The federal cabinet is considering a plan to provide safe access to Australia for Hong Kong nationals fleeing their country following sweeping new national security laws imposed by China.
The government was reportedly favouring using the skilled migrant visa program to resettle Hong Kong citizens rather than a safe haven visa to slow the intake due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer backed the move saying he was “hopeful” that Hong Kong would be able to maintain its independence from Beijing but “China has become a great deal more aggressive in the last couple of years”. Image: Getty
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Australia set to offer safe haven visas to Hong KongAustralia is set to offer safe-haven visas to Hong Kong residents as the Chinese territory is consumed by another wave of protests and arrests.
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Australia set to offer safe haven visas to Hong KongAustralia is set to offer safe-haven visas to Hong Kong residents as the Chinese territory is consumed by another wave of protests and arrests.
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Hong Kong ruled by a 'climate of fear' | Sky News AustraliaCNN reporter Kristie Lu Stout says Hong Kong is possessed by a “climate of fear” after China imposed sweeping new national security laws. \n\nNearly 400 Hong Kong residents were arrested by police for protesting controversial new laws which criminalise secession, subversion of state power, terrorism and conspiring with foreign powers.\n\nPeople found breaking the laws could face a lifetime in prison and applied to everyone, including people who were not permanent Hong Kong residents. \n\nMs Stout told Sky News Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam described the laws as “designed not to punish but to deter people from committing serious crimes”.\n\n“It’s doing just that,” Ms Stout said. \n\n“It’s creating a chilling effect and its really preventing a lot of people who would normally protest last year… from going out.\n\n“We’re seeing this drawback in support in the virtual world – we’re also seeing it in the real world.” \n\nImage: AP
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Australia may offer Hong Kong residents safe haven from China: PMScott Morrison says his government is considering an offer of safe haven to Hong Kong residents threatened by China's move to impose a tough national security law. 9News
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China warns it will 'forcefully resist' US interference in Hong Kong | Sky News AustraliaThe US Senate has passed legislation to penalise banks doing business with Chinese officials who implement Beijing's new national security law on Hong Kong. \n\nThe Bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and will impose sanctions on entities that help violate Hong Kong's autonomy. \n\nChina responded to the legislation, warning the US should stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, warning it would 'resolutely and forcefully resist' the laws. \n\nImage: AP
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