Dutch Philanthropy Shuts Hong Kong Office, Cites National
Security Law Concerns
Porticus, a Netherlands-based philanthropic organization,
will close its Asia regional office in Hong Kong next year, relocating to
Malaysia. This decision, detailed in an internal announcement seen by The New
Humanitarian, affects all eight Hong Kong-based staff and one overseas
employee, who now face potential layoffs or the option to move to Malaysia with
adjusted salaries reflecting local market rates.
The closure is attributed to high operational costs, a shift
in focus towards South and Southeast Asia, and challenges arising from Hong
Kong’s National Security Law. Passed in 2020, the law has imposed stringent
measures that include vague political crimes like treason and sabotage,
punishable by life imprisonment. While Porticus initially received legal advice
stating the law posed no direct threat to its work, the organization has prioritized
staff safety and reduced exposure to increased scrutiny.
Despite assurances that the decision will not affect its
Asian programs, the move has caused unease among Porticus employees,
particularly due to the abrupt nature of the announcement. A staff member noted
the prevailing anxiety: “Is it me next? Is it my office next?” Staff expressed
frustration over the lack of transparency in decision-making, similar to
concerns during a previous restructuring in which 12 employees were laid off.
Porticus, controlled by the Brenninkmeijer family, is known
for its charitable support of education, climate action, and migration issues.
However, staff have voiced concerns about the organization’s management
approach, feeling undervalued and excluded from key decisions. The announcement
has raised questions about the future direction of the organization and its
commitment to fostering long-term relationships with its partners in the
region.
