Han Chinese, Hakka in Mauritius

People Name:	Han Chinese, Hakka
Country:	Mauritius
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	4,200
World Population:	44,228,000
Primary Language:	Chinese, Hakka
Primary Religion:	Non-Religious
Christian Adherents:	8.00 %
Evangelicals:	4.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Chinese
Affinity Bloc:	East Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Hakka, although proud of their cultural differences, have never claimed to be non-Chinese. Many famous Chinese have been Hakka, including Deng Xiaoping, Lee Kwan Yew, and Hong Xiuquan (the leader of the Taiping Rebellion).

There is much speculation concerning the historical roots of the Hakka. Some claim that they were the first Chinese people to arrive in China. Others claim that the Hakka are the descendants of the Xiongnu tribe. This much is agreed upon: At various stages between the fourth and thirteenth centuries AD, large numbers of people were forced to flee their homes in the war-torn Yellow River valley to seek refuge in southern China. These war refugees came to be known as Kejia - a Hakka word meaning "strangers" or "guests." When the savage Mongol hordes swept across China in the thirteenth century, many Hakka fled to the south to escape the carnage.

In today’s world, the Hakka are among the Chinese diaspora in many countries including Mauritius.

The first Hakka (and other Han Chinese groups) arrived involuntarily in Mauritius as slave labor. They had been kidnapped in Sumatra in the 1740s. Most returned to Sumatra, but others came to Mauritius voluntarily in the 1780s on board European ships. They were from Guangzhou, southern China. The majority of Chinese who now live in Mauritius came after WWII. Some started factories in export-processing zones. These factories usually produced clothes. More Chinese migrant workers arrived and worked under three year contracts.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Hakka and other ethnic Chinese peoples are among the second wealthiest people in Mauritius today. They often own businesses such as restaurants and retail shops. Others run import-export firms.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the of the Hakka Chinese in Mauritius are non-religious. However, there are Christians among them, many of which involve Chinese churches. They are usually Roman Catholic, Anglican or Evangelical.

What Are Their Needs?

Hakka Chinese people in Mauritius need the chance to hear that Jesus Christ offers life to the full for those who will submit to his lordship.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Hakka to have receptive hearts to the things of Christ.

Pray for Hakka church planters to train others to plant more churches and make disciples.

Pray for the Hakka Chinese in Mauritius to become a strong mission force among unreached Chinese groups around the world.