Hong Kong activist Nathan Law denied entry to Singapore
Nathan Law, a prominent exiled pro-democracy activist from Hong Kong, was refused entry to Singapore upon arrival. The denial occurred without an official explanation from immigration authorities. Law had been traveling to attend a public event in the city-state.
Nathan Law, a key figure in Hong Kong's 2019 pro-democracy protests, has faced yet another setback in his advocacy work. On September 28, 2025, the 32-year-old activist arrived at Singapore's Changi Airport intending to participate in a forum on human rights in Asia. However, immigration officers denied him entry, forcing him to return to the United Kingdom, where he has lived in exile since 2020.
Law recounted the incident on social media shortly after. "I was detained for several hours at the airport and then informed that my entry was refused," he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "No reasons were provided, but it's clear this is an attempt to silence voices critical of authoritarian regimes." He emphasized that he had a valid visa and no prior issues entering Singapore.
This event unfolds against the backdrop of Law's long-standing activism. In 2016, at age 23, he became Hong Kong's youngest elected lawmaker, only to be disqualified in 2017 for his role in the pro-democracy movement. Following the imposition of China's national security law in 2020, Law fled to the UK to avoid arrest, citing fears for his safety. Since then, he has continued his work through the non-profit group he co-founded, the Hong Kong Watch, advocating for democratic reforms and human rights in Hong Kong.
Singapore's decision has drawn criticism from activists and observers. Amnesty International issued a statement calling the denial "a worrying sign of increasing intolerance toward dissent in the region." The organization noted that Singapore, while not directly enforcing Hong Kong's security law, maintains close ties with Beijing and has its own strict laws on public gatherings and speech.
Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs has not commented on the specific case, but officials have previously stated that entry decisions are made on a case-by-case basis to protect national interests. This incident echoes similar refusals faced by other Hong Kong exiles; for instance, in 2023, another activist was barred from entering Australia for a speaking tour.
Law's supporters argue that such denials hinder global discourse on Hong Kong's deteriorating freedoms. "Exiled activists like Nathan are vital bridges to the international community," said Maya Wang, a researcher at Human Rights Watch. "Blocking them only amplifies the isolation imposed by Beijing."
The episode highlights ongoing tensions in Southeast Asia over how governments balance relations with China against commitments to free expression. As Law prepares to continue his work from London, questions remain about whether other countries will follow Singapore's lead in restricting such figures.