Hong Kong Watch calls for New Zealand to join the UK and Australia in introducing an international lifeboat scheme
This week Hong Kong Watch has joined Nathan Law and two New Zealand members of parliament to call on the New Zealand Government to consider introducing an international lifeboat scheme for vulnerable Hong Kong students.
On 28th October, Nathan Law published his letter to the Prime Minister of New Zealand calling for the country to follow its neighbour Australia and introduce a five-year graduate visa for Hong Kong students as part of an international lifeboat scheme. Law cited the current gap in the UK’s offer for British National Overseas passport holders, which does not help Hong Kongers who are born after 1997 and over the age of 18.
In his letter, Law concluded by saying that: “New Zealand has a long track-record of standing up against systematic violations of basic human rights, and a reputation as a welcoming and open country for those in need. I hope that in the case of Hong Kong, you can help those vulnerable youngsters to seek a safe place to continue their life.”
Following Nathan’s letter, Louisa Wall MP and Simon O'Connor MP wrote separately to the Prime Minister of New Zealand endorsing the creation of an international lifeboat scheme and citing concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in Hong Kong. In their letter the Labour and National MP said “we (New Zealand) cannot turn away from the crisis in Hong Kong and leave the question of offering refuge for vulnerable activists to others.”
New Zealand has a substantial interest in the human rights situation in Hong Kong:
Over 3,000 New Zealanders living overseas in the city.
New Zealand hosts nearly 1,200 Hong Kong students a year.
Around 400 Hong Kong youths take up the country’s working holiday visa.
Commenting on the campaign for New Zealand to introduce an international lifeboat scheme, Hong Kong Watch’s Chief Executive, Benedict Rogers, said:
“The longer we leave it without an offer in place, from different countries including New Zealand, the more likely it is that vulnerable young activists could face arrest, and long prison sentences.”
“We are now reaching a point where the free world, where countries that believe in democracy and human rights and freedom really need to stand closer together in the face of the challenges that an increasingly repressive Chinese regime, domestically, and aggressive, externally, poses.”
“The more we can coordinate and do together as democracies, both to help Hong Kongers and to stand up for our values, the better.”
For further information:
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/mps-call-for-sanctuary-for-young-hongkongers