Refugee Voices in Housing Policy: A Step Toward More Inclusive Dialogue
Humanity Seekers discussing the Subdivided Unit Bill
For refugees who are barred from working and receive only HKD 1,500 per month in housing assistance, housing options are especially limited. Subdivided units, while far from ideal, are often the only available option. Recently, a representative of Humanity Seekers—a refugee-led community group supported by Justice Centre—attended a meeting with a legislator to share their perspectives on the proposed Subdivided Unit Bill. This marked an important step: for the first time, concerns from within the refugee community were voiced directly to a legislator as part of the public consultation process. The bill, aimed at regulating basic standards in subdivided units, is an important effort to protect tenants in some of the city’s most precarious housing. However, there is a risk of unintended consequences. If landlords respond to new regulations by raising rents or pulling units from the market, refugees—who already face extreme housing precarity—could be further marginalised. Many protections built into the bill for vulnerable local populations do not extend to non-residents or people seeking asylum. In their remarks, Humanity Seekers members highlighted these specific risks, explaining how any changes to the availability or affordability of subdivided units would impact those who have no other housing options. Their participation helped bring forward an often-overlooked perspective and showed the importance of inclusive dialogue when shaping policy that affects all corners of society. We welcome this opportunity for refugee voices to be heard and recognised, not just through written submissions but directly in the legislative process. Justice Centre continues to work alongside community groups like Humanity Seekers to ensure that those with lived experience of displacement and hardship are heard. As housing reform continues to unfold, we hope this marks the beginning of more open, informed, and compassionate engagement with refugee communities.
