Written question WQ95107

The Welsh Government has committed to review the position of HKBN(O) visa holders ahead of the 2026/27 academic year. Developing policy and legislation on student support and fee protections is complex and timing is important.

When the Welsh Government extends eligibility for fee protections to any particular group, changes must be made in good time. We cannot reasonably expect higher education institutions in Wales to adopt new polices on fee charging late in their preparations for the next academic year.

The same is true when the Welsh Government extends eligibility for student support. The Student Loans Company launches its Student Finance Wales service several months ahead of the academic year to ensure students have ample time to apply for support, to understand their financial position, and to ensure that the many tens of thousands of applications can be processed. To ensure that this can happen, the Welsh Government must make any amending legislation in advance. The process is now approaching its conclusion ahead of the 2025/26 academic year.

Reviewing eligibility is a complex policy proposition and takes time. Fee protections and student support are discretionary, and the Welsh Government must ensure that decisions are made on the basis of carefully considered evidence and advice.

HKBN(O) visa holders will become eligible for student support and fee protections after becoming settled and having three years ordinary residence in the UK and Islands. These are the same conditions that all those who are settled in the UK must meet.