Richmond should brace for a massive influx of Hongkongers, said Richmond city councillor Chak Au.
“Although the immigration wave is going to be a huge loss for Hong Kong, it will turn out to be a huge gain for Canada, since most of these arrivals are young talents from Hong Kong,” said Au.
Nearly 14,500 Hongkongers applied to work and study in Canada last year, reported South China Morning Post citing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada (IRCC).
In 2021, IRCC established a new immigration pathway for Hong Kong residents, requiring them to only meet minimum language and education levels and have one instead of two years of work experience in Canada prior to obtaining permanent residency.
The new policy led to a significant uptick in inquiries.
Last year alone, around 9,100 Hongkongers applied for work permits in Canada and 5,355 showed an interest in studying here.
Au said many of them will consider making Richmond their home due to the fact there already is a high Hong Kong population here and Richmond’s hot Asian cuisine scene.
The immigration influx would benefit Richmond because many are highly-educated professionals, Au added.
“They used to be doctors, financial advisors, university professors and reporters in Hong Kong. Now they are ready to integrate and contribute to the local community,” said Au, adding that he knows of one Hongkonger who has just landed a job with Richmond Hospital.
The potential wave of immigrants to hit Canadian shores is a direct result of the national security law imposed by the Chinese government in 2020, according to Au. The law gives the government expansive new powers to oversee media, schools, social organizations and online activity. It also authorizes China to extradite people from Hong Kong to face China’s court system.
“Journalism is considered the most dangerous profession in Hong Kong right now and, sadly, many reputable grassroots organizations had to close their Hong Kong offices due to their personal safety concerns,” said Au.
But some Hongkongers have refused to leave their country because they want to fight until the last moment, added Au.
