Refugees and asylum seekers, especially single parent families, people experiencing physical and mental health challenges and survivors of war, violence and harm, face enormous challenges. They experienced severe traumatic events, such as being subjected to witnessing violence, family loss or separation, sudden displacement and are now in the process of applying for non-refoulment protection and refugee status. The number of refugees and asylum seekers according to Immigration Department in 2024 are approximately 15,000, with many from Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries. They barely survive on a stipend of $3,500 per month and suffer severe economic hardship, social isolation and disempowerment due to restrictions on their rights to work and the minimal support available.  

In Hong Kong, each refugee is given HK$1,200 per month for food in the form of supermarket vouchers – that’s $40 a day.  

The monthly assistance for a refugee includes: 

• Housing allowance of HK$1,500 paid directly to the landlord  

• Food allowance in the form of pre-paid supermarket cards of HK$ 1,200 (HK$40 per day) 

• HK$300 for utilities,  

• a toiletry bag with personal hygiene items,  

• and some petty cash for transportation to appointments. 

We are dedicated to addressing the unique legal precarity faced by refugees, asylum seekers, and other displaced people in Hong Kong, by offering support with their protection claims. By ensuring that their stories are heard we aim to achieve a safer, more secure future for them. 

We recognise that the path to safety relies on more than legal processes. Our programmes are designed to address immediate and pressing psychological and welfare needs ensuring that our clients can live with dignity as they pursue their legal journeys. 

Our Emergency Welfare Fund allows us to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies that cannot be solved through NGOs or other means, providing short-term relief for accommodation, medical needs, food, and other basic essentials.