China’s control subdues Hong Kong: new migration law allows it to ban people from entering and leaving

Hong Kong on Wednesday approved a new immigration law that includes powers to prevent people from entering or leaving the city, causing fears that Chinese “exit bans” they could be applied in the former British colony.

Activists, lawyers and some businessmen have warned against various provisions of the bill, including one that allows the city’s immigration chief to ban people from boarding planes to or from the city.

No court order is required and cannot be appealed. The influential Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) warned that the wording of the bill “Seemingly unlimited power” to director of immigration.

“When they have this power, this absolute power, we do not know with whom they will use it”the lawyer told reporters Chow Hang-tung, from the Hong Kong Pro-Democratic Alliance.

The Hong Kong government maintains that the immigration law was necessary to address the backlog of non-refoulement requests and screen illegal immigrants before leaving for the city.

“This will only apply to flights to Hong Kong”said the security office.

However, the text does not limit power to arrivals by air or immigrants, and legal experts say it could even be applied against anyone leaving or arriving in Hong Kong.

Wednesday’s immigration bill has been received 39 votes for and 2 against. Its critics say that facilitate the detention and expulsion of refugees.

So-called “exit bans” are often used in mainland China against activists who challenge the authorities.

Under Beijing’s leadership, the Hong Kong government became the most authoritarian since the massive protests of 2019.

(With information from AFP)

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