First Hong Kong Exile in Taiwan Granted Residency – Hopes to Rename Himself "Rebirth" After Becoming a Taiwanese Citizen

In June 2023, several Hong Kong exiles in Taiwan sang Glory to Hong Kong outside Taipei Main Station. (Screenshot/New Tang Dynasty Television)

[People News] The 2019 "Anti-Extradition Law Movement" led to a mass exodus of Hong Kongers seeking asylum in various countries. According to exclusive information obtained by Radio Free Asia, the first Hong Kong exile who applied for Taiwan's special residency program (asylum application) was officially granted residency on Friday (March 14). This means he can now proceed to apply for naturalization and obtain a Taiwanese ID, officially becoming a Taiwanese citizen. In an interview with Radio Free Asia, he described the experience as "more incredible than a dream." After acquiring his new identity, the first thing he wishes to do is change his name—symbolizing his "rebirth."

"After five years in exile, I am finally about to become a Taiwanese citizen," said Hong Kong activist Ah-Kam.

Ah-Kam (real name: Hou Zhongyu) fled to Taiwan five and a half years ago after being arrested in Hong Kong. This January, he submitted his application for residency at the Taipei Immigration Office, becoming the first Hong Kong exile to apply for permanent residency under Taiwan's special project program. (Note: Taiwan does not have specific political asylum laws; such cases are handled through "special project" approvals.) On the day he applied, he was filled with uncertainty, considering the policy almost a "joke."

However, two months later, on March 14, he was officially granted residency.

"I don’t feel particularly happy or unhappy—it just feels surreal that I actually got approved. When we first arrived in Taiwan, we had nothing and had to start from scratch. We had no hope in this special residency program. There was no precedent for this process, and as the first applicant, I honestly didn’t have much confidence in Taiwan handling the situation. Sometimes, Taiwanese news even suggested that Hong Kongers could be a national security risk. But today, having received approval, I believe Taiwan truly stands in solidarity with Hong Kongers. This is more incredible than a dream—something I wouldn’t have even dared to dream of before."

— Ah-Kam, Hong Kong exile

Even if He Becomes a Taiwanese, A Jin's Identity as a Hongkonger Remains Unchanged

After being granted residency, A Jin's next step is to apply for citizenship, as well as a Taiwanese ID card and passport. If everything goes smoothly, he should be able to obtain his identity without issues. A Jin has expressed that his primary desire is to change his name.

It feels like a rebirth. Using my original name could lead to complications, such as when renting a place or applying for jobs. If people Google you and discover some troublesome issues, they will likely reject you.

— A Jin, exiled Hongkonger

Even if he becomes a Taiwanese, A Jin believes that his identity as a Hongkonger will never change. What he gains is a sense of responsibility as a Taiwanese citizen: "What does it mean to be responsible as a Taiwanese? For instance, to resist the invasion from China (the CCP)." A Jin participates in civil defense training organized by Taiwanese civilians and occasionally practices martial arts with other Hongkongers in Taiwan.

In recent years, the various forms of invasion from China (the CCP) have awakened many Taiwanese people. As a Hongkonger, I feel that Taiwan cannot be peaceful. The neighboring country is constantly thinking about how to unify with you (Taiwan). I want to raise awareness in civic groups about the significant harm that the Chinese (the CCP) or its affiliated Kuomintang can inflict on the Taiwanese people, and not to take this lightly.

— A Jin, exiled Hongkonger

Successful Examples May Provide Reassurance to Exiles Who are Still Waiting

While A Jin (阿金) has successfully secured residency, the journey through this project has not been straightforward. The initial group of exiled protesters who fled to Taiwan could only rely on non-governmental organizations for assistance at first. It wasn't until 2020 that the 'Taiwan-Hong Kong Service Exchange Office', organized by the Taiwan government, was established, which began to systematize humanitarian aid projects. However, the details of this initiative remain undisclosed, and it also faces challenges such as changes in government, leaving exiles feeling uncertain. Even after entering the program, the authorities have not publicly clarified how they can achieve long-term residency in Taiwan. By 2022, although clearer pathways for applying for residency began to emerge, these were also not formally announced, causing many early protesters to worry about potential changes and ultimately decide to abandon Taiwan in favor of seeking asylum in other countries.

Currently, there are successful cases that may offer reassurance to other exiles still waiting.

Radio Free Asia confirmed over two years ago that Hong Kong protesters who successfully received project approval can apply for residency in Taiwan after five years from the date of approval, provided they earn at least 1.5 times the minimum wage and stay in Taiwan for a minimum of 183 days each year.

According to Radio Free Asia, the number of individuals eligible to apply for residency in this first batch is only in the single digits, and it is anticipated that the next group of protesters eligible to apply for residency will not be until March.

(Adapted from Radio Free Asia)