Give Hong Kong’s asylum seekers the right to work, NGO leader says
Tom Franz from Branches of Hope calls for path to residency for protection claimants, most of whom arrive in the city from Pakistan, Bangladesh or India
The leader of one of the few organisations in Hong Kong providing support for asylum seekers and human-trafficking victims has called on officials to give those seeking protection in the city the right to work and a path to residency.
The appeal by Tom Franz, CEO of Branches of Hope, comes just days before a security panel at Hong Kong’s legislature gathers to discuss government proposals that could reduce the time allowed for asylum seekers to present their cases.
“These are people who have experience, skills and talents who were forced to leave their homes. If we give them opportunities, platforms, more skills, then they can be very beneficial to society,” Franz said.
Asylum seekers in Hong Kong are not allowed to work while their claims are being processed and must rely on social welfare stipends – including a housing allowance of HK$1,500 (US$190) – and handouts from charities.
“It’s a pipe dream … but I would like to see a road, a path, to becoming a resident,” Franz said. “I think the first step would be to allow them to join the workforce one way or another. There are certain sectors that need employees, so I think it will benefit both them and the city.”