Canada, citing “deep concerns” about the national security law, announced that Hongkongers who recently graduated from Canadian educational institutions will soon have a new pathway to permanent residency as Ottawa launches a three-year open work permit for them. Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marco Mendicino announced on February 4, that the country will start accepting applications for the new work permit from February 8. Applicants must be Hong Kong residents who obtained a post-secondary diploma or degree in Canada in the last five years or hold an equivalent foreign credential. The Canadian government said in the statement it was “deeply concerned” about the new security legislation enacted last June 30, which criminalises secession, subversion, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts. It also cited a “deteriorating human rights situation” and said it would continue to support Hongkongers.