Journalist from Bloomberg denied work visa in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Continues Crackdown on Journalists as Bloomberg's Rebecca Choong Wilkins Denied Visa Renewal

In a concerning development for press freedom in Hong Kong, Bloomberg journalist Rebecca Choong Wilkins has become the latest journalist to face visa denial. The Immigration Department in Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, denied Wilkins' work visa renewal on June 11, 2024.

This denial is the latest in a series of unexplained visa denials for journalists in Hong Kong. In 2020, The New York Times' Chris Buckley and Victor Mallet of the Financial Times had their visa applications rejected, while award-winning Associated Press photographer Louise Delmotte was denied entry to Hong Kong after her visa renewal was denied without a reason given. Bloomberg journalist Haze Fan had her visa application rejected in the previous year, and a reporter from The Economist was denied a visa in 2021.

The national government of China officially confirmed in 2022 that press freedom in Hong Kong is "in the hands of Hongkongers," but "no one is above the law." However, the denial of visas to foreign journalists has raised concerns about the erosion of press freedom in the region.

The Immigration Department would not comment on individual cases but stated that each application is determined on its individual merit. Bloomberg News spokesperson declined to comment on the case but will work through appropriate channels to resolve it.

Selina Cheng, chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, expressed concern about the increasing unpredictability and intrusive questions posed by the Immigration Department during visa applications. Cheng stated that companies should consider the risk of investing in overseas talent due to the routine visa denials.

Over 1,000 journalists have lost their jobs, and many have emigrated due to the deteriorating press freedom situation in Hong Kong. The Club expressed concern about the erosion of press freedom in Hong Kong and urged the government to show greater transparency and review the decision urgently.

Rebecca Choong Wilkins, in a tweet on August 23, 2025, expressed her concerns about journalist visa denials. It is unclear if Wilkins will be deployed elsewhere or was hoping to apply for permanent residency in Hong Kong.

Government-funded broadcaster RTHK has also adopted new editorial guidelines, purged its archives, and axed news and satirical shows, further raising concerns about press freedom in Hong Kong. Despite repeated assurances from the government that Hong Kong is driving to attract talent, the continued denial of visas to foreign journalists suggests otherwise.

Hong Kong, once known for its vibrant press freedom, has plummeted in international press freedom indices since the onset of the 2020 and 2024 National Security Laws. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community will be watching closely to see if the government takes steps to address these concerns and uphold the principles of press freedom.