Canada’s close relationship with Hong Kong predates the establishment of Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1997. In addition to deep historical ties, there are large communities of Canadians living in Hong Kong and of Hong Kongers residing in Canada. The people of Canada and of Hong Kong also share common values, such as the respect for the rule of law, human rights and individual freedoms.

Canada watched attentively the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong against the government of the PRC. In the last year, Canada expressed concern about the PRC’s aggressive response to these protests and its imposition of a new national security law in Hong Kong. Most recently, the Government of Canada announced special immigration and foreign affairs measures to address growing risks for Hong Kong pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong and in Canada.

In its report, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (the Committee) examines the immigration measures recently introduced by the Government of Canada to help pro-democracy activists and other Hong Kongers who need or want to leave their city, provided that they qualify under existing pathways or recently graduated university, and have secured a job in Canada with approval under the new work permits. The report highlights witness testimony about potential gaps in these measures and in existing immigration and refugee policy, suggesting potential improvements. It also raises concerns about how Hong Kongers fleeing their home can find a safe haven in Canada through various Canadian immigration and refugee pathways.

The Committee makes 15 recommendations to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The Committee urges the department to issue study permits with relaxed criteria, to extend the young professionals Working Holiday work permit for Hong Kongers and to review the criteria for the open three-year work permit. It asks the department to adopt an inclusive approach and create a pathway to permanent residence based on more humanitarian considerations, while ensuring a pathway to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents who complete their studies in Canada. In addition, the Committee stresses that all Hong Kongers should be exempted from non-essential pandemic travel restrictions.

For Hong Kongers at risk of imminent persecution, the Committee calls for a resettlement pathway, for the use of a Temporary Resident Visa, and for the designation of non-governmental organizations to identify, certify and aid Hong Kongers at risk. The Committee requests that IRCC acknowledge the urgency of the Hong Kong situation and open these new refugee pathways before Hong Kong implements new exit ban legislation on 1 August 2021. Taking an inclusive lens, the Committee asks the department to facilitate family reunification for Hong Kongers, while developing expedited pathways to permanent residence for Hong Kongers and facilitating the return of former Canadian citizens. Lastly, the Committee calls on IRCC to investigate security concerns at Visa Application Centres located in China and to terminate the contract with VFS Global in China.