“I’ve started it, and I have to do it well”

In the recent wave of emigration from Hong Kong, many families left with children and even elderly relatives. Yet among the most deeply affected by the anti-extradition movement were young students who fled abroad because of the risks they faced, or because they already had criminal records. One such person is Ah Sing, a member of Bonham Tree. Though his future in the UK remains uncertain, his work with the organisation has marked the beginning of a new chapter. Through his responsibilities, he continues to live out the passion first ignited in his hometown.

During the movement, more than 10,000 people were arrested. Over 4,000 of them were students, including Ah Sing. Compared to many others who were prosecuted, he considers himself fortunate. He was acquitted in court and released. Still, as trust in the justice system collapsed, he made the swift decision to leave the home he had lived in for more than twenty years.

Before leaving, Ah Sing sought legal advice and consulted friends. Seeing how the Department of Justice appealed cases to overturn original rulings and increase sentences, the possibility of being re-prosecuted did not seem far-fetched. He realised that leaving Hong Kong was his only viable option. Yet exile brought little relief. He had originally planned to pursue further studies in Taiwan, but due to strict pandemic border closures, he first flew to the UK. As time passed, his funds dwindled and his six-month tourist visa neared expiry. Given that Taiwan’s borders remained closed and the procedures grew increasingly complicated, eventually, he sought asylum in the UK. Looking back, he now feels somewhat fortunate, as Taiwan’s handling of Hong Kong asylum cases later proved inconsistent.

Because his decision to leave was made quickly, Ah Sing arrived in the UK without a solid plan. As a student tied up in legal proceedings, he had limited financial resources. A few kind donors helped cover his plane ticket and initial living expenses, making the journey possible. When he decided to apply for asylum, he assumed the process would go smoothly, believing the UK government, having just introduced the BN(O) visa, would be well aware of Hong Kong’s situation. Instead, he found himself facing an arduous struggle.

The year 2021, when Ah Sing arrived, was a moment of rapid geopolitical change. The UK was simultaneously processing refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan, which delayed asylum claims and stretched already scarce legal aid resources. Hongkongers in exile were also caught in this bottleneck. Despite the difficult circumstances, Ah Sing had no choice but to enter the asylum system. The wait became a period of deep uncertainty. When the result finally came, it was a rejection. Now, he is waiting once more. This time for an appeal.

Ah Sing describes his experience as “a series of unfortunate accidents.” Following an order by then–Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to expedite 90,000 pending asylum cases, errors and oversights inevitably occurred. The processing of Hongkongers’ cases accelerated, with both approvals and rejections. As for Ah Sing, his lack of funds meant he had no legal representation, and he prepared his documents entirely on his own. At the time, there were few precedents within the Hong Kong community for him to rely on. He went into his first interview underprepared and without the supporting evidence that others in similar circumstances often had.

His case highlights systemic problems faced by other Hong Kong asylum seekers. One issue he recalls is the poor quality of Cantonese interpretation provided by the Home Office. Misinterpretations frequently occurred during his interview, ultimately influencing the final decision. He has since secured a lawyer to assist with his appeal. Although most of the work still falls on him, he describes the lawyer as a “white cane” whose legal guidance helps him grasp terminology and navigate the process with greater confidence.

Looking back at his early days in the UK, Ah Sing believes he was somewhat adrift. After years of legal battles in Hong Kong, he wanted nothing more than a long break, free from planning. But about six months later, guilt over his inactivity pushed him to act. By chance, he began volunteering with the Bonham Tree Scholarship. Gradually, he took on more responsibilities.

Despite the obstacles along his asylum journey, Ah Sing remains optimistic and continues his work with Bonham Tree. He now focuses on cultural and educational initiatives, as well as building connections between Hongkongers and other ethnic communities.

When asked why he joined Bonham Tree, he smiles and says: “I’ve started it, and I have to do it well. The work reminds me that there are things left unfinished. Only by carrying on can I feel closer to ‘home’.” What are those unfinished things? He thinks of comrades still behind bars, and of those who sacrificed so much during the movement. Grateful for the resources and freedom he now has, Ah Sing says he could not forgive himself if he did nothing but drift. Having chosen to leave everything behind, his work with Bonham Tree is both his contribution to the cause and the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

In the next piece, Ah Sing will share more about Bonham Tree’s cultural projects, its future outlook, and his experiences organising rallies outside London.

* Bonham Tree Aid distributes £380 a month to imprisoned protesters’ families in need of sustenance to alleviate their difficulty in meeting the costs of living. Founded in October 2021, Bonham Tree Aid has helped 300 families to date. There are 110 families on its waiting list, awaiting emergency assistance.

Illustration: @wl.aandd

Text: Vincent Vega

Translation: Kai T