On January 31, 2022, COSLA launched a new Welcome Hub for Hong Kong British National (Overseas) migrants arriving in Scotland. Launched on the one-year anniversary of the visa route opening, this innovative resource will help new arrivals from Hong Kong in making Scotland their home.
The resource provides information for Hongkongers around key themes such as employment, housing, healthcare, education, ESOL language classes and safety. The Welcome Hub is available in both English and Traditional Chinese characters for Cantonese speakers, ensuring that the content is accessible.
The resource also includes detailed guidance and information for council officers and other public sector staff who will encounter Hongkongers in Scotland. Guidance on housing, supporting migrants with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), ESOL support, and important cultural and political background is provided to ensure that councils are well-placed to offer integration support.
The Welcome Hub has been established with funding from the UK Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities and is part of a comprehensive suite of welcome activities set up by COSLA to facilitate the integration of Hongkongers in Scotland. It will be updated frequently with new and relevant guidance and resources.