding observations 2025, paragraph 29
Plain English recommendation
Government should:
(a) Make it easier for people with British National (Overseas) visas to find work. Government should recognise their qualifications, offer job training and give them access to social security and public financial support;
(b) Ensure that people with British National (Overseas) visas are allowed to pay the same lower university fees as local students and can apply for student loans in England, Wales and Northern Ireland;
(c) Enable the transfer of pension benefits from the Hong Kong Mandatory Provident Fund;
(d) Do more to help newcomers settle in the UK through targeted support programs and by increasing awareness.
Original UN recommendation
The Committee recommends that the State Party, along with the devolved governments:
(a) Remove barriers to labour market access for British National (Overseas) visa holders by ensuring the recognition of qualifications, job training opportunities and access to social security and public funds;
(b) Guarantee home fee status and eligibility for student finance for British National (Overseas) visa holders in England, Wales and Northern Ireland;
(c) Facilitate the transfer of pension benefits from the Hong Kong Mandatory Provident Fund;
(d) Strengthen integration measures through targeted support programmes and awareness-raising initiatives.
Date of UN examination
12/03/2025
Original UN document
Download the original ICESCR concluding observations 2025 on the UN website.
Last updated on 21/08/2025