People from mainland China in Hong Kong, whether tourists or residents, should be covered by a proposed extension to the city’s anti-discrimination laws, the equality watchdog has said.

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) on Monday told lawmakers that it had followed up with the government on the findings of a 2021 study on how discrimination, harassment and vilification from Hongkongers against those from the mainland could be tackled.

“We hope that the scope of the legislation should cover those from the mainland who live and study or carry out activities in Hong Kong, regardless of their years of residency,” Ricky Chu Man-kin, the commission head, told the Legislative Council’s panel on constitutional affairs.