HKW Patron Lord Alton urges the Foreign Secretary to update UK travel advice regarding the new Immigration Ordinance

Today, Hong Kong Watch Patron, Lord Alton of Liverpool has written to the UK Foreign Secretary, Rt. Hon Dominic Raab MP, urging him to update the UK’s travel advice to Hong Kong following the introduction of a new Immigration Ordinance.

In his letter, Lord Alton raises concern that the current UK travel advice offers little mention of how the new Immigration Ordinance ‘would impact UK nationals travelling to or currently living in the city. Except for a rephrasing of statements issued by the Hong Kong Government that these powers will be used only to target asylum seekers in specific cases.’

The letter goes on to note that Global Affairs Canada recently issued detailed advice to Canadian citizens on the Immigration Ordinance, which notes that ‘in the absence of clarifying legislation, these new powers may relate to investigations into an individual, their family or an employer, and criminal and civil matters.’ It goes on to note, that individuals ‘may not be aware that you are the subject of movement restrictions until you try to leave Hong Kong. It may be difficult to obtain information on movement restrictions from local authorities.’

Lord Alton in his letter concludes, that ‘given the discrepancy in advice being given to UK citizens and Canadian citizens regarding the Immigration Ordinance and the fact that a Hong Kong journalist was recently arrested attempting to board a flight to the UK, I would urge you to review and update travel advice to Hong Kong to better reflect the ambiguity and impact these new powers may have on UK nationals and not just statements from Hong Kong officials.’