Since 2021, over 180,000 individuals from Hong Kong have sought refuge in the UK under a special visa program due to political crackdowns in their home country. Unlike many immigrants, Hong Kongers come to Britain with the valuable right to vote. This influx of immigrants has brought a unique perspective to the upcoming UK general election, with many Hong Kongers eager to exercise their newfound democratic rights.
Richard Wong, a 25-year-old who relocated from Hong Kong to the UK two years ago, expressed his mixed feelings about participating in a free election. He described the irony of now being able to enjoy the democracy he once fought for, while his friends back home are unable to do so. Wong’s involvement as a volunteer for a Labour party candidate highlights the deep connection many Hong Kong immigrants feel towards their new home and the political processes it offers.
The situation in Hong Kong, following the controversial security law passed by lawmakers, has led to a mass exodus of residents seeking safety and freedom in the UK. The special visa program introduced to accommodate these individuals has provided them with a platform to engage in the democratic process of the UK, a right they were deprived of in their homeland.
As the UK gears up for its national election, Hong Kong immigrants like Carmen Lau are actively involved in encouraging their community to participate in the electoral process. Lau, who was previously a district councillor in Hong Kong before moving to the UK, understands the power of votes and advocates for the utilization of this power by Hong Kong immigrants in the UK.
However, despite the opportunities presented by their new home, some Hong Kongers still harbor fears of Chinese influence and potential repercussions for their families back in Hong Kong. The tension between Britain and China has only heightened these concerns, with accusations of intimidation and spying activities further fueling apprehensions among the Hong Kong community in the UK.
Many Hong Kong immigrants attending cultural events in the UK choose to remain anonymous, wearing masks and avoiding cameras, out of fear that their identities could be exposed and their families targeted in Hong Kong. This atmosphere of caution underscores the lingering anxiety and unease faced by Hong Kongers, even in their adopted country.
The right to vote holds immense value for Hong Kong immigrants in the UK, symbolizing their newfound freedom and ability to participate in shaping the political landscape of their new home. Despite the challenges and uncertainties they face, the Hong Kong community in the UK remains resilient and determined to make their voices heard through democratic means.