Taiwan’s refugee bill does not apply to Hong Kong protesters for now, Taipei says

But regulations provide options for those seeking to relocate to self-ruled island, interior ministry says

Stalled legislation is designed to help foreigners and stateless people, statement says

Reading Time:3 minutes

Taiwan says its refugee bill does not currently apply to Hong Kong protesters. Photo: AP

Published: 7:55pm, 5 Sep 2019Updated: 8:22pm, 5 Sep 2019

Taiwan’s existing laws provide adequate opportunities for Hongkongers to relocate to the self-ruled island, but a refugee bill before the island’s legislature does not apply to protesters seeking to flee the city, Taipei said on Thursday.

The statement by the interior ministry came after visiting pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong Chi-fung appealed to Taiwanese lawmakers for more concrete support for his fellow protesters in Hong Kong.

The protests in Hong Kong that started in June have become increasingly violent. Photo: Felix Wong

After meeting politicians from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Wong, who arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday, said the situation in Hong Kong had escalated beyond everyone’s expectations.

“No one in Hong Kong or Taiwan expected the protest would scale up to this level, and any policies or measures that could help Hongkongers to flee to Taiwan will have a positive effect on them,” he said, adding that over the past two months, both Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and lawmakers had expressed their concern about the unrest.

“On how to strengthen the existing mechanism [to provide shelter to those in need], we understand that they need a little more study on this.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x