The passing of new immigration legislation could have 'a profound impact on freedom of movement in Hong Kong'

Today, the Hong Kong Legislature passed an immigration bill which could restrict freedom of movement in and out of Hong Kong in direct violation of Hong Kong’s Basic Law.

Under the new immigration bill, Hong Kong authorities will have the ability to bar anyone from entering or leaving the city without a court order. The Hong Kong Bar Association has argued that this would give officials unbridled power to impose “exit bans” similar to the ones that currently exist on the mainland.

The Hong Kong Legislature, whose membership is entirely made up of lawmakers who are loyal to Beijing, overwhelmingly backed the immigration bill which they claim is targeted at tackling illegal immigrants.

Commenting on the passing of the legislation, Benedict Rogers, Hong Kong Watch’s Chief Executive said:

“This legislation could have a profound impact on the freedom of movement that previously existed in the most open and international city in Asia.

The bill is designed so that it could give powers to the Hong Kong Government to stop the flow of Hong Kongers who are seeking a lifeline out of the city and usher in the draconian “exit bans” that exist in mainland China.

Once adopted, this legislation will give unprecedented powers to the Hong Kong authorities and National Security Police to stop Hong Kongers entering airports and boarding airline carriers out of the city.

We urge the international community to respond to this assault on freedom of movement in Hong Kong with coordinated Magnitsky sanctions and the adoption of lifeboat packages.”