April 17, 2018: The story of Ali

Ali and his wife Fatima (not real names) came to Hong Kong as asylum seekers in 2015. Their son Jabril was born in 2016. They lived in a tiny flat in Yuen Long.

Ali and Fatima received financial support from the Hong Kong government for accommodation and food. But the accommodation allowance was not enough to pay their rent.

So they sold their food coupons to help pay their rent. For meals they largely relied on help from friends. But their financial situation became critical when Jabril got sick and they had to pay for medicines.

In desperation Ali began washing dishes at a local canteen, to earn some money for his family. For this he is now in prison for 18 months, for "working illegally". There are many Alis in Hong Kong. Shame, Hong Kong government, shame!