'Taiwanese Concerned About Influx Of Hongkongers'

Immigration authorities in Taiwan say there’s been an almost 90 percent surge in Hong Kong people migrating to the island, and some are now concerned that resources and jobs on the island may be depleted.

In the first six months of this year, 3,883 Hong Kongers moved to Taiwan – a big leap from the 2,069 people who did the same in the same period last year.

This influx of Hong Kong people is apparently beginning to cause concerns that there may be “fake migrants” coming from the mainland, which can threaten social and political stability on the island.

The latest survey conducted by the pro-government Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation has found that up to 50 percent of Taiwan people oppose to letting in a large number of people from the SAR.

Many of them say they're worried that “fake Hongkongers” may move to the island and “infiltrate the society”, adding that the government won’t be able to tackle them until they actually violate the anti-infiltration act.

Harlan, a young Hongkonger who moved to Taiwan earlier this year due to the extradition protests, told RTHK that while Taiwanese are generally welcoming and supportive, he could feel that some of them are beginning to resent a large number of newcomers.

He said they have expressed worries that there’ll be vigorous competition for local resources, such as university places, jobs and social welfare.

Another Hong Kong man who moved to the island with his family last Christmas, Chow, also said he’s encountered difficulties looking for jobs.

Academics say while it is a good thing for the Taiwanese government to support the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong and provide refuge for protesters, it is important that immigration authorities adopt a more cautious approach when verifying the applicants’ identities and true intent.