Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration

Comité permanent de la citoyenneté et de l'immigration

For immediate release

Ottawa, January 30, 2023 -

Freedom of speech and meaningful opposition continue to be suppressed in Hong Kong since the National Security Law was imposed on June 30, 2020. In response, Canada developed immigration measures to assist the people of Hong Kong: starting in February 2021 with facilitated work permits and then in June 2021 with new pathways to permanent residence. The House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) examined these measures during the 43rd Parliament in its report entitled Safe Haven in Canada: Special Immigration and Refugee Measures are Urgently Needed for the People of Hong Kong. The government provided a response on June 6, 2022. Today, on the eve of the expiration of some of these measures, the committee calls on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to amend three components of these measures.

First, the committee urges the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to extend the two-year temporary public policy facilitating access to open work permits that is set to expire February 7, 2023.

Second, the committee calls on the department to waive the requirement for police certificates for applications from Hong Kongers. During the committee’s study, witnesses spoke to the types of criminal charges that were meted out following peaceful protests that could easily be misinterpreted by Canadian authorities.

Third, the committee calls on the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to modify the temporary public policy that creates a pathway to permanent residence for Hong Kongers who are graduates with Canadian work experience – the Committee urges the department to allow individuals who have obtained their degree within a ten year period to apply, unlike the current policy, which requires individuals to have graduated within five years.

During its study of the situation in Hong Kong during the 43rd Parliament, the committee heard from numerous witnesses who made it clear that the erosion of the fundamental rights and liberties in Hong Kong is severe. This situation continues to deteriorate. The committee is asking for these changes to the special measures for Hong Kongers so that Canada may continue to offer protection to the vulnerable and the persecuted.