HONG KONG (SE): In response to the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, to be celebrated on September 29 under the theme “God walks with his people,” a pastoral care group is launching a series of activities dedicated to supporting asylum seekers and refugees. The aim is to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for this marginalised community.
Formed in November 2023 following the first session of the synod of bishops themed “Communion, Participation and Mission,” the group is part of the Diocese of Hong Kong’s commitment to synodality. The initiative seeks to extend the Church’s care to asylum seekers and refugees, demonstrating God’s love through tangible support.
Led by Good Shepherd Sister Cora Demetillo, the group comprises representatives from various Church and charity organisations, including MercyHK Centre, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, missionaries from the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions [PIME], the Maryknoll Sisters, the Indonesian chaplaincy and Peduli Kasih Hong Kong.
Their mission is to raise awareness about the challenges faced by asylum seekers and refugees, dispel misconceptions, and advocate for their inclusion and contributions to society.
Throughout September, group members will speak at Masses in different parishes to inform congregations about the plight of asylum seekers and refugees in Hong Kong.
Second collection for the cause of the migrants
On September 29, the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, there will be a second collection at all public Masses to help fund various needs such as education, value formation, and medical assistance for asylum seekers and refugees.
So there is a lot of work to do, but they really need it. They are the ones who are excluded. Our Church, in synodality, includes them in our services. It is a big task, but they deserve it,
Sister Demetillo
Sister Demetillo highlighted the considerable challenges experienced by asylum seekers and refugees in Hong Kong, such as limited financial assistance, restricted access to education and healthcare, and few resettlement opportunities.
The group aims to provide financial assistance, educational support, and resources, and create a central database to coordinate efforts for refugees and asylum seekers.
“So there is a lot of work to do, but they really need it. They are the ones who are excluded. Our Church, in synodality, includes them in our services. It is a big task, but they deserve it,” Sister Demetillo stressed, expressing gratitude for the positive response and support from Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J.
The group works closely with the Diocesan Commission for Pastoral Services to Migrant Workers. On October 11, they will be joining migrant communities to organise a celebration for migrants and refugees’ day at Christ the King Chapel, Causeway Bay. The event will include a Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, ofm, and will be attended by around 200 refugees, families of asylum seekers, and 500 others. Following the Mass, there will be a “shared joy” session with songs, dances, and games to promote a sense of community and inclusivity.
Father Franco Mella, a long-time advocate for refugees, emphasised that they bring valuable experiences, cultures, and languages to Hong Kong. He noted that they could integrate into society by teaching the languages of their home countries.
However, refugees in Hong Kong face significant challenges, including limited financial support from the government and restrictions on their ability to work, leading to increased reliance on non-government organisations for support.
Father Mella also expressed concern about the conditions of refugees in detention centres and the difficulty in accessing information about detained individuals. He called for greater transparency from the Immigration Department regarding the status and treatment of detainees.
In a bid to foster community integration and cultural exchange, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul organised the “Kitchen for Friends” programme in May and June [Sunday Examiner, June 23].
The initiative invited asylum seekers and refugees to share cuisine from their home countries. The gatherings featured people from Indonesia, Yemen, and Sri Lanka, who prepared traditional dishes and shared their stories, offering a glimpse into their lives and cultures in Hong Kong.
During a gathering on June 15, a 22-year-old Sri Lankan woman, who grew up in an asylum seeker’s family in Hong Kong, shared her struggles in finding a university that would accept her and the challenges she faced while applying for volunteer internships with various organisations.
Maurice Yeung Kwok-leung, convener of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Refugee Services Group, said he is happy to see the refugee families regain their pride and dignity. “We embrace them while accompanying them in their journey as one family,” he said.
As at the end of October 2023, there were approximately 14,700 asylum seekers in Hong Kong, primarily from South and Southeast Asia, with others coming from Africa, the Middle East, and various parts of the world.
