Canadian diplomat does not expect China fallout over ‘blanket’ permit to welcome Hong Kong migrants
- Easier now for graduates, diploma holders to work in Canada before seeking permanent residency
- ‘Unfair’ for Hong Kong to ask prisoners with dual nationality to choose one, diplomat says
Canada does not expect China to retaliate over its new work permit programme aimed at attracting talented young Hongkongers, launched in response to the national security law imposed by Beijing, its top diplomat in the city said.
Jeff Nankivell, Canada’s consul general in Hong Kong, said the scheme had drawn a “steady stream” of applicants since it began on February 8, although he was unable to provide numbers.
In an interview, he also accused Hong Kong authorities of failing to deliver “administrative fairness and natural justice” by denying prisoners with dual Canadian-Chinese nationality access to legal and consular advice until they declare a single nationality.
Canada has stood with the United States, Britain, Australia and New Zealand in slamming the national security law imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong last June. The law bans acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and interference by foreign forces in the city’s affairs.
Amid strained relations with Beijing, Ottawa launched a three-year work permit programme this month and will provide details of two more immigration schemes later this year.