Hong Kong’s Immigration Department has introduced a security risk assessment for all visa applicants to screen potential threats. Officials highlight that this check won’t specifically focus on foreign journalists and academics.
Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung explained that the department will review applicants’ backgrounds and statements to identify any security risks.
Kwok clarified, stating, “It’s not a total ban, but we’ll assess each visa application according to the laws and immigration policies, regardless of their job or field of work.” This assurance addresses concerns about excluding foreign journalists, academics, and lawyers.
This action follows recent incidents, including the unexplained denial of a work visa extension for academic Rowena He Xiaoqing in October and the rejection of entry for Japanese freelance journalist Yoshiaki Ogawa at Hong Kong’s airport in June.
HK Visa Security Check, Hong Kong Visa Screening, Security Measures for Visa, Visa Applicant Screening, Hong Kong Immigration SecurityTop of Form