Hong Kong protests see sharp rise in number of residents wanting to move to Taiwan
- Island’s immigration authorities try to speed up processing of applications after seeing 45 per cent increase in June and July
- Concerns for Hong Kong’s future prompt residents to look to self-ruled democracy as a place to work or study
Taiwan is speeding up the processing of applications from Hongkongers who want to move to the island after seeing a sharp rise in requests since the start of the protests two months ago.
The island – a self-governing democracy – has been one of the most popular destinations for those looking to leave the city amid growing concerns for its future.
While President Tsai Ing-wen has called for the authorities to provide swift assistance for those seeking to relocate, immigration specialists have advised that it is better to apply through existing channels rather than seek political asylum.
According to Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency, the number of Hongkongers applying to come to the island has nearly doubled in the past 10 years, from 3,677 in 2009 to 6,556 in 2018.
In 2009, fewer than 100 people were given residency, but last year that number had risen sharply to 1,267.
As of August 11 this year, 2,027 Hongkongers had applied to live or stay in Taiwan and 1,935 of these applications had been approved – up 14.3 and 14 per cent respectively on the same period last year.
