Two members of a Hong Kong hockey team arrested over alleged Indian asylum scam
Seven people in group invited to play a game overstayed and lodged claims to remain in the city – but activists say it’s another example of the government’s negative targeting
Two members of a Hong Kong hockey team were arrested for allegedly helping seven Indians to overstay in the city and file non-refoulement claims.
The two had invited a 20-member Indian hockey team to Hong Kong in October last year. But after they were allowed in, seven of them, who did not join any hockey activities here, overstayed and lodged asylum claims.
Activists claim it is the latest example of the government stepping up action against asylum seekers.
Non-refoulement prohibits the return of people to countries where they face persecution.
While the incident – if premeditated to break the law – was handled well by enforcement officers, human rights advocates also accused the government of negatively labelling asylum seekers and building a false idea that their numbers were growing out of control.
The news comes as Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying is in India to promote stronger ties.
The government recently announced plans to tighten border controls, targeting Indians and other nationals from countries considered sources of a rising number of illegal immigrants.