Editorial | Hong Kong should lay out the welcome mat for mainlanders
- Harassment of visitors is intolerable and city’s equality watchdog is right to propose extending anti-discrimination law to arrivals from across the border
The opening of Hong Kong’s border with the mainland was warmly welcomed after almost three years of limited travel during the pandemic. The return of mainland tourists and talent is needed to help drive the city’s economic recovery.
But as the number of arrivals from the mainland to visit, study, work and settle rebounds, it is important to ensure they are treated decently and fairly.
In the past, mainlanders have at times been subjected to abuse, harassment and discrimination. This is intolerable and reflects badly on Hong Kong.
The problem began with a surge in cross-border visitors after the introduction of individual trips in an attempt to boost the city’s economy after severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) struck in 2003.
The influx gradually led to tensions. There were protests against parallel traders in 2013 and a demonstration during which mainland shoppers in Tsim Sha Tsui were subjected to abuse the following year. The emergence of a localist movement, promoting a Hong Kong identity, exacerbated the problem.
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What was it like travelling from Hong Kong to mainland China as the border reopened?
Anti-mainland sentiment reached a peak during the civil unrest of 2019. Since then, the situation appears to have improved. The protests subsided and the localist movement has faded in the wake of a national security law passed in 2020. Meanwhile, the border closures meant visitor numbers dwindled.
