Canada Opening Arms Wider

Canada becoming the favoured destination over the UK

Canada is becoming more enticing for Hongkongers now that it has extended the special work permit that can fast track them to permanent residency that was supposed to expire on February 7 by two years.

Those who graduate from eligible post-secondary educational institutions in the past 10 years -- previously it was five -- will be able to get a three-year open work permit that will allow them to apply for permanent residency.

Fraser welcomes more people from Hong Kong

"Expanding the open work permit program from my perspective is a win-win, as it gives Hong Kong residents more opportunity to gain work experience here in Canada, but it also allows us to support the Canadian economy by bringing workers at a time when they're needed most," said Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship on Monday.

The open work permit allows eligible graduates to apply without securing a job first, and spouses and dependents of permit holders can also move to Canada.

Thos with an open work permit must work full-time for at least a year, or accumulate 1,560 hours of employment to qualify for permanent residency.

The scheme, which was introduced in 2021 was extended until February 2025.

Since the launch of the scheme until October last year, nearly 17,400 open work permits or extensions were issued to Hongkongers.

Vast majority are young people in their 20s

Young people were the majority, with 72 percent in their 20s, 20 percent in their 30s, and 6 percent in their 40s. Only 1 percent are over 50 or under 20.

So the steady stream of Hongkongers fleeing further repression and gaslighting may increase in the coming months and years as Canada welcomes these people with open arms.