Hong Kong Watch welcomes the announcement by the Canadian Government of a lifeboat scheme for Hong Kongers
Hong Kong Watch welcomes the announcement by the Canadian Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino of the creation of a lifeboat scheme for Hong Kongers.
Following the introduction of the National Security Law in July, Canada has now joined the UK and Australia in offering some form of lifeboat scheme to Hong Kongers.
Under the scheme, the Canadian Government will offer new and expedited pathways for Hong Kongers to come to Canada:
- Through a new open working visa for recent Hong Kong graduates. Applicants from Hong Kong must have recently completed postsecondary studies to apply for an open work permit, which will be valid for up to three years with the scheme opening in early 2021.
- The expansion of existing youth mobility program for Hong Kongers to allow them to study and work in Canada as long as they are registered at a learning institution in Canada or a Canadian affiliated overseas post-secondary institution
- The introduction of targeted measures as part of the asylum system, including waiving the usual one-year period for failed asylum claimants from Hong Kong so that they can get a faster pre-risk removal assessment and ensuring that no foreign national would be disqualified from making a claim for asylum in Canada by virtue alone of being charged under China’s national-security law.”
Hong Kong Watch launched its International Lifeboat Campaign on 25th June 2020. After privately talking with stakeholders in Canada, the UK, EU, US, and Australia, on the need for coordinated action to ensure every Hong Konger has a lifeline out of the city.
On 29th June, Hong Kong Watch Patron, Lord David Alton of Liverpool called for Canada to ensure the creation of a Young Talents Program for Hong Kongers. Stating that “this would specifically address a gap in the UK Government’s BNO policy, which doesn’t cover young Hong Kongers who were born after the handover (1997) and are not entitled to BNO status.”
The former Governor of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Watch patron, Lord Patten of Barnes, wrote to the Canadian Foreign Minister on 8th July calling for the introduction of a ‘Young Talents Scheme’ to help Hong Kongers study and work in Canada as a lifeline out of the city.
With Lord Patten writing:
“I believe Canada alongside other commonwealth and democratic likeminded partners including Australia, Taiwan, Japan, and other European countries, would be well placed to fill this gap and ensure that Hong Kongers who are not BNOs and are in need of a lifeline are not abandoned.”
“It is my understanding that there are discussions currently taking place within the Canadian Government over the creation of a ‘Young Talents’ scheme targeted at young Hong Kongers. This scheme would make it easier for them to study and live in Canada as a pathway to citizenship. I would like to put on record our wholehearted support for such a scheme, which would reiterate the Canadian Government’s long record of defending human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.”
On 13th August, Hong Kong Watch’s co-founder and trustee Aileen Calverley and Hong Kong Watch’s then Chair Benedict Rogers gave evidence to the Canadian Parliament's Canada-China Relations Committee, in which both called for the creation a “Young Talent Scheme to provide a way for young Hong Kongers to come to Canada to work, study and become citizens.”
Commenting on the Canadian Government’s introduction of a lifeboat scheme for Hong Kongers, Hong Kong Watch’s Chief Executive, Benedict Rogers, said:
“We thank the Canadian Government for its decision to stand with the people of Hong Kong and introduce a lifeboat scheme aimed at helping young Hong Kongers who are facing political oppression under the National Security Law.
Along with others, we have been working for months to push the Canadian government to introduce a lifeboat policy through a Young Talents Scheme, and are delighted that they have taken up the recommendation.
This announcement will see Canada joining the UK and Australia in introducing a lifeboat scheme and ensure that vulnerable young Hong Kongers have a lifeline out of the city.
We hope that other countries including New Zealand, the USA, and members of the European Union will follow suit.”
For further information:
https://www.hongkongwatch.org/all-posts/2020/8/13/hong-kong-watch-gives-evidence-to-canadian-parliament-hearings?rq=%20canadian
https://www.hongkongwatch.org/all-posts/2020/6/29/hong-kong-watch-and-lord-david-alton-call-for-support-for-an-international-life-boat-campaign