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Australia offers safe haven amid controversial national security laws
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed Australia is actively considering offering safe haven to Hong Kong residents following the passing of controversial laws.
Naomi Neilson
In a bid to suppress dissenters, Hong Kong passed controversial national security laws which recently saw hundreds of people arrested after demonstrators took to the streets to protest. The protests, which began in June 2019, have continued to attract tensions across the globe, with over 26 countries weighing in on the human rights violations.
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Following the news that the national security law had passed, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would ensure that a path was open for the thousands of British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders in Hong Kong to seek shelter and citizenship within the UK. Beijing has accused the UK of having a “colonial mindset”.
When asked by the media if Australia would consider a similar option, Mr Morrison said there were currently plans in place to establish a safe haven.
“We are considering [it] very actively and there are proposals that I asked to be bought forward several weeks ago,” he said. “The final touches will be put on those soon and they’ll soon be considered by [cabinet] to provide similar opportunities [like in the UK].”
The Morrison government has also stressed that Hong Kong residents fearing political prosecution can apply for protection under Australia’s existing humanitarian program, but that it is still exploring alternative pathways to residency for those affected.
“We think it is very important and very consistent with who we are as people and very consistent practically with the views that we have expressed,” Mr Morrison said.
China has accused Australia of “meddling” in its affairs by issuing a joint statement on the controversial laws, along with 26 other countries. In the statement, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the “eyes of the world will remain on Hong Kong”.
“Australia is troubled by the law’s implications for Hong Kong’s judicial independence, and on the rights and the freedoms enjoyed by the people of Hong Kong, both of which underpin the city’s success,” said Ms Payne.
In response to a previous article in which the Law Council of Australia expressed their “deep concerns” for the new laws, the director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Sydney, Raymond Fan, said the clear provisions of the law would only target an “extremely small minority” and the majority of residents would be protected.
“It will not affect the legitimate rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents,” said Mr Fan. “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is confident that with the implementation of the law, the social unrest which has troubled Hong Kong people for nearly one year will be eased and stability will be restored, thereby enabling Hong Kong to start anew and focus on priorities on economic development and [livelihoods].”
