Migration News: Confusion, confusion! Are all "migrants" "immigrants"?
In May, the British government announced the migration data for 2022, in which it was pointed out that the net migrant numbers in 2022 exceeded 600,000. Are these people all new "immigrants" to the UK?
In the Chinese language context, we usually think of "migrants" as people who move to a new country and plan to stay there in the future. However, in the English context, "migrants" can include people who have moved to another place to improve their lives (including for economic or political reasons), or they may be people who only live in the country for a short time on work (235,000) or student (361,000) visas. And then of course, this category also includes Ukrainians (114,000) and BN(O) Hong Kongers (52,000) who came to the UK with other visas.
The UK government data also includes refugees (6,000) and people seeking asylum (76,000) who were forced to leave their countries because of war, persecution or natural disasters. In fact, refugees and asylum seekers are one type of migrant and are forced to flee their home country and cannot safely and freely return.
Apart from us Hongkongers, among this group of migrants, Ukrainians and other refugees and asylum seekers from Afghanistan, Syria and many more war-torn countries are in particular need of support. After witnessing the destruction of their homes and the death of loved ones, facing family separations and the risk of death on the way, and then the prolonged uncertainty of their future after arriving in an unfamiliar land, these can be traumatising for those undergoing all these. In addition to needing to get their refugee claims decided by the Home Office quickly, they also need practical and emotional support from the local community.
In this long journey of migration, we are all fellow travellers. While needs may vary, everyone needs the welcome and support of the local communities. One of the services of Welcome Churches is to connect and refer immigrants, refugees and people seeking asylum to local churches, so that they can be supported by new friendships while starting a new life here. Welcome Churches also provides training to make church and group volunteers more aware of the needs of migrants, and equip local communities to be better welcomers. Please support the work of Welcome Churches so that more people from Hong Kong, as well as those from different countries, can receive support from the local communities.
