DFAT’s Hong Kong advice, reviewed on 26 October 2025, again flags the territory’s sweeping national-security laws, which it says “can be interpreted broadly.” Australian citizens could face detention without charge for activities deemed subversive, including routine social-media posts made offshore.
The alert is resonating with regional headquarters that rotate staff through Hong Kong. Several ASX-listed banks told Global Mobility News they have updated pre-deployment briefings to include digital-hygiene training and guidelines on encrypted messaging apps.
Travel-risk consultants note a rise in secondary screening at Hong Kong International Airport, with devices inspected for politically sensitive material. Executives attending conferences should scrub laptops of protest-related content and avoid photographing demonstrations.
Despite legal risks, Hong Kong remains a vital hub: Australian Chamber of Commerce membership is up 5 % year-on-year as firms pursue Greater Bay Area opportunities. Immigration data show the city issued 2,840 quality-migrant-admission permits in FY 2024-25, 6 % to Australians.
DFAT continues to rate the destination “high degree of caution”, a notch below the more severe “reconsider travel.” Mobility leads must weigh business imperatives against potential reputational and personal-freedom risks for deployed staff and their families.
The alert is resonating with regional headquarters that rotate staff through Hong Kong. Several ASX-listed banks told Global Mobility News they have updated pre-deployment briefings to include digital-hygiene training and guidelines on encrypted messaging apps.
Travel-risk consultants note a rise in secondary screening at Hong Kong International Airport, with devices inspected for politically sensitive material. Executives attending conferences should scrub laptops of protest-related content and avoid photographing demonstrations.
Despite legal risks, Hong Kong remains a vital hub: Australian Chamber of Commerce membership is up 5 % year-on-year as firms pursue Greater Bay Area opportunities. Immigration data show the city issued 2,840 quality-migrant-admission permits in FY 2024-25, 6 % to Australians.
DFAT continues to rate the destination “high degree of caution”, a notch below the more severe “reconsider travel.” Mobility leads must weigh business imperatives against potential reputational and personal-freedom risks for deployed staff and their families.
