Canada to officially open door to young Hong Kongers
Canada to officially open door to young Hong Kongers
Hong Kongers escaping Beijing’s tightening grip on their freedoms will see a special immigration pathway open for them on Monday, with new open work permits.
mmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced Thursday that the special immigration pathway for recent graduates and skilled workers from Hong Kong will officially open on Feb. 8, 2021—from that date, Hong Kong residents will be able to apply for new open work permits.
The pathway framework was released last November, but even before that Canada had begun accepting pro-democracy activists as refugees.
“The launch of the Hong Kong immigration pathway is a historic initiative that will attract young, talented and experienced graduates who will help to drive Canada’s economy forward,” said Immigration Marco Mendicino in a press release.
The door the IRCC has opened would make it easier for those trying to escape Beijing’s encroachment on Hong Kong’s freedoms to seek permanent residency in Canada. Fifty pro-democracy activists and lawmakers were rounded up just after the new year, garnering strong condemnation from Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne.
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