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Read, Debate: Engage.
| topic: | Migration |
|---|---|
| located: | Hong Kong, China, Canada |
| editor: | Stella Tsang |
In 2021, the Canadian government introduced new immigration options to expedite the process of Hong Kong citizens obtaining permanent residency. While the move initially offered hope for those seeking to flee political instability, it has since been exploited by consultancies in mainland China who abuse the immigration pathways to allow Chinese mainlanders to benefit.
Hong Kongers are eligible for permanent residency in Canada via two pathways: Stream A, following graduation from a post-secondary learning institution in Canada within the last three years, or Stream B, having had at least one year of work experience in Canada.
Canada introduced the pathways in response to the Chinese government's implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong after the city's democracy protests in 2019.
The pathways require applicants to hold a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or British National (Overseas) passport. Mainlanders typically have neither, but firms are encouraging clients from mainland China to obtain HKSAR passports to apply.
Canada's intention to make it easier for Hong Kongers to stay for humanitarian reasons is being undermined by the Chinese immigration consultants who see the courtesy as a business opportunity.
Advertisements by consultancies to attract mainlanders to the scheme have gone viral on mainland China's social media. They are a glimpse into the growing number of Chinese mainlanders eager to immigrate. The term "runology" (润学), which means "the study of running away from China", has become popular internet slang since Shanghai's two-month Covid lockdown in 2022.
If the trend continues, mainland China's policy abuse might prompt Canada to tighten its measures, taking away one of Hong Kong's lifelines.
In response, Canada could consider strengthening measures like background checks or in-person interviews to prevent policy abuse and protect its intended group.
Meanwhile, in mainland China, policymakers should investigate why people flee their home country despite the challenges and uncertainty that immigration brings.
Image by Sarah Richer.
