Photographer: Lam Yik Fei / Bloomberg
Photographer: Lam Yik Fei / Bloomberg
A record number of Hong Kong residents have moved to Taiwan following China’s crackdown on the city’s protest movement and the implementation of a controversial new national security law.
Recently released figures from the Taiwan Immigration Agency show that more than 10,800 Hong Kongs received permits from local residents in 2020, nearly double the amount moved to Democratic Island the previous year.
The number of Hong Kongs who moved to Taiwan in 2020 is the highest in at least three decades, according to agency data dating back to 1991.
Exodus from Taiwan
A record number of Hong Kongs fled the island in 2020
Source: Taiwan National Immigration Agency
The figures underscore the desire of some Hong Kong residents to seek a new home and a more stable political environment outside of Asia’s main financial center after months of protests and China’s crackdown on dissent. It also comes as the UK launches a new visa and roadmap program for citizens for British (overseas) national passport holders in Hong Kong.
Security law
Following China’s move on June 30 to impose security law in Hong Kong without local government debate, many prominent activists have been arrested, charged or fled into exile in the UK and elsewhere. In August, the Chinese Coast Guard as well captured 12 Hong Kong activists fleeing to Taiwan by boat.
The security law prohibits subversion, terrorism, secession, and “collusion” with foreign forces. While China has said the law is needed to restore stability after the 2019 protests, foreign governments have said the legislation has been used to target democracy activists and is eroding freedoms. which Beijing pledged to maintain after the 1997 transfer.
Taiwan shares similar aspects of Chinese culture and has a government that encouraged the city’s pro-democracy movement. It has been a favorite destination for Hong Kongers who wanted to leave their hometown.