Set up a detention camp in Hong Kong to deal quickly with asylum seekers
Mike Rowse says the growing numbers coming to Hong Kong make it clear the current system of handling claims is untenable, and there must be a way to weed out economic migrants
The trickle of illegal immigrants into Hong Kong is turning into a stream. It will soon become a flood which overwhelms us unless the government takes resolute action now to control the situation.
Let’s get some facts on the table. There are now over 11,000 asylum seekers in our city, and the number is growing. The lead time for assessing their claims for refugee status is over two years and getting longer. It is obvious that only a small number are genuine refugees; the majority are would-be economic migrants in search of a better life. There are several aspects of our present policies and procedures that aggravate the situation rather than mitigate it.
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We also need to face some other facts. We are a modern, wealthy city with a reasonable standard of living and practically zero unemployment. There are literally millions of people who would like to come and live here. At the same time, we are a responsible member of the international community and could not in good conscience turn away people with a well-founded fear of persecution.
In other words, we are an inviting target and people who come here know they will be treated in a civilised way. For many, the temptation is proving too strong, and the people smugglers are having a field day.
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What can we do about it? Step one, we should take all new arrivals into custody, and detain them in a camp while their claims are assessed speedily and thoroughly. The present policy of releasing them all on recognisance and paying them a small monthly allowance is not working. It practically invites them to take up illegal employment where they are vulnerable to exploitation, or pushes them into criminal behaviour, which adversely affects the community.
