Joint Letter from 11 British Hong Kong Groups in Support of Ukrainian Refugees

March 9, 2022

The Rt Hon Priti Patel MP

Secretary of State for the Home Department

Dear Home Secretary,

We are Hong Kongers and Hong Kong organisations in the UK.

Escalating violence and hostilities by the Russian military has led to an escalating humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries. In less than two weeks after the start of the Russian invasion, two million Ukrainian refugees have fled the country and countless others have been displaced, according to the United Nations.

Britain must immediately respond to protect and accommodate those displaced and forced to flee by the relentless Russian bombardment against civilian targets and regions.

Three decades ago, Britain provided safe refuge to thousands from the Balkans amidst an inter-ethnic genocide that claimed more than 250,000 lives through an evacuation programme that enabled them to resettle in the UK.

More recently, Britain acted on its commitment to safeguarding the autonomy and freedoms of Hong Kongers under the Sino-British Joint Declaration by launching the BNO visa scheme - opening the door to 300,000 to 500,000 Hong Kongers fleeing political repression.

We believe the UK government must now, as a co-signatory of the Budapest Memorandum, step up to follow the lead of the European Union, Canada, and others in responding to the current humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine and grant Ukrainians safe passage. 

The Ukraine Family scheme to extend entry visas to family members of Ukrainians already in the UK and the proposed humanitarian scheme to allow individuals and organisations to sponsor Ukrainians without family ties are positive steps. However, more must be done. 

We urge the government to immediately implement visa waivers for all Ukrainians seeking refuge in the UK and grant them a leave of at least 36 months and the ability to work and access public funds.

Hong Kongers in the UK understand first-hand how critical lifeboat policies are in the face of atrocities, repression, and conflict. We urge the British government to uphold its long tradition of helping those fleeing war and oppression. 

Yours sincerely,

The Campaign for Hong Kong

Hongkongers in Britain (HKB)

Sutton Hongkongers

Hackney Chinese Community Service

Hong Kong Aid

Democracy for Hong Kong (D4HK)

Hong Kong Assistance and Resettlement Community (HKARC)

Fight For Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong (SWHK)

Hong Kong Business Hub

Hong Kong Umbrella Community 

The Mingle

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