The Hong Kong protests ended abruptly in June 2020, with the implementation of the National Security Law. Many former Hong Kong protesters fled the city to seek refuge abroad, many of whom were persecuted for their actions during the protests. Ms. Lilian is one of them.
It was a difficult decision to leave the city she loves so much. Like her fellow protesters, she would never have wanted to leave Hong Kong if she had a choice. But she had to leave for her safety and future, to escape the CCP.
At first, she was a little confused about where to go. Then she heard from friends that Canada was a good country and that it seemed relatively easy to obtain refugee status.
A Bumpy Ride
However, the application process proved to be lengthy for Ms. Lilian. Unlike many of her peers, Ms. Lilian experienced one setback after another as she went through the process.First, it took Ms. Lilian six months to submit her application due to errors beyond her control.
Ms. Lilian left Hong Kong in a hurry, did not bring much cash or possessions with her, and six months was a long time for her to live on her limited savings.
After submitting her application, she had no idea how long it would take to hear from immigration. All she could do was wait. At times, she became discouraged and disappointed.
In the meantime, she could not work legally, her money was running out, and people around her wondered why she was not getting a job. She did not want people to know she had no work permit.
This made her first few months in Canada very stressful.
When it was finally time for her interview with immigration, Ms. Lilian missed it for unforeseen reasons.
Then her second attempt didn’t go smoothly either.
She contacted her member of parliament in her riding and asked for help, but was told there was not much they could do about her case.
Ms. Lilian finally saw a silver lining when someone gave her the contact information for the Canadian refugee department. Two days later, she got a reply with a date for her hearing, which was a few months away.
At the hearing, the judge approved her application on the spot; she was then a protected refugee in Canada.
Almost 12 months after her application, Ms. Lilian finally received her work permit.
Never Give up; Keep Trying
Meanwhile, some of Ms. Lilian’s fellow protesters have had their applications rejected. Ms. Lilian has words of encouragement for them, “Never give up. Keep trying.”Some of her colleagues may have been perceived as “violent” because of their “criminal records,” she thought. She encouraged them to appeal their cases and help the Canadian government understand their situation.
Although some countries, such as Canada, offer lifeboat programs to people from Hong Kong, things like financial resources and education can hold one back.
Ms. Lilian could not meet the eligibility requirements for either the Stream A or Stream B program offered by the Canadian government.
Hong Kong Is Not the Same Anymore
With the National Security Law implemented, Hong Kong citizens are encouraged to inform and report on the opposition.Authorities have set up several hotlines for citizens to report “cyber crimes,” such as someone speaking out against the government or police online.
Anything a Hong Konger says online or offline can be considered a crime, subversion, or sedition if the government considers it “endangering national security.”
Hong Kong is becoming a difficult place to live in for many people. Many Hongkongers, especially the young and educated, are voting with their feet and leaving the city and their comfortable lives behind.
Will Continue to Fight For Freedom
When asked if she regrets her involvement in the anti-extradition bill protests, Ms. Lilian said she would have done it again. She might have been more careful to avoid being arrested and be able to stay in Hong Kong to continue her fight for freedom.The hardest part for her is not being able to return to Hong Kong, at least for now.
It has been four years since Ms. Lilian participated in the anti-extradition bill protests and more than a year since her arrival in Canada. Ms. Lilian is happy to be living in Canada. She said, “Being in Canada is life. There is no life in Hong Kong. Only survival.”
For example, she could not wear black without attracting the attention of the authorities in Hong Kong.
In Canada, Ms. Lilian no longer lives with the fear that she is under surveillance.
But her determination to fight for Hong Kong’s freedom will never change. She also believes that Hongkongers in Canada who were freedom fighters in Hong Kong will continue to fight for Hong Kong no matter where they are.
She said to fellow Hongkongers who have just arrived in their new country, “Contribute to the Canadian society, do not rely on government handouts.”
Life in Canada
Since Ms. Lilian came to Canada, she has done a lot of volunteer work for the community. She feels that she should do something for Hong Kongers every day.Through her perseverance, Ms. Lilian has successfully integrated into the local community. She said she was fortunate to have met many like-minded Hongkongers from all walks of life.
Ms. Lilian is also grateful for the help and guidance she has received from established Hongkongers. She wants to do her part to help Hongkongers and connect with Hongkongers in Canada.
At the same time, Ms. Lilian is working hard to understand Canadian culture and community issues as she settles down in Canada.
Ms. Lilian wants to remind her fellow Hong Kong protesters who feel alone and isolated, “We are using this time to create hope so we can move forward.”
She adds that Hong Kong people in Canada have been given a chance for a new life with endless opportunities. “I hope everyone will do their best to strengthen the culture of Hongkongers in Canada and become part of the diverse community in Canada.”
