henry
As I put pen to paper today, my heart is filled with a myriad of complex emotions. First and foremost, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to all friends who have consistently supported BNO equal rights. Especially during times when I found myself caught in a maelstrom of criticism and subjected to baseless attacks, many courageously spoke up on my behalf. Your unwavering support and righteousness have profoundly touched me.
However, this column is written not only with gratitude but also with deep-seated apprehension. The UK government’s recent decision to raise the eligibility bar for BNO visa holders seeking permanent residency has brought the issue of BNO equal rights back to the forefront, drawing increased attention from the Hong Kong community. This critical concern should have surfaced much earlier, as far back as March this year. At that time, following the Conservative Party’s proposal of the “10+1” residency amendment, I foresaw its far-reaching implications and promptly initiated a “One Person One Letter” campaign, hoping to rally the strength of Hongkongers. Regrettably, this proactive effort was met with suppression from certain Hong Kong organizations, who even reported my organization, Hong Kong Professionals CIC, to the CIC regulatory body for “engaging in political activities.”
In April, through my media platform DOVC, I spared no effort in advocating for the importance of Hongkongers integrating into British society. This constructive initiative, aimed at long-term vision and future prospects, was once again maliciously smeared by certain Hong Kong organizations, who claimed that my integration activities were part of a “Communist Party united front strategy.”
Looking back, many of those who sought to suppress the calls for equal rights largely benefited from a “golden shield” afforded by their refugee status, fearing that BNO equal rights would diminish their existing advantages. I had repeatedly cautioned Hongkongers that an “anti-immigration wave” indeed exists in the UK, fueled by refugee issues. Yet, this very observation led certain Hong Kong organizations to accuse me of speaking on behalf of Reform UK. The myriad obstacles I faced back then, far from deterring me, only served to clarify the stances and mindsets of certain individuals.
Today, with the shift in UK policy, the “golden shield” of refugee status is no longer as robust. However, BNO visa holders are simultaneously caught in the crossfire. Had Hongkongers united back then, when the Conservative Party first proposed the “10+1” scheme, and recognized the underlying anti-immigration sentiment, choosing not to suppress the equal rights movement for temporary gain, the situation today might be vastly different. Perhaps, other Hong Kong organizations would not now be scrambling to launch “One Person One Letter” campaigns, and might even have the capacity to advocate for Hong Kong refugees. Thus, the suppression I faced then reveals its true nature today – it was never merely an attack on me personally, but a collective suppression of the well-being of all Hongkongers.
In light of this, I have revised the “One Person One Letter” template from March. This is not to claim credit, nor is it to gloat. Rather, it is out of a sincere hope that Hongkongers can truly unite this time, and avoid making a grave mistake due to momentary disagreements.
I have observed that certain organizations in Hong Kong are once again hastening to initiate petitions, seemingly in an attempt to overshadow the ongoing calls for equal rights. Such an approach is exceedingly unwise. The current UK government consultation offers explicit channels for feedback, and I sincerely hope that all individuals can exhibit civic maturity by articulating their demands in an orderly and proper manner, adhering to established protocols. I earnestly appeal to all Hongkongers: do not allow yourselves to be misled by certain organizations. Instead, channel your energies into actions that are both necessary and effective.
Regarding the proposal for a “One Person One Letter” campaign for equal rights, I have completed drafting the necessary documentation. We should no longer insist on retaining the original “5+1” scheme. The scope of the BNO visa should be expanded to encompass all Hongkongers born in Hong Kong; this measure is not merely about securing rights but about delivering a form of historical justice to Hong Kong.
This incident should serve as a wake-up call for all BNO visa holders: immigration regulations are not inherently lenient; they can be tightened or revoked entirely. I no longer concern myself with the indifferent comments from external observers. I am acutely aware of my purpose and aspirations. What one desires must be pursued personally. Much like investment, greater returns often entail higher risks; the more admirable the goal, the more effort one must invest. A petition, being merely a two-minute act with minimal cost, is often insufficient to truly move hearts and minds.
Anything worth attaining must be earned through one’s own efforts; happiness does not simply fall from the sky. Likewise, if you envision a particular kind of world, lead by example and create it yourself. Just as you wish to be treated, so too should you extend that same respect to others. May Hongkongers awaken this time, collectively forging a better future through perseverance and unity.
眾籌Link ： https://gofund.me/042d7e3c
BNO Equality Related articles:
(Latest Update) BNO Equality Campaign – A Crowdfunded Legal Fight for Justice
Let Us Remind the Labour Party of the True Meaning of the Sino-British Joint Declaration
Hong Kong’s Fate: A Story of Broken Promises and a Fight for Future
Hong Kongers’ Quest for Equity in the UK: A Path Started Through Inquiry and Independent Thinking
BNO Equality Advocacy – Frequently Asked Questions on Achieving Rights & Justice
The Path to BNO Equality: Navigating the Challenges of Public Quality
📢 Join the “UK Life & Current Affairs Channel” (DOVC.co.uk) Community! 🇬🇧
👋 Want to stay up-to-date on the latest UK life information, news, current affairs, policy changes, or share experiences with fellow Brits? Welcome to join the UK Life & Current Affairs Channel (DOVC.co.uk) to discuss and share useful information together!
📌 Community Features: ✅ Real-time updates on UK current affairs and policies ✅ Exchange of information on UK life, immigration, work, study, etc. ✅ Mutual support with like-minded friends
📲 Join us now!
🔹 WhatsApp Group 👉 Click here to join 🔹 Facebook Fan Page 👉 Follow us
Welcome to join us and explore UK life together! 🎉
Henry Wong qualified as a solicitor in Hong Kong, England and Wales, Ireland and Scotland respective in 2014, 2018, 2024 and 2025. Henry is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, English, and Japanese, and he specialises in a broad range of legal matters, including family law (possessing significant experience in divorce, assets division, and child arrangements), criminal litigation, civil litigation, and international law, with a focus on human rights and criminal law. He additionally manages various immigration-related matters, encompassing refugee applications, settlement and naturalisation applications, work visa applications, and actively conducts BNO settlement and naturalisation seminars in the UK to provide professional information to communities in need.
Henry Wong is dedicated to public welfare and community affairs. He is currently the founder of Hong Kong Professionals CIC (hkpcic.org.uk) and Descendants of Victoria City (dovc.co.uk), where he actively participates in community building and consistently advocates for various human rights issues.
At present, Henry serves as a consultant solicitor for David Fenn & Co. in Hong Kong and Perilli & Ho Solicitors in London. He is also a legal link partner with Jones Whyte Solicitors in Scotland. His practice area is extensive, encompassing the sale and purchase of residential and commercial properties in both Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, immigration matters, various civil and criminal litigation cases, commercial and contractual matters, family disputes, wills and estate administration, as well as human rights law.
Outside of his professional commitments, Henry Wong enjoys sports and is a goalkeeper for an amateur football team. He also possesses a passion for wine, possesses a deep understanding of various types of alcoholic beverages, and is skilled in making cocktail.
黃律師於2014年成為香港執業律師，2018年取得英格蘭及威爾斯執業律師資格，2024年取得愛爾蘭註冊律師資格，並於2025年獲得蘇格蘭律師資格。黃律師精通廣東話、普通話、英語及日語，擅長處理多項法律事務，包括家事法（尤其於離婚、財產分配及子女撫養權安排方面經驗豐富）、刑事訴訟、民事訴訟，以及國際法（專注於人權及刑事領域）。此外，黃律師亦處理各類移民相關事宜，包括難民申請、定居及入籍申請、工作簽證申請等，並積極於英國舉辦BNO定居及入籍講座，為有需要的社群提供專業資訊。
黃律師熱心公益及地區事務，現為 Hong Kong Professionals CIC (hkpcic.org.uk) 及 Descendants of Victoria City (dovc.co.uk) 的創辦人，積極參與社區建設，並對不同人權議題持續發聲。
目前，黃律師擔任香港 David Fenn and Co. 律師行及英國 Perilli & Ho Solicitors 律師行的顧問律師，同時也是蘇格蘭 Jones Whyte Solicitors 的合作夥伴。其執業範圍廣泛，涵蓋香港及英國住宅及商業物業買賣、移民入境事務、各類民事及刑事訴訟、商業及合約事宜、家庭糾紛、遺囑及遺產處理，以及人權法等。
工作之餘，黃律師熱愛運動，擔任業餘足球隊的守門員。同時，他也對品酒情有獨鍾，對各類酒品均有深入研究，更擅長調製各式雞尾酒。
