Post by Rachel Racette. Class of 2022.

Source: Liu, N. (2021, April 28). Hong Kong immigration law change raises ‘exit ban’ fears. Financial Times.

The article discusses newly passed legislation that would allow Hong Kong authorities to prevent Hong Kong residents and other people from leaving the city. The law is set to take effect on August 1^st and although the legislation was originally intended to ease Hong Kong’s asylum numbers, there are fears that it could be used as an exit ban which China has used before to prevent foreign business people from leaving. 

There have already been concerns over China’s increased legislative presence in Hong Kong, which is a business center of the world. Lawmakers have stated that the bill will be amended to apply only to inbound flights, however unease remains, especially among the business community. This policy has the potential to hurt Hong Kong’s economic interests, should businesses decide that there is an undue risk in staying. The chairman of Hong Kong’s International Chamber of Commerce, JP Lee, sees potential hesitation due to this law saying, “Hong Kong is an international city and people come and go easily…we are worried this amendment will affect business people coming and going from Hong Kong.” This law has the potential to deter new businesses from choosing Hong Kong as well as slowing current business. While Hong Kong should remain a financial hub, increasing unease with Chinese policies could lead to economic downturns in the future.