During the 2019 anti-extradition bill protests, nearly five hundred independent labour unions were formed, giving rise to the New Labour Movement and playing a significant role in the greater 2019 pro-democracy movement. Calvin Wong established the Government Non-Civil Service Staff General Union during the movement.
Unfortunately, Calvin was compelled to disband the union after the Hong Kong government enacted the national security law and required non-civil service contract employees to make loyalty declarations, combined with smear campaigns by pro-Beijing media. He eventually relocated to Canada. While adjusting to his new life in Canada, Calvin remains committed to his purpose, actively participating in Hong Kong community organisations in Canada and advocating for the Hong Kong democracy movement. He recently organised a petition urging the local immigration authorities to expedite the processing of permanent residency applications for Hong Kongers.
Over Half of Hongkongers’ Residency Applications Delayed
Following the UK and Taiwan, Canada has become one of the top destinations for Hongkongers looking to emigrate. Since the Canadian government launched the so-called “Lifeboat Immigration Scheme” in 2021, which allows Hongkongers to enter for study or job, tens of thousands of Hongkongers have relocated. However, in recent months, there has been a considerable backlog in the processing of permanent residency applications for Hongkongers. According to media reports, Canada’s Federal Immigration Department stated that from the official launch of the “Lifeboat Immigration Scheme” in June 2021 to the end of February 2024, a total of 16,500 permanent residency applications had been submitted through the scheme, with 7,283 approved, indicating that about half of the applications are still pending processing.
Calvin said: “Many Hongkongers awaiting permanent residency applications have had their work visas expire, forcing them to remain in Canada under a transitional status. They have trouble finding jobs. In some provinces, such as Alberta, people may also lose access to healthcare.”
He pointed out that the delay has resulted in some Hongkongers losing their healthcare benefits. Furthermore, some applicants’ work visa applications have been denied due to administrative errors by the immigration department, resulting in the loss of legal residency status and the status of staying as visitors without the right to work. He underlined that these were not isolated incidents. He also stated that the delays in permanent residency applications have left Hongkongers feeling insecure.
Campaign to Ease Canada’s Immigration Rules for Hong Kongers
As a result, he organised a petition in May, bringing together Hong Koners from the “Hongkongers Lifeboat Backlog Group 2023” and another Hongkongers organisation in Canada. Over 400 Hongkongers who relocated to Canada under the “Lifeboat Immigration Scheme” and are awaiting the results of their permanent residency applications petitioned the Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Department in Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa. They are demanding that authorities improve immigration targets, process 2023 permanent residency applications within two months, and award permanent residency status to qualifying applicants within six and a half months after receiving their applications.
Calvin said: “Whether it is Hongkongers or immigrants from other countries such as Ukraine or Afghanistan, many are abandoning their homes due to war or authoritarian rule. We hope that the Canadian government will uphold the plan’s original aim of assisting immigrants from Hong Kong and these other countries by expediting application processing. We’d like to settle here without having to wait endlessly.”
Calvin has already spoken out on the question of permanent residency for Hongkongers in Canada. Shortly after arriving in Canada in September 2021, he noticed that many young Hongkongers like himself, who graduated from college in 2016/17, were unable to meet the requirement of gaining one year of work experience in Canada within five years of graduation due to delays in obtaining work visas. As a result, Calvin organised the 2016/17 Grievance Group to participate in petitioning activities, demanding the immigration authorities ease the five-year requirement. After relentless lobbying, the immigration authorities decided to abolish the deadline.
When Calvin arrived in Canada, he got involved in Hong Kong Watch Canada’s youth advocacy program. This experience allowed him to better grasp the political landscape and perspectives of various political parties, connect with local Hongkongers and continue to advocate for democracy and freedom. Calvin was rarely absent from local June 4th memorial gatherings, rallies supporting the 47 activists, or the June 12th events. As he posted on the union’s social media platform: “Although the tyranny may seem unshakeable now, we must believe that one day the sky will be clear again. I hope everyone enriches themselves in the new year and does not collapse. And for those public servants who have left Hong Kong, use your strengths in your new roles, contribute to society, support Hong Kong’s democracy, and look forward to the reunion day!”