London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Exiled Hong Kong leader Nathan Law warns UK immigration plans could harm refugees, stressing Britain’s responsibility to protect all fleeing persecution.
As reported by The Guardian, a former Hong Kong pro-democracy leader in exile has warned that UK immigration reforms could break promises to people from its former colony.
The exiled politician, who moved to the UK in 2020 and faces a bounty, urged the British government to consider its moral duty in raising the standard permanent residence period to ten years.
What did Nathan Law say about UK asylum changes and Hong Kong refugees?
Commenting on the asylum law changes, Nathan Law warned that the proposed reforms are causing new worry and uncertainty for Hongkongers displaced since the 1997 handover.
The existing five-year waiting period for leave to remain remains unchanged for Hongkongers born before 1 July 1997 and registered under British National Overseas (BNO) status, including their dependants.
The exiled politician said a group of Hongkongers without BNO status remain anxious, having fled political persecution, and that Britain has a moral duty to protect them all.
Law said,
“The commitment to Hong Kong is not just for those with BNO status. There is a wider commitment and moral obligation. I think when they think about the situation of Hong Kong refugees, they should think about that. I think that this obligation extends to those who are fleeing the political situation in Hong Kong as that is part of the history between Hong Kong and Britain.”
He gained public attention during the 2014 “Umbrella Movement,” which demanded universal suffrage for Hongkongers.
Following the protests, Law, Joshua Wong, and Agnes Chow founded the political party Demosisto. Four candidates, including Law, won seats but were later disqualified. The three activists played key roles in the 2019 protests and were often targeted for arrest over alleged foreign influence.
After charges over an unauthorised gathering that defied COVID-19 bans to mark the Tiananmen Square massacre, the activists fled Hong Kong. Law applied for UK asylum in 2021.
Law said,
“If [the waiting period] changes it will prolong the uncertainty in my life as well as the already mounting pressure from the Chinese government where they launch ferocious personal attacks. The concern is that you really want to have a sense of being settled, a sense of finding your home, a permanent residency. It’s paramount for those who have fled political violence. We are trying to find a place of safety.”
The activist told reporters that UK permanent residence and a British passport would ensure his safety both at home and abroad, amid a HK$1m reward from Hong Kong authorities for information leading to his capture.
Authorities charged three men last year with national security offences for assisting Hong Kong intelligence and spying on Nathan Law and other exiled dissidents.
He added,
“I have seen evidence that there was surveillance commissioned so I have legitimate grounds to think that I might not be in the safest position. I am in limbo. I am not sure what the next step is.”
What did the Home Office say about refuge for Hong Kong residents?
A Home Office spokesperson said,
“We remain unwavering in our commitment to provide refuge and support to people from Hong Kong through dedicated immigration routes.”
They added,
“No one who is found to be at risk of persecution or serious harm will be expected to return to Hong Kong.”
What changes has Labour made to the UK asylum system?
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced major changes to the UK asylum system, which include:
- Refugee status will become temporary and will be reviewed every 30 months.
- Rejected asylum families, including children, may face enforced removal.
- Welfare for families refusing to leave will be cut off.
- Support for destitute asylum seekers will become discretionary.
- Those able to work or ignore deportation will not get support.
- Only immediate family members will be covered under family rights.
- The changes aim to reduce arrivals and increase removals.
The government said taxi use for medical care will now be limited, allowing asylum seekers to travel only for serious health conditions or pregnancy.
Ms Mahmood said the government is working with providers to offer alternatives, including public transport, to help cut costs for taxpayers.
She added,
“This Government inherited Conservative contracts that are wasting billions of taxpayers’ hard-earned cash. I am ending the unrestricted use of taxis by asylum seekers for hospital appointments, authorising them only in the most exceptional circumstances.”
According to the Home Office, there were 111,651 asylum seekers in receipt of support accommodation as of the end of September 2025.