Experts predict that Taiwan will become the main support base for Hong Kong protesters involved in the pro-democracy movement that erupted more than a year ago over a now-withdrawn extradition bill.

Hundreds of Hong Kongers are believed to have fled to Taiwan over their involvement in the protests, and observers say the number is likely to rise if Beijing passes its controversial national security law for the city, which many fear will curtail the autonomy of the Special Administrative Region.

Presently, Hong Kong residents can stay in Taiwan for up to six months. If they fail to get a student or work visa after, the Mainland Affairs Council can offer three-month extensions through Article 18 of Taiwan’s Laws and Regulations Regarding Hong Kong and Macao Affairs, which offers assistance to Hong Kong residents whose liberties and safety are under immediate threat due to political reasons. There is no limit to the number of extensions that can be granted through Article 18.

Lin Chun-hung, a human rights lawyer and spokesperson for the TW-HK Legal Support — an organization founded last September amid the pro-democracy movement — told Apple Daily he estimated there to be close to 200-300 Hong Kong residents who are currently in self-exile in Taiwan. Lin said that while Hong Kongers could seek residency as well as medical care, education and training support through Article 18, the review process could be lengthy as cases were handled one by one.

With the looming national security law, Lin predicts that the number of Hong Kongers fleeing to Taiwan will increase exponentially, especially once Taiwan begins to loosen border restrictions put in place to stem the spread of COVID-19. As such, he hoped that Taiwan’s judicial branch could come up with clearer procedures and regulations to aid those seeking refuge from protest-related prosecutions.

According to one Hong Kong protester currently under self-exile in Taiwan, there are local non-government organizations that offer help, including by providing financial support to cover day-to-day expenses. Still, he says he is unable to let his guard down, lest he becomes targeted by undisclosed cross-border investigations undertaken by the Hong Kong police.

Earlier, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen proposed a rescue plan to help Hong Kongers resettle or seek shelter in Taiwan. The scheme will be led by the Mainland Affairs Council and is expected to expedite the process for Hong Kong residents to obtain visas to stay in Taiwan. Details of the scheme, however, are still yet to be announced.

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