Singapore Denies Entry to Pro-Democracy Activist Nathan Law Amid Growing Political Tensions

Tue Sep 30 2025 03:35:44 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Nathan Law, a prominent pro-democracy activist from Hong Kong, was barred from entering Singapore despite having a valid visa, raising concerns over the political climate and influence of external forces.

Nathan Law, a well-known pro-democracy advocate from Hong Kong, was denied entry to Singapore upon arrival, leading to his immediate return to the U.S. The Singaporean government cited national interests as the reason for the decision, despite Law holding a valid visa. He speculated that political motivations influenced the move, especially given his status as a wanted figure in Hong Kong under a controversial national security law. This incident highlights Singapore's cautious stance on external political issues and the implications of regional tensions.

A pro-democracy campaigner who fled Hong Kong has been denied entry to Singapore despite being granted a visa, with the city-state saying his presence would not be in national interests.

Nathan Law, who lives in exile in the UK, said he arrived in Singapore on Saturday to attend a closed-door, invitation-only conference but was detained at the border for four hours.

I was not asked questions and they did not give reason for the denial, he told the BBC.

Mr Law is wanted by Hong Kong authorities who have accused him of endangering national security, Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs noted.

Singapore has an extradition treaty with Hong Kong.

Mr Law's entry into and presence in the country would not be in Singapore's national interests, said the ministry's spokesman in response to queries from the BBC.

A visa holder is still subject to further checks at point of entry into the country. That is what happened with Nathan Law, he said, adding that Mr Law was referred for questioning, and immigration and security assessment after he landed.

Singapore is known to be cautious about foreign politics. In a statement issued last year, the government said it takes a clear and strong stand against the importation of politics of other countries into Singapore.

In a statement, Mr Law said he believes the denial of entry was for political reasons. I am unsure whether external forces, such as the PRC (People's Republic of China), are involved, directly or indirectly, he said.

Mr Law stated he applied for a visa that would allow him a one-time entry for a few days, and that it was approved three weeks before his departure. He said he holds a UK Refugee Travel Document.

On Sunday, the activist was put on the earliest flight back to San Francisco, where he initially departed from.

The organisers of the event he was due to attend have declined to comment to the BBC.

Mr Law, a former Hong Kong legislator, is one of the most prominent figures in the city's pro-democracy movement, having fled the city in 2020 after China imposed a sweeping national security law targeting secession, subversion, and terrorism.

This incident is not the first action Singaporean authorities have taken against Hong Kong activists. In 2019, a Singaporean activist was fined for an online forum involving prominent pro-democracy figures.