Overview

• Rebecca Choong Wilkins said her work visa renewal was rejected and she must leave Hong Kong after six years, short of the seven years needed for permanent residency.
• The Bloomberg Asia government and politics reporter noted she is eight months pregnant as she departs, and her employer says it is pursuing resolution through official channels.
• Hong Kong’s Immigration Department declined to discuss the individual case, saying only that applicants must meet eligibility criteria.
• The Foreign Correspondents’ Club, the Committee to Protect Journalists and other advocates criticized the lack of explanation and urged a clear, transparent mechanism for visa decisions.
• Press watchdogs highlight earlier refusals involving AP’s Louise Delmotte and Bloomberg’s Haze Fan, with Reporters Without Borders counting nine journalist visa issues since 2020 and ranking Hong Kong 140th of 180 for press freedom.