Canada's decision to extend and expand the open work permit program for Hong Kong residents will help local communities and the economy in Canada, according to a Richmond city councillor.
The federal government announced on Monday that Hong Kong residents who graduated from a post-secondary institution in Canada or abroad within the past 10 years are now eligible to apply for Canada's open work permit program until Feb. 7, 2025.
Previously, the program only allowed Hong Kongers who graduated within five years from an international post-secondary institution to apply.
Those who apply for Canada's open work permit program can pursue a career and gain work experience in Canada for up to three years.
Coun. Chak Au told the Richmond News that the extension of the program will allow more "skilled and talented" people from Hong Kong to join local communities throughout Canada.
"We know that the people who are applying for this work permit are trained and talented. They could be a very good supply of additional workforce for our society, for our community and for our economy," he said.
Au said the program has been "well-received in the past few years" and expects to receive more positive responses from those from Hong Kong who are qualified.
"(The program) is a way to extend opportunities for the Hong Kong people who wanted to move out of the city and wanted to have some kind of new life elsewhere," said Au.
"And for those who have been struggling with whether or not they should leave, I think this extension will give them more time and opportunity to apply."
The implementation of the new National Security Law in Hong Kong, Au added, had many people considering whether to move abroad or not.
"I think this is something very important to the people of Hong Kong, so with Canada continuing to open up our doors for these people, it's good for everyone.
"It's good for both the local economies ... and for the Hong Kong people to choose another way of life."
The federal government also established two ways for Hong Kong applicants to apply for permanent residency for themselves and their families, reads a Government of Canada media statement.
Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said in the media statement that Canada will continue to stand up and support the people of Hong Kong.
"By extending and expanding Canada’s open work permits for Hong Kongers, we are giving Canadian employers more skilled workers to hire at a time when we need them most and providing valuable work experience, all while also showing our support for the people of Hong Kong," said Fraser.
