Why is Australia offering visas to some Hongkongers? Who will be eligible? What are the politics of the move?
Australia has granted thousands of Hong Kong students and workers already in Australia extensions to their visas and begun actively recruiting skilled migrants from the global financial hub. The decision, which follows more than a month of preparation by the federal government, is as much about symbolism as it is economic opportunity.
Protesters have been warned they may be in breach of national security laws for raising blank pieces of paper, as this demonstrator did on June 6.Hong Kong has historically maintained a semi-autonomous status since it was handed over to China in 1997 but its residents now face life in prison for undermining the Chinese state or participating in the pro-independence movement. Schools, universities and the media are being told to promote national security education.
The Opposition wants the government to go further and offer more humanitarian places directly to Hong Kong residents still in the territory and guarantee that no Hongkonger will be involuntarily deported from Australia. "Its the first time in a long time we are starting to see some really substantial curiosity," he said.
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