Singapore denies entry to exiled Hong Kong activist Nathan Law, citing national interest

Exiled Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner Nathan Law was denied entry to Singapore on 28 September 2025, despite holding a valid visa. Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that his presence in the country “would not be in Singapore’s national interests.”

Law, 31, who was granted political asylum in the United Kingdom in 2021, had arrived in Singapore from San Francisco to attend a closed-door conference. However, upon landing, he was detained for four hours and subsequently deported back to the United States.

MHA cites national interest and security concerns

In a written response to the BBC, MHA confirmed that Law had been “referred for questioning and immigration and security assessment” upon arrival. The ministry clarified that holding a visa does not guarantee entry, as “a visa holder is still subject to further checks at point of entry.”

The ministry added that Law is wanted by Hong Kong authorities under the city’s national security law for allegedly endangering national security. “Mr Law’s entry into and presence in the country would not be in Singapore’s national interests,” the MHA spokesperson said.

Singapore maintains an extradition treaty with Hong Kong, though it is not known whether the treaty was a factor in Law’s case.

Law’s account and response

Speaking to the BBC, Law said that immigration officers did not provide a reason for the decision nor question him during his detention. “I was not asked questions and they did not give reason for the denial,” he said.

He explained that his visit was intended solely for a private, invitation-only event. Law had applied for and received a visa three weeks earlier, which allowed a single entry into Singapore for a few days. He was travelling using a UK Refugee Travel Document.

Law expressed concern that the decision may have been politically influenced. “I am unsure whether external forces, such as the PRC, are involved, directly or indirectly,” he said.

The organisers of the event declined to comment on the incident.

Background: Nathan Law’s activism and exile

Nathan Law is one of the most prominent figures in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. He co-founded the political group Demosistō and became the city’s youngest-ever legislator in 2016.

Following the imposition of the Hong Kong National Security Law in 2020, Law fled to the United Kingdom to avoid prosecution. The law, enacted by Beijing, criminalises acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces, carrying penalties of up to life imprisonment.

In 2023, Hong Kong authorities issued arrest warrants for several exiled activists, including Law, and offered bounties of HK$1 million (approximately US$128,000) for information leading to their capture.

Since then, Law has continued advocating for democracy and human rights from abroad, focusing on international awareness of Hong Kong’s political situation.

Singapore’s position on foreign political activity

Singapore has long maintained a strict policy against allowing its territory to be used for foreign political activism. The government has repeatedly stated that it does not tolerate external political interference or activities that may harm diplomatic relations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs did not elaborate on the specific reasons for its decision in Law’s case but reaffirmed that entry decisions are made “in the interest of national security and public order.”

Analysts suggest that Singapore’s decision is consistent with its historical approach of avoiding involvement in foreign political disputes, particularly those involving China or Hong Kong.

Historical precedent

This is not the first time Singapore has been linked to controversy surrounding Hong Kong’s pro-democracy figures.

In August 2020, Singaporean civil rights activist Jolovan Wham served a 10-day jail term for organising a 2016 event featuring Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong, who participated via video link. The event, titled “Civil Disobedience and Social Movements,” also included Singaporean journalist Kirsten Han and artist Seelan Palay.

Wham was convicted of organising a public assembly without a permit under the Public Order Act and of refusing to sign a police statement. He opted to serve the default jail term after being fined S$3,200.

His subsequent constitutional challenge against the permit requirement was dismissed by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

Human Rights Watch described Wham’s imprisonment as “politically motivated persecution,” while local authorities maintained that it was an issue of public order and not political alignment.

Broader implications

Observers say the latest incident involving Nathan Law underscores Singapore’s cautious balancing act between maintaining neutrality in foreign political conflicts and protecting its diplomatic relationships.

Law remains in exile and continues his activism from abroad. Neither the Hong Kong nor the Chinese governments have issued official comments regarding Singapore’s decision.

While Singapore’s actions drew criticism from human rights observers online, local officials emphasised that the country’s immigration policy gives authorities wide discretion to deny entry when deemed necessary to safeguard national interests.