Coronavirus: left out of Hong Kong relief packages, asylum seekers struggle with higher food prices, lack of masks
- Unable to stretch monthly welfare aid, some need emergency supplies, help from charities simply to eat
- NGOs working with refugees, asylum seekers say they should be included in government assistance schemes
When Zima did her weekly grocery shopping in March, she was shocked by the prices.
“A package of chicken that used to cost HK$39 (US$5) was HK$50,” she recalled. A litre of milk went up from HK$35 to HK$49, and the tomatoes she used to pay HK$8 for were now HK$12.
She worried her family of three might not have enough to eat for the month, because they would run out of money.
The 32-year-old fled Pakistan in 2015 together with her husband and son, claiming religious persecution as members of the minority Ahmadiyya Muslim sect.
While their cases are processed and go through the courts – which can take several years – asylum seekers receive monthly stipends from the Hong Kong government, including HK$1,500 (US$194) for rent and a HK$1,200 food allowance in the form of a prepaid supermarket card. The only cash given to them is HK$200 per person for monthly transport.