Ottawa announced a series of measures on Thursday to make it easier to grant permanent residency to young graduates from Hong Kong.
“Canada is deeply concerned with the passage of the new National Security Law in Hong Kong and the human rights situation there, which continues to deteriorate day by day,” said the Minister. Minister of Immigration, Marco Mendicino.
The latter did not announce anything concerning the reception of Hong Kong refugees who are fleeing tensions with the Chinese government, but instead put forward measures concerning economic immigration.
Young people from Hong Kong who have recently completed post-secondary education – at home or in Canada – will therefore be able to obtain a three-year open work permit.
“Obtaining an open work permit will allow Hong Kong residents, especially young people, to come or stay in Canada and gain valuable work experience. As a result of this experience, a new route of access to permanent resident status for Hong Kong residents in Canada who meet specific eligibility criteria will be created, ”explains the Immigration Department in the press release. his announcement.
In addition, the processing of applications for young Hong Kongers wishing to come and study in Canada will be speeded up. The same will apply for family sponsorship applications.
Minister Mendicino also indicated that the files of Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Hong Kong who want to return to Canada will be processed quickly. Ottawa estimates that approximately 300,000 Canadians live in Hong Kong.
On June 30, China imposed a national security law widely criticized for undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy under the principle of “one country, two systems”.
Four pro-democracy Hong Kong lawmakers were dismissed on Wednesday after local authorities were granted permission by one of China’s main legislative committees to dismiss any lawmaker deemed to be a threat to national security without even going before a court. court.
In the process, the 15 other pro-democracy deputies decided to resign.
It should be remembered that Canada suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and put in place export control measures intended there to prevent, among other things, the shipment of military equipment.
-With AFP