HK refuses to renew Economist journalist’s work visa

The Economist magazine on Friday said authorities in Hong Kong have refused to renew the employment visa of its China correspondent, Wong Sue-lin.

“We regret their decision, which was given without explanation,” the Economist’s editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes said in a statement.

“We urge the government of Hong Kong to maintain access for the foreign press, which is vital to the territory’s standing as an international city,” she added.

In response, the Immigration Department said it will not comment on individual cases.

“The Immigration Department acts in accordance with the laws and policies in handling each application,” a spokesman said.

Wong, an Australian, was not currently in Hong Kong, the magazine said. She is believed to be the third journalist from a foreign news outlet to not have their visa renewed in recent years.

She wrote in a tweet: “Very sad I won’t be able to continue reporting from Hong Kong.

“I loved getting to know the city and its people. I will miss you all.”