Fleeing Sri Lanka for Hong Kong in 2016, Sanju* spent four difficult years in legal limbo, unable to work and feeling entirely invisible.
After receiving official refugee status in 2020, Sanju joined “The Employability Programme” led by local NGO Christian Action – Centre for Refugees’ to help refugees build skills and find jobs in Hong Kong. The training helped him master interview skills and navigate local workplace culture, leading to a housekeeping position at a 5-star hotel.
Through hard work, Sanju earned the “Best Housekeeping Staff” award and a promotion to Guest Experience Host by 2024.
“I truly enjoy my work because it allows me to connect with people, provide meaningful support, and make each day feel rewarding. The variety of tasks keeps me engaged, and the satisfaction of helping others makes me proud of what I do,” he said.
Read more about the project here. Follow their Instagram @centreforrefugees to stay updated.
*Full details of the interviewee have been withheld for privacy and consent reasons.
