The Taiwanese government is set to announce details of a scheme to support Hongkongers who are under unprecedented threats to their freedoms because of a controversial security law imposed by Beijing.

Taiwan’s Executive Yuan Spokesperson Evian Ting confirmed to Apple Daily that the rescue plan was created in response to developing political events. He said that a special task force would be in charge of helping Hong Kong citizens resettle or seek shelter in Taiwan. At the moment, the executive branch had completed its coordination work and would begin handling individual cases. Details would be announced by the Mainland Affairs Council on June 9.

President Tsai Ing-wen has reiterated Taiwan will offer “necessary assistance” to Hongkongers looking to resettle in the island after Beijing’s National People’s Congress passed a resolution to write its version of national security legislation into Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law.

It is yet to be known when and how Hongkongers can successfully enter Taiwan given the tight restrictions put in place during the COVID-19 outbreak which bans most non-locals from entering.

At the moment, entry for Hong Kong and Macao residents has been suspended excluding for those on business trips, who are being transferred by multinational companies, or who have spouses and children who are permanent residents of Taiwan. Because of such border restrictions, Hong Kong citizens may not be able to successfully apply for the assistance plan.

Those who wish to invoke Article 18 of Taiwan's Laws and Regulations Regarding Hong Kong and Macao Affairs, which guarantees assistance to Hong Kong residents whose liberties are threatened, will only be able to do so after successfully entering Taiwan and passing a strict security screening.

It has also been revealed that the plan requires funding that the Mainland Affairs Council may not be able to adequately cover. As a result, reserve funds from the Executive Yuan may have to come into play. The plan is set to be formally included in the MAC’s budget next year.

-----------------------------
Apple Daily’s all-new English Edition is now available on mobile app. To know more : https://bit.ly/2yMMfQE

Apple Daily mobile app latest version DOWNLOAD NOW