THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION Improves the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities
by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
Ethnic Minorities in Hong Kong Policies Recommendation 1st September 2022 Prepared for: Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee Prepared by: Shalini Mahtani, Chief Executive Officer of The Zubin Foundation mummy@zubinfoundation.org Background •
By ethnic minorities we mean non-Chinese, and excluding the Whites and Mixed populations, the overall ethnic minority population comprises Hong Kong Indians, Pakistanis, Nepalis, and Filipinos.
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Many of the ethnic minorities in Hong Kong were born or grew up here. Hong Kong is their home. They are not going anywhere. Many take offence to the term “ethnic minority,” especially the youth. They prefer to be called Hong Kong people and see themselves as locals.
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Some families have been here since the late 1800’s and have contributed to Hong Kong over decades. They have been champions of industry and professions, but are also overly represented in elementary occupations.
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The ethnic minority population is growing faster than any other population in Hong Kong and this is an important talent pool for Hong Kong, which is suffering from an ageing population and a dwindling dependency ratio.
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The ethnic minority population remains the most significant affected population by poverty, particularly children. As per the 2016 Poverty Report, one-third of ethnic minority children live in poverty.
Pre-amble •
Ethnic minorities have been an important policy area since at least 2010, 2011
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The ethnic minority population has been clearly identified as an important part of Hong Kong
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Policies that have included ethnic minorities have included: o Learning Chinese support at schools o Kindergarten support o Special education needs assistance o Community integration and support o Equal opportunities awareness o Enhancing advisory and statutory bodies with ethnic minorities who
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