Pavlou Calls for Exclusive UK Immigration Exemptions for Hong Kongers and Ukrainians

Drew Pavlou, an Australian political activist, has sparked controversy with a recent social media post advocating for unique immigration exemptions for Hong Kongers and Ukrainians in the United Kingdom. Pavlou asserted that these groups "aren’t causing terrorists attacks or migrant rape gangs, they are good people and they actually benefit Britain," implying a differentiation from other migrant populations.

The UK currently operates distinct immigration pathways for both communities. The British National (Overseas) (BNO) visa scheme, launched in January 2021, has seen 181,609 visas granted to Hong Kongers by June 2025. This route allows individuals to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years, with a recent thinktank report suggesting permanent residency for these migrants could contribute over £4 billion to the UK economy by 2029.

For Ukrainians, the UK established the Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme in 2022 following Russia's invasion. As of June 2025, these schemes have resulted in 274,417 visa grants. However, unlike the BNO route, these temporary schemes, including the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, do not offer a direct pathway to permanent residency, reflecting the UK government's stated aim to respect the Ukrainian government's desire for citizens to return.

Pavlou, known for his activism against the Chinese Communist Party and his support for Taiwan, has previously engaged in confrontational political actions. His latest statement aligns with a broader debate on immigration policy, where the economic and social contributions of different migrant groups are often discussed. While the UK government acknowledges the benefits of immigration, it maintains a policy framework that differentiates between various routes based on geopolitical circumstances and specific agreements.

Recent Home Office data indicates a decline in grants across several humanitarian routes, including those for Ukrainians, since their peak in 2022. Despite the temporary nature of their visas, an April 2024 survey revealed that 68% of Ukrainian adults in the UK intend to remain even if it becomes safe to return home, citing better employment opportunities and family ties.