Hong Kong's violent protests show no sign of stopping. Some are deciding it's time to leave
Turmoil in Hong Kong prompting many to leave city02:49
Hong Kong (CNN)In the middle of a beautiful sunset in May, Emily's boyfriend knelt before her on a beach in Japan and proposed. Overjoyed, she said yes.
They envisioned starting a family together in their home of Hong Kong. But within a month, their plans -- their whole vision of a future together -- had been thrown into chaos.
Four months into the largest protests in the city's history, Emily is looking for a way out of the embattled city.
Now, along with her fiancé, Emily -- who declined to give her full name due to political sensitivities -- is actively looking to emigrate to another country within the next two years, including the UK and the US.
"I will have children one day," the 25-year-old office worker told CNN. "I don't want them to live in a police state where they cannot freely express their opinions."
Taxi driver attacked after slamming into crowd of protesters 00:34
Time to leave
The semi-autonomous Chinese city is in its 18th consecutive week of anti-government protests. The unrest has grown increasingly violent on both sides, with protesters using petrol bombs and setting fires, and police firing tear gas and water cannons. During citywide protests on October 1, police used lethal force for the first time, after protesters attacked several officers.
Hong Kong has a history of politically driven waves of emigration. The first occurred in 1984, when the Sino-British Joint Declaration was signed after years of secret negotiations, setting the stage for the city's handover from British to Chinese control in 1997. The second started in mid-1989, after the massacre of pro-democracy protesters in Beijing led many to doubt China's commitments to preserving Hong Kong's freedoms. While many Hong Kongers who emigrated before 1997 returned to the city when Chinese rule was established and the "one country, two systems" formula -- by which Hong Kong retained its own economic and legal systems and a degree of autonomy -- seemed to be working, a substantial number retained foreign passports, giving them the option to leave in future.
Originally sparked by a now-shelved extradition bill with China, the protests have demonstrated just how the trust and hope regained after the Tiananmen Square massacre has been eroded in recent years, with many -- especially younger Hong Kongers -- looking forward with great trepidation to 2047, when current constitutional arrangements run out and Hong Kong could become fully a part of China, governed just like any other city.
Some Hong Kongers have expressed this distrust -- and their frustration with Beijing's increasing encroachment on the city's freedoms -- by taking to the streets, but others are looking for a way out.
According to a survey by the University of Hong Kong in June, nearly half of the city's population was willing to consider emigration if the extradition bill -- which critics feared could leave any Hong Konger open to prosecution in China -- passed. While the bill was suspended following mass protests (and the government has since announced its full withdrawal), the unrest has continued to shake people's willingness to stay. Research by YouGov in July found similar numbers wanting to leave. Of those surveyed, two out of three who were eager to leave were between the ages of 18 and 34. Half of those wanting to leave held university degrees.
The city's young professionals don't just want to move, they want to move soon. YouGov's survey found that a quarter of those who want to migrate are likely to do so within the next three years. Government data provided to CNN shows that the number of applications for a certificate that is necessary for Hong Kongers applying for visas overseas surged over 50% from May to August this year.
A protester throws a tear gas canister back toward police in Hong Kong on Sunday, October 6.
A woman is treated after police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong on October 7. Protesters arrested for defying a new face mask ban have appeared in court, following a violent weekend of unrest which saw bloody clashes with police and widespread vandalism.
Riot police clear a street as protesters and pedestrians gathered near the Mong Kok police station in Hong Kong on October 7.
Pro-democracy protesters gather in a shopping mall in the Sha Tin district in Hong Kong on October 7.
A masked protestor holding a shield stops for a portrait in Hong Kong on October 6.
Protesters vandalize the Cheung Sha Wan local government offices in Hong Kong on October 6.
Rescue personnel check the bottom of a taxi after the driver allegedly drove onto the pavement, hitting protesters in Hong Kong on October 6.
A China Construction Bank is seen vandalized in the Causeway Bay area of Hong Kong on October 6.
Pro-democracy protesters set fires in the street in the Causeway Bay area of Hong Kong on October 6.
People protest a ban against masks on Saturday, October 5, in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong police detain a protester on October 5 on the streets.
An anti-government protester stands near a fire on Friday, October 4.
Protesters move a statue depicting a protester armed with gas mask, helmet and umbrella on the streets of Hong Kong on October 4.
Protesters set a fire on October 4 at China Construction Bank.
Riot police deploy tear gas on October 4 outside a restaurant during a protest in the Causeway Bay district of Hong Kong.
Protesters spray paint slogans on October 4 at the entrance to a tunnel.
A fire is seen on October 4 in front of a store vandalized by protesters.
A store is seen on October 4 after being vandalized by protesters.
Pro-democracy demonstrators hold up their hands on October 4 to symbolize their five demands during a rally against a government ban on protesters wearing face masks in Hong Kong.
Protesters throw petrol bombs at the gate to the Tsuen Wan police station on Wednesday, October 2, in response to the police's use of live ammunition during clashes with demonstrators in the Tsuen Wan district the previous day.
Schoolmates of a student who was shot in the chest by police during violent pro-democracy protests on October 1 place their hands on their chests during a protest in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
A young protester was shot Tuesday, October 1, as violent protests erupted across Hong Kong on the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. The incident marked a major escalation in violence that could galvanize the protest movement in Hong Kong.
Police detain an anti-government protester in Hong Kong, October 1. Thousands of black-clad protesters marched in central Hong Kong as part of multiple pro-democracy rallies Tuesday as the party celebrated its 70th year of rule.
Black-clad protestors stand surrounded by smoke from tear gas shells on October 1.
Marching anti-government protesters are seen through a window with peeled off posters on October 1.
Police tackle and arrest pro-democracy protesters during clashes in Wan Chai on October 1.
A protester is seen carrying rocks on a street in the Sha Tin district of Hong Kong on October 1. While events in Beijing were being held to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, demonstrators rallied throughout Hong Kong as the pro-democracy movement enters its fourth month.
Protesters react after police fired tear gas near the central government offices in the Admiralty area of Hong Kong on October 1.
Pro-democracy protesters form a "Pepe the Frog" themed human chain in Hong Kong on Monday, September 30.
A man is detained by Hong Kong police during a protest in the Causeway Bay shopping district on Sunday, September 29.
Riot police arrive after protestors vandalize in Hong Kong on September 29.
Passengers look out from a bus at a burning barricade lit by pro-democracy protesters during a gathering in front of Mong Kok police station on Sunday, September 22, in Hong Kong, China. Pro-democracy protesters have continued demonstrations across Hong Kong, calling for the city's Chief Executive Carrie Lam to immediately meet the rest of their demands, including an independent inquiry into police brutality, the retraction of the word riot to describe the rallies, and genuine universal suffrage, as the territory faces a leadership crisis.
Pro-democracy protesters sing songs and chant slogans during a rally inside a shopping mall in Shatin on September 22.
An anti-government protester throws a Molotov cocktail during a demonstration near Central Government Complex in Hong Kong on Sunday, September 15.
A pro-China supporter, center, is escorted by police after confronting journalists in Hong Kong, on September 15.
Pro-government and anti-government supporters chant against one another at a shopping mall in Hong Kong on Friday, September 13. The sign translates to "Stop violence and curb chaos; safeguard Hong Kong."
Demonstrators hold up their cell phone lights as they form a human chain at the Peak, a tourist spot in Hong Kong, on September 13.
Police escort an injured man after he attacked protesters outside Prince Edward station in Hong Kong on Friday, September 6.
Protesters burn paper money to pay their respects to injured protesters.
Protesters prepare to clash with police outside the Mong Kok police station on September 6.
A protester is detained by police at the Po Lam Mass Transit Railway station on Thursday, September 5.
A man watches televisions at a store in Hong Kong as Chief Executive Carrie Lam announces the withdrawal of the extradition bill on Wednesday, September 4.
A woman gets emotional on September 4 while paying her respects to protesters who were injured a few days earlier.
Demonstrators travel through a railway station during a rally on Tuesday, September 3.
Students wearing gas masks and helmets hold a banner that reads "five major demands are indispensable" at St. Francis' Canossian College in Hong Kong.
Protesters gather in the bus terminal at Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday, September 1. Hundreds of pro-democracy activists attempted to block transport routes to the city's airport.
A passenger walks to the airport on September 1 as pro-democracy protesters blocked a road outside the airport.
A protester uses a slingshot outside the Central Government Complex during clashes with police on Saturday, August 31. Thousands of pro-democracy protesters held an anti-government rally one day after several leading activists and lawmakers were arrested in a sweeping crackdown.
Protesters light a Molotov cocktail on August 31.
Police officers move forward during clashes with protesters on August 31.
Protesters take cover as policemen fire blue-colored water on them. Blue dye can be used to stain and identify masked protesters.
A surveillance camera is covered with white paint during protests.
An overhead view shows protesters reacting after police fired tear gas on August 31.
Pro-democracy activists Agnes Chow and Joshua Wong speak to the media after they were released on bail at the Eastern Magistrates Courts on Friday, August 30. They were arrested earlier the same day in a dragnet across Hong Kong.
Protesters clash with police after a rally in Hong Kong's Tsuen Wan district on Sunday, August 25. It was one of the most violent nights seen in Hong Kong since mass protests began in June.
A police officer aims a gun in front of a protester on August 25.
Some protesters shine laser pointers at police lines on August 25.
Protesters and police clash on Saturday, August 24.
Protesters pick up bricks to be used as projectiles on August 24.
Police retreat after clashing with protesters on August 24.
People link hands as they gather at the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront on Friday, August 23. Protesters formed a human chain across Hong Kong in a show of solidarity.
Cell phones shine from the top of Lion Rock on August 23.
Protesters march under umbrellas on Sunday, August 18.
Tens of thousands of protesters showed up in the streets on August 18.
A protester participates in a march on Saturday, August 17. His eye is covered with red gauze, referencing a woman who was allegedly shot in the eye with a beanbag round during clashes between protesters and police.
Protesters react after police fired tear gas to disperse a demonstration at the Sham Shui Po police station in Hong Kong on Wednesday, August 14.
Protesters point lasers at the Sham Shui Po police station on August 14.
A police officer falls over an airport luggage trolley during a scuffle with pro-democracy protesters on Tuesday, August 13. For two days, protesters flooded the airport. Check-ins were suspended and dozens of outgoing flights were canceled.
Police use pepper spray to disperse protesters at the airport on August 13.
Police and protesters clash at the airport on August 13. The violence came after Hong Kong's Airport Authority announced that all check-in services would be suspended for another night because of terminal operations being "seriously disrupted."
A traveler passes her luggage to security guards as she tries to enter the departures gate.
A display board shows canceled flights on August 13.
Anti-government protesters stand at a barricade made of luggage trolleys during a demonstration at the airport on August 13.
Medics look after a woman who received a facial injury during clashes on Sunday, August 11.
A pro-democracy protester is held by police outside the Tsim Sha Tsui police station on August 11.
Police fire tear gas at protesters during a demonstration in the Wong Tai Sin District on Monday, August 5.
A train passenger gestures toward a protester, right, who was preventing the doors of a train from closing on August 5. The protester was trying to disrupt Hong Kong's morning rush-hour commute.
A man lies down on an underground train during a protest on August 5.
A man comforts his pregnant wife near a train platform after protesters blocked the train doors on August 5.
A protester stands in tear gas during a confrontation with police in the early hours of Sunday, August 4.
A Chinese flag floats in water after it was thrown by protesters during a demonstration on Saturday, August 3.
A protester sprays paint on a wall on August 3.
Members of Hong Kong's medical sector attend a protest in Edinburgh Place on Friday, August 2.
The emblem on the China Liaison Office is protected by plexiglass during a demonstration on Sunday, July 28.
A protester flees from baton-wielding police in the Yuen Long district of Hong Kong on Saturday, July 27.
A protester looks through umbrellas during the clashes with police on July 27.
Travelers watch as protesters rally at Hong Kong's international airport on Friday, July 26.
Protesters clash with police on Sunday, July 21.
Masked men in white T-shirts are seen after attacking anti-extradition bill demonstrators at a train station in Yuen Long.
Medical workers help a protester affected by tear gas on July 21.
The office of pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho was trashed by protesters in Hong Kong's Tsuen Wan district.
Police officers use pepper spray to disperse protesters after a rally in the Sheung Shui district on Saturday, July 13.
A demonstrator sprays paint inside a chamber at Hong Kong's Legislative Council building, where protesters forced their way in on Monday, July 1.
The meeting hall of the Legislative Council is taken over by demonstrators on July 1.
A protester smashes a window of the Legislative Council building.
Columns of sunlight are cast on a crowd during the march on July 1.
Helicopters carrying the flags of China and Hong Kong fly over demonstrators on July 1.
Pro-democracy lawmaker Roy Kwong rallies demonstrators with a megaphone on July 1.
A police officer uses pepper spray during a clash with protesters on July 1.
A protester wearing a T-shirt with the word "revolution" walks past an inscription on a road that reads "Long Live HK."
Police detain protesters near the government headquarters in Hong Kong on July 1.
An overhead view shows thousands of protesters marching through a Hong Kong street on Sunday, June 16.
Protesters run after police fired tear gas on Wednesday, June 12.
Protesters face off with police during the rally on June 12.
By the morning of June 12, tens of thousands of mainly young people had arrived in the area, blocking streets and bringing central Hong Kong to a standstill.
A demonstrator holds a sign during the June 12 rally.
Police officers charge toward protesters during clashes on Monday, June 10. It was a continuation of protests that started the day before.
Protesters hold pictures of Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Sunday, June 9.
Protesters on June 9 waved placards and wore white -- the designated color of the rally. "Hong Kong, never give up!" some chanted.
Students wear chains during a demonstration on Saturday, June 8.
Looking for a way out
According to Athena Law, head of immigration at L&K Holdings migration agency, the number of inquiries has increased 200% since June, with many made by people in their 20s.
"(This) increase is related to what's happening in society," Law told CNN. "Many of our clients expressed concern over the social unrest."
Another migration agent, John Hu, said inquiries had snowballed 300% since June -- and it was not only young people who wanted to leave. People in their 30s and young families were also interested in a fresh start overseas, Hu added.
Last month, the city's leader Carrie Lam began a series of dialogues with Hong Kongers, promising to listen to their concerns and work towards a solution to the monthslong unrest.
"Hong Kong has faced -- and overcome -- momentous challenges every decade since the end of World War II," Lam wrote recently. "This should tell us something about the people of Hong Kong: They are resilient and resourceful. It should also tell us something about the values that the Hong Kong people share and our common aspiration for a bright future."
Timon, who also declined to give his full name, is just the type of Hong Konger Lam is seeking to reassure.
The 32-year-old accountant never thought about leaving the city before the unrest started in June. He attended several large-scale demonstrations, but is increasingly dubious that any longterm change can happen in Hong Kong.
"Before the protests, I was focused on pursuing my career and my wife was ready to work as a nurse," he said. "(But now) we want to move to Australia, as we see that the totalitarian government is unlikely to change."
Now, Timon said he is willing to scrap nearly a decade of accounting experience to get retrained as an electrical engineer -- a career with more prospect for migration. He said his main concern was his 18-month-old son's education.
"I want my child to have critical thinking, but the education here is going to worsen in this political atmosphere, with the white terror created by the police and the government," Timon said. "I don't want my child to grow up here."
Island sanctuary
Government data shows that between 1997 and 2018, Australia, Canada and the US were the three most popular destinations for emigrating Hong Kongers. In recent months, however, Taiwan has surged to become the top choice, according to YouGov.
The self-ruled island has long been popular with Hong Kong tourists, but its open support for the city's pro-democracy movement and apparent commitment to liberal values has made it an increasingly attractive destination to move to. In September, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said that "when necessary and based on humanitarian concerns, we will provide necessary assistance to Hong Kong residents in Taiwan, and will not just stand on the sidelines and watch."
According to Taiwanese immigration data, the number of approved applications for residence from Hong Kongers rose almost 50% between May and August. An immigration department spokeswoman confirmed this was in line with a surge in applications in general, but was not able to provide a detailed breakdown.
Ken Lui and his wife understand the island's appeal -- Taiwan is close to Hong Kong geographically, culturally and linguistically, and he said he hopes to open a boutique or restaurant on the island after moving.
The 36-year-old fashion shop owner said his business was affected by the city's protests, and he didn't see a way out except by leaving.
"They (the government) keep suppressing our freedom of speech," he said. "I don't think there will be any big changes in Hong Kong. I hope that Hong Kong will be fine, but does the government listen to its people?"
Lui said he was concerned about leaving his family behind, a fear Emily shared. But both said they felt they were making the right decision. Emily even hopes to bring her family and friends with her to a new country.
"There's a Chinese saying that we have to first take care of ourselves, then we take care of the family. And at the end, we take care of our society, our country," Emily said. "I can live with my family (anywhere) in the world. If there's family, there's home."
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