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How we support Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa holders in the UK

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Breaking Barriers is a specialist employment charity. We offer personalised, one-to-one employment support to Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa holders (HKBN(O)), helping you to build a new life in the UK.  

We believe it’s not just about getting a job, it’s about finding meaning and purpose in the work that you do. That’s why we are here wherever you are in your journey – from finding your first job in the UK, to understanding how to ask for a promotion or move into your dream career. 

How we work with you  

You will have a dedicated employment advisor. They will work with you to understand your goal and break this down into achievable steps.  

This might include: 

  • enrolling onto our English classes 
  • building digital skills 
  • creating your CV 
  • applying for jobs 
  • preparing for interviews 
  • understanding your employment rights 

We may be able to find mentors who can help you to understand the steps you need to take to find a job in a specific sector or industry.  

We also run workshops with our corporate partners. These cover employment essentials including how to build a CV, mock interviews, the UK working culture, or workshops in specific sectors such as law. 

Finally, we may be able to help you with a grant, which can be used to apply for other courses, or we can help you access a digital device (when they are available).

Why Breaking Barriers works with HKBN(O)s 

Breaking Barriers has traditionally been a charity that supports refugees in the UK. We know that most Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa holders aren’t refugees, but the barriers to employment that you face can be similar: 

  1. A lack of professional networks in the UK 
  2. A lack of UK work experience  
  3. Having to learn a new language  
  4. Learning a new approach to writing CVs, applying for jobs and job interview styles 
  5. A new working culture to understand  
  6. Your qualifications not being recognised  

We are specialists in UK employment support. And we can help you to overcome these barriers.  

Apply for support

 

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At Breaking Barriers, we are only able to support those who are over the age of 18. Unfortunately, if you are under 18 years old, you are not eligible for our services. Please see more about our eligibility criteria here: https://breaking-barriers.co.uk/refugee-support/apply-for-support/




We operate in the locations available in the drop down menu. If you live outside of these cities, unfortunately we cannot currently support you.
We are accepting referrals for Employment support. Once you’ve submitted this form, you will be placed on a waiting list. We will contact you to schedule the first appointment as soon as possible.
Due to high demand, we are sorry that our London waiting list is closed. Our team are doing everything they can, and we hope to be open for referrals again in July 2024.
Due to high demand, we are sorry that our Liverpool waiting list is closed. Our team are doing everything they can, and we hope to be open for referrals again in the coming months. 
Due to high demand, we are sorry that our Manchester waiting list is closed. Our team are doing everything they can, and we hope to be open for referrals again in the coming months. 


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If you do not have the right to work in the UK, unfortunately you are not eligible for our services. We require you to provide us with evidence of your immigration status and right to work. Please see more about our eligibility criteria here: https://breaking-barriers.co.uk/refugee-support/apply-for-support/


Unemployed = not working; Economically inactive = not required to seek work by DWP; Employed = working

Note: English for work (Employability English) is our language support, designed to help you develop English language skills that will increase your confidence for working in the UK.
Languages spoken


To ensure we can provide the best support, we require people to have at least a basic level of English (ESOL Entry 1) before being referred to our services. If you are currently at a pre-beginner or pre-ESOL Entry 1 level, please work on your English skills, and when you are ready, come back to us and make a referral for assistance with your employment goals.
Due to high demand, we are sorry that our London waiting list is closed. Our team are doing everything they can, and we hope to be open for referrals again in July 2024.
Due to high demand, we are sorry that our Liverpool waiting list is closed. Our team are doing everything they can, and we hope to be open for referrals again in the coming months. 
Due to high demand, we are sorry that our Manchester waiting list is closed. Our team are doing everything they can, and we hope to be open for referrals again in July 2024.

Contact Information

Once you complete the above form, please expect to hear back from a member of our team within 14 days.

Different ways we can support you

Different ways we can support you

Employment

We provide individualized, one-on-one employment support tailored to your unique needs and aspirations. For us, it’s more than just securing a job; it’s about discovering work that brings you meaning and purpose. No matter where you find yourself on your career path, we're here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Different ways we can support you

Education

Our education program equips you with the essential skills for career success or further studies in the UK, offering courses in English language and IT and digital capabilities.

Different ways we can support you

Skills building

We collaborate with an array of industry partners. Many offer workshops, mentoring, and work experience opportunities, enabling you to enhance your employability skills.

Amy's story

Amy left behind her successful business and came to the UK on the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa. Here's the steps she's been taking since to build a career in customer service and sales.

Find out more

The best thing about Breaking Barriers is they don’t allow you to work alone. They work with you every step of the way.

Kemi

Breaking Barriers earned my trust; the team are incredibly patient and informative which helped build my confidence and knowledge of the UK job market. I was provided with various support from Breaking Barriers and now I am currently working at Mayer Brown in my dream job role and looking towards the future.

Yohanna