Activist Denied Entry at Changi Airport
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Nathan Law was denied entry into Singapore on Saturday, September 27, 2025, and subsequently deported to the United States. Law, who arrived at Changi Airport from San Francisco, was referred for questioning and immigration assessment before being refused entry. He was placed on the earliest flight back to San Francisco on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Singapore Cites 'National Interests' for Refusal
Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed the denial of entry, stating that Law's presence 'would not be in Singapore's national interests.' The MHA emphasized that while Law held a visa, all visa holders remain subject to additional checks upon arrival. Law is wanted by Hong Kong authorities for national security offenses, including inciting secession and colluding with foreign forces, with a HK$1 million bounty issued for his apprehension. Singapore maintains an extradition treaty with Hong Kong.
Nathan Law's Background and Reaction
Nathan Law is a prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist, a former student leader during the 2014 Umbrella Movement, and a former legislator. He fled Hong Kong in 2020 following the imposition of the National Security Law and was granted political asylum in the United Kingdom in April 2021, where he currently resides. He travels on a British Refugee Travel Document.
Law stated he had obtained a single-journey, short-term visa for Singapore three weeks prior to his trip, where he intended to attend a 'closed-door, invitation-only event.' He reported being detained for approximately four hours and spending around 14 hours in Singaporean custody. Law expressed his belief that the decision to deny him entry was political, though he remained 'unsure whether external forces, such as the PRC (People's Republic of China), are involved, directly or indirectly.'
Hong Kong Government's Stance
In response to the incident, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee reiterated the government's commitment to pursuing fugitives. He stated, 'Endangering national security is a serious crime. No country should shelter criminals. The HKSAR Government will enforce the law strictly and exhaust all means to bring fugitives to justice.'
6 Comments
Eugene Alta
So much for Singapore's neutrality. They've picked a side, and it's the wrong one.
Noir Black
The Hong Kong government views Law as a criminal, which is their stance. However, for Singapore to adopt that narrative without acknowledging his asylum status seems to overlook the broader political context of his situation.
KittyKat
Good for Singapore prioritizing its own stability. They don't need foreign political drama.
Raphael
National interests always come first. A sovereign nation's right to decide who enters.
Michelangelo
While Singapore has the right to control its borders, denying entry to an asylum seeker raises concerns. It makes one wonder about the true definition of 'national interests' in this context.
Raphael
If he's wanted for national security, Singapore acted correctly. No country should harbor fugitives.