Hong Kong’s government passed an immigration bill that raises concern it could be used to prevent dissidents from leaving the city.
The bill passed Wednesday will expedite the handling of refugees, including speeding up the repatriation of claimants who have already been rejected and reducing the number of illegal non-ethnically Chinese immigrants and those who have overstayed their visas. The legislation, which takes effect on Aug. 1, includes a provision that would allow the city’s immigration director to get information about any passengers or crew members boarding a flight.
The Hong Kong Bar Association expressed concern in February that the move could give "unfettered power” to impose a travel ban and called on the government to amend the clause to make clear that it would not apply to Hong Kong residents.