DDHK.ORG - Since 2018, there have been more than 10 thousand asylum seekers in Hong Kong. Of that number, only 279 people were successfully approved for refugee or refugee status.
This was conveyed by Jeff Anderson, Social Worker Center for Refugee (CFR) or Christian Action Service Center for Refugees, during the Zoom Online Discussion themed Migrant Workers and Paper Holders, which was held online by Center for Migrant Domestic Workers Christian Action, Sunday, February 21, 2021, then. On that occasion, Jeff was accompanied by Tania Sim, Center in Charge Center for Migrant Domestic Workers Christian Action, as moderator.
“Many Indonesians have applied for asylum or applied for refugee status in Hong Kong. But in fact, for 12 years I worked as a social worker to serve refugees, only 2 people accepted, "said Jeff.
The first ethnic minority social worker in Hong Kong who worked at CFR Christian Action explained about asylum seekers or asylum seekers and refugees or refugees, who are commonly known among Indonesian migrant workers as “paper people”. Through his presentation material, Jeff explained who a refugee is. Namely, someone who is outside their country of origin due to reasonable fears of persecution because of race, religion and nationality, as well as membership in certain social groups and political parties; cannot return to their homes without risk of serious violations of their human rights, including torture or even death.
"So what is called a refugee is not limited to people holding recognized papers. If a person has this excuse and feels physically threatened by persecution, he or she can seek asylum. But he must be able to prove the case (his claim), "said Jeff.
Long process up to years
The process of applying to become refugees recognized by the United Nations is not easy. It takes a long time, can be months to years.
At the very least, someone who wants to be recognized as a refugee goes through the process of coming to Hong Kong, detention, and registration for the Unified Screening Mechanism Process (USM) or the integrated assessment mechanism process. "Unless you have a really strong case basis, you can immediately be declared a refugee. Many cases, were rejected. Others, after years of process, were approved. Many cases, they died in Hong Kong, while funeral costs are expensive, ”said Jeff.
If their status as refugees has been approved, then the UN will send them to the country receiving asylum. What should be known, Hong Kong is not a country that signed the convention on refugees, so it cannot accept asylum applications. This means that asylum seekers will never be able to get HKID and work visas, forever.
“Even if you have a child born in Hong Kong, your child will still not get HKID. The birth certificate says: “No Status” or “Without Status”. Many cases of foreign domestic workers from Indonesia, the Philippines, or other countries who have children as a result of their relationship with asylum seekers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and others, pity the child, do not have citizenship status, "he said.
In some cases, once a person is a refugee, no country will accept it. Finally, Hong Kong Immigration asked him to wait for conditions in his home country to improve and then return to his home country. "Our clients, some have to wait up to 15 years in Hong Kong without getting certainty," said Jeff.
Facilities and Benefits
There are several facilities and benefits provided by the Hong Kong Government to refugees and asylum seekers. Some of the benefits are provided through the International Social Services (ISS) agency.
First, treatment at a local hospital for emergency care. "But you must first meet a social worker at the hospital to get a fee waiver," said Jeff.
Second, attend local schools for children aged 18 years and under. If giving birth in Hong Kong, the child will not get the right to resident status. They can go to school, but not all school needs are covered by the government, such as uniforms and stationery.
Third, an accommodation allowance of HK $ 1,500 per adult and HK $ 750 per child. This allowance is given directly to the home owner.
Fourth, a cash allowance of HK $ 300 to pay for water and electricity, which is paid directly to the home owner. Meanwhile, the use of gas must be accompanied by a receipt.
"As we all know, it is very difficult to find a place to live with such a small rental fee in Hong Kong. Finally, many asylum seekers live in less livable places," said Jeff.
Fifth, shopping coupon allowance of HK $ 1,200 for basic necessities from Park n Shop. "This is a very minimal amount to make ends meet in Hong Kong," he said.
Sixth, an average cash allowance of HK $ 200 for travel / transportation.
"And, as a refugee or asylum seeker, you are not allowed to work or become voluntary workers. If they violate and are caught, they can be jailed for up to 2 years, ”said Jeff.
2 choices
According to Jeff, if someone is in a situation that has volunteered as an asylum seeker and has not received certainty, there are two options that can be taken. First, returning to the Hong Kong Immigration office, stating that they want to return to their home country.
“But Immigration needs time to process it. Our office can contact IOM (International Organization for Migration) to be able to provide ticket money and travel expenses, ”said Jeff.
Second, if you really have a serious problem in your home country, you can come to the Center for Refugee (CFR) office for consultation and get assistance. CFR is a department under Christian Action serving refugees in Hong Kong. "But remember, you must have a strong case basis," said Jeff. [DDHK News]
