Protestor waves flag at rally to show support for pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong (AFP | File)
Taipei:
Taiwan will open a special office next month to look after Hong Kong residents seeking to settle on the island, including those seeking refuge for “political reasons,” the government said on Thursday.
The announcement comes after President Tsai Ing-wen last month promised a humanitarian “action plan” for Hong Kong people pushing for democracy in the financial center.
Tsai’s government will cover “necessary expenses” for those who come to Taiwan because their freedom and security is at risk, said Chen Ming-tong, chairman of the Continental Affairs Council, the main decision-making body of the island in China. .
“In the past, NGOs basically did this, but now the government will stand up and fund the spending,” said Chen.
Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island, has received an influx of Hong Kong activists seeking shelter as Beijing cracks down on protesters in the financial center.
The unrest broke out again recently after Beijing announced its intention to impose a general national security law in the city, a move that alarmed many western governments and Taiwan.
The new Taipei office will open on July 1 and part of its mandate will be to deal with requests from Hong Kong residents seeking to stay in Taiwan for “political reasons,” said Chen.
Tsai’s cabinet will always make the final decision in such cases. Financial aid will be available to successful applicants who have entered the island legally, added Chen.
“Our laws are very clear on this … it’s not a rescue, it’s to provide support,” he said.
The office will also process requests from Hong Kong residents to study, work or invest in Taiwan, said Chen.
Hong Kong plunged into turmoil last year with months of often violent street protests as the government demanded a now-abandoned bill to authorize extraditions to China.
More than 5,000 Hong Kong residents moved to Taiwan last year, up 41% from the previous year, according to figures.
Some of them fled prosecution for protest or sought a new life in one of the most progressive democracies in Asia.
(This story has not been edited by GalacticGaming staff and is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
