Canada plans to evacuate hundreds of thousands of its citizens if necessary, but officials have warned they could do little for pro-democracy activists seeking asylum from Chinese authorities.
Jeff Nankivel, Canada’s Consul General in Hong Kong and Macau, told the parliamentary committee that the parliamentary government had planned to help some 100,000 Canadians living in the region if the security situation deteriorated.
“We have a detailed plan and we have the resources available and have been identified to cover a number of situations, and in this situation, which would require the immediate departure of a large number of Canadians,” he said.
“The likelihood of such an extreme situation seems low right now, but it’s our job to plan for the most extreme situations.”
The potential need for relocation was underscored by China’s decision to take controversial security measures over the summer. According to critics, the law has criminalized activism and dissent in Hong Kong, thwarted pro-democracy movements and has had a profound effect on media, education and politics.
Nankiwal’s testimony is likely to increase tensions between China and Canada. After Ottawa gave its support to activists in Hong Kong, China’s ambassador to Canada, Congress Pewu, said any interference in China’s domestic affairs could potentially jeopardize the “good health and safety” of Canadian citizens living in the region.
The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, quickly condemned the ambassador’s remarks and accused China of “tremendous diplomacy.”
There are plans to relocate on a large scale to Canada, but Nankivel said his staff is unable to help asylum seekers seeking protection at the consulate.
“Canada’s global policy, like most other countries, is that our diplomatic missions, including consulates, do not accept asylum applications in our offices from people in their offices.” Tried to claim asylum
Contrary to Canada’s evacuation plans, the UK has said it will extend immigration rights to Hong Kong residents who hold British National Overseas (BNO) passports. There are currently 300,000 BNO passport holders – who were born before the 1997 acquisition of British territory – but about 3 million will qualify.
China has criticized the plan. According to Reuters, its foreign ministry recently called on the UK to “correct its mistakes” and canceled the offer.
The new visa will allow five-year entry as opposed to the current six months and applications will open on January 31. The UK has not yet said what steps it will take to help its 1,000,000 citizens living in Hong Kong.
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