In a move that escalates its crackdown on overseas dissidents, the Hong Kong government has canceled the passports of six prominent pro-democracy activists living abroad, citing violations of national security. The action was taken under the new national security law, marking the latest step in Hong Kong’s efforts to suppress dissent following the widespread anti-government protests of 2019.
The six individuals affected by the passport cancellations include former pro-democracy lawmaker Nathan Law, unionist Mung Siu-tat, and activists Simon Cheng, Finn Lau, Johnny Fok, and Tony Choi. All six have been accused by Hong Kong authorities of endangering national security, with the government claiming they have fled to the United Kingdom.
Intensifying crackdown on overseas dissidents
The cancellation of the activists’ passports follows last year’s police announcement of a reward of 1 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately USD 128,000) for information leading to their arrests. This move was widely condemned by Western governments as an infringement on basic human rights, further exacerbating tensions between China and the international community.
According to an official statement from the Hong Kong government, the passport cancellations are accompanied by additional measures aimed at cutting off the activists’ economic support. Authorities have banned any individual or entity from providing funds or economic resources to the six, including leasing properties to them or engaging in joint ventures. Violating this ban without authorization could lead to severe penalties, including up to seven years in prison.
The government justified its actions by claiming that the six activists continue to engage in activities that undermine Hong Kong’s security. Authorities accused them of smearing the city’s reputation and colluding with foreign forces, charges commonly used to stifle dissent under Hong Kong’s national security law.
National security law: A tool for suppressing dissent
The passport cancellations were carried out under new powers granted by Hong Kong’s homegrown national security law, which was enacted in March 2024. This law builds on the controversial national security legislation imposed by Beijing in 2020, which has been widely criticized for curtailing freedoms in the semi-autonomous territory.
Beijing’s 2020 law has effectively crushed much of the pro-democracy movement that rose to prominence during the massive anti-government protests in 2019. Following the law’s implementation, many activists were arrested, silenced, or forced into self-exile to avoid prosecution. The latest cancellations of passports are seen as part of Hong Kong’s broader strategy to clamp down on those who have fled abroad and continue to be vocal critics of the city’s authorities.
Hong Kong and Chinese officials have repeatedly defended the national security law, insisting that it has been instrumental in restoring stability to the city after the tumultuous protests. However, critics argue that the law has been used as a political tool to silence dissent and stifle freedoms that were once guaranteed under the “one country, two systems” framework.
International response and the UK’s role
The passport cancellations are likely to intensify the strained relations between Hong Kong and Western governments, particularly the UK. Following the imposition of the national security law in 2020, the British government introduced a special visa pathway for Hong Kong citizens, allowing them to live and work in the UK and apply for British citizenship after six years. Since its introduction in 2021, more than 144,400 people from Hong Kong have taken advantage of this visa.
Among those benefiting from the UK’s asylum policies are Nathan Law and Simon Cheng, both of whom were granted asylum in response to the political repression in Hong Kong. Law, a former pro-democracy lawmaker, was one of the most prominent figures in Hong Kong’s protest movement before fleeing to the UK in 2020.
The UK’s decision to offer asylum to pro-democracy activists and its introduction of the visa pathway have drawn sharp criticism from Beijing. Chinese and Hong Kong officials accuse the UK of meddling in their domestic affairs and undermining their efforts to restore order and stability in the city.
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A continuing battle for democracy
The Hong Kong government’s decision to revoke the passports of activists living abroad is seen by many as a symbolic move to send a strong message to those who continue to speak out against the government from overseas. By cutting off their travel rights and imposing economic restrictions, Hong Kong is trying to further isolate and weaken the pro-democracy movement that has largely shifted to the international stage.
However, despite these efforts, overseas-based activists like Nathan Law continue to advocate for democracy in Hong Kong, using international platforms to raise awareness about the erosion of freedoms in the city. The growing number of Hong Kongers seeking refuge in the UK and other Western countries is a testament to the continuing desire for political change, even in the face of escalating repression.
As Hong Kong authorities double down on their crackdown, the international community will be closely watching to see how far these measures will go and whether any diplomatic or legal action will be taken in response to the latest developments. The battle between pro-democracy activists and Hong Kong’s government is far from over, and the cancellation of passports is just the latest chapter in a broader struggle for the future of the city’s political landscape.
