COVID-19: China agrees to help Ugandans undergoing mistreatment by the Chinese nationals
Following disturbing social media videos showing the afflictions, xenophobia and abuse of Ugandans in China, the Government came out to reassure Uganda that its Chinese counterparts agreed to ensure every Ugandan living in China is safe as the country continues to fight COVID-19.
Sam Kahamba Kutesa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, told the media that the government engaged its counterpart China to stop any acts of violence and expulsion on Africans living in China by Chinese nationals.
Kutesa said the Chinese government agreed to help Ugandans under quarantine who cannot afford the costs and to ensure that they access hospitals, public transports, markets without discrimination.
“It was also agreed to assist those that have been quarantined in some hotel facilities and cannot afford the costs. It was also agreed to ensure that there are no targeted evictions and question of illegal rental contracts by the landlords as alleged. We also agreed to ensure that no discrimination in access to services such as hospitals, markets, public transportation,” Kutesa said.
Kutesa also revealed that some Ugandans had overstayed their visas and was staying illegally in China. According to him, this category will as well be assisted as per the new understanding arrived at.
He adds that China government agreed to provide shelter to all Ugandans who had been evicted out of their houses.
“Residents that are there illegally and those whose visas expired because of the lockdown, the government of China has agreed that those whose visas expired during the lockdown the visas will be renewed for another two months. It was agreed that they provide accommodation for Ugandans especially those who have overstayed their visas and have been left without residences,” Kutesa said.
Also, Kutesa said that over 300 Ugandans are stranded in the Chinese city of Guangzhou alone and dozens in other cities.
However, he appealed to all Ugandans living in other cities of China to register with the embassy to enable them to get better assistance.
“There’s a third category and these are Ugandans who have found a way of getting into China, some of them as visitors but have overstayed and found work. We appeal to all Ugandans in China to take this opportunity to register with our embassy and the consulate in Guangzhou so that their status is established and they are protected.”
H.E Zheng Zhuqiang the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda emphasized China’s commitment towards providing a safe and hospitable environment for Africans living and conducting business in China.
