The Project

Background

The new British Nationals (Overseas) (BN(O)) visa route entitles 5.2 million Hong Kong BN(O) passport holders and their dependents to settle in the UK. This project aims to explore how Hongkongers settle in different cities and towns in the UK and they ways by which they rebuild their Hongkonger identities and community, most importantly their homes. Through questionnaire, interview and documentary filmmaking, the project also examines how their migration experiences may impact pre-existing and new relationships with local and transnational communities, friends and families and support agencies. Research findings will help the UK government, community groups and social care professionals develop suitable services for Hongkongers.

Project focuses

1. How do Hongkongers navigate the challenges of settling down in the UK?
2. How do Hongkongers’ social networks (local, national and transnational, formal and informal) evolve in the initial period of settling down and with what consequences for meeting their social, health, educational and political needs?
3. How do the challenges and needs experienced and expressed by Hongkongers link to their identity performance and social network building as they settle in the UK?

People involved

Project lead: Dr Sui-Ting Kong

Documentary filmmaker: Kanas Liu

Partner organisation: Trafford Hongkongers

Affiliated Project(s)

The Dark Side of Solidarity, funded by the British Academy

Project lead: Sui-Ting Kong ; Co-investigators: Petula Sik-Ying Ho and Stevi Jackson

Transnational Social Work: Hong Kong as a case for cross-cultural learning, funded by the Durham University Research Impact Fund

Project lead: Sui-Ting Kong