Asylum Seekers as Symbols of Hong Kong’s Non-Chineseness

Abstract

This article discusses the situation of asylum seekers in Hong Kong and how it has changed in recent years. Hong Kong treats asylum seekers relatively well compared to some other societies, but at the same time, the chance of being accepted as a refugee is virtually zero. Although it is illegal for asylum seekers to work, it is virtually impossible for them not to work given the miniscule government support they receive. Amidst government neglect, asylum seekers have emerged as heroes among some Hong Kong young people after the Umbrella Movement. Whereas in years past, asylum seekers were generally ignored or looked down upon by Hongkongers, among some youth today, asylum seekers have emerged as symbols of Hong Kong's non-Chineseness.

Historical and Modern Catalysts of the HK Refugee Dilemma

“…With these ideological changes finding young people fighting for their independence, professor Gordon Mathews notes a distinct cleavage in ideology that has seemed to form. Within his interviews with local Asylum seekers, some speaking profusely about racism while some detail the conversations they've had with local students, Mathews saw a generational divide, with "younger people more accepting of different ethnicities than their elders" [8]. Considering the elders' unique experience regarding Hong Kong's earlier history with refugees, this certainly makes sense.…”

“…This presents a drastically different perception of refugees to the historical norm. However, it seems to underline a bias behind the young people's positive attitude -refugees are still being presented as devices to further the Hong Kongers' cause [8].…”

The Hong Kong protests in anthropological perspective: National identity and what it means

“…“We need people like you in Hong Kong!” Then a mainland Chinese student attending the class asked, “Can I be a Hongkonger?” The activist frowned and refused to answer. The activist was reversing the Hong Kong government’s emphasis on Chineseness, to say that anyone in the world can become a Hongkonger except for mainland Chinese (see Mathews, 2018).…”