UBC Faculty Research and Publications

Survey Study on Hong Kong Residents Recently Arrived in Canada : Second Report Yan, Miu Chung; Marshall, Sheila, 1956-; Lee, Barbara; Ng, Cherry; Ngan, Bruce

Abstract

In the First Report of this study, we outlined the general settlement and integration experience and conditions of all the 660 respondents without distinguishing their status in Canada. With different entry documents, we can roughly classify our respondents into five different groups. The first two groups were those who came to Canada via the Lifeboat Scheme; they can be study permit holders (the Stream A) (n=182), or open work permit holders (Stream B) (n=251). The third group were those who returned from Hong Kong to Canada with a Canadian passport (n=107). The fourth group were those who arrived with a permanent resident card/permit as economic or family class immigrants (n=63). Not included in the analysis, due to their small sample size and disparate pathways to enter Canada, are refugee, tourist, close work permit holders and others (n=57) Respondents of the four groups are similar in many aspects of their settlement and integration experience and conditions. A majority of respondents of each group are at a productive age, prepared for their return/arrival to Canada. While experiencing many difficulties in the settlement process and having supports mainly through informal networks and information online, they consistently showed a strong effort in expanding their social connections and participating on civic life in Canada and a positive perspective of their relationship with Canada. Despite these similarities, there are some differences among them which are largely due to the Canadian immigration policies and their status temporary vs. permanent, in Canada.

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International