Democracy activists in Hong Kong have recently been denied UK visas, with the UK government citing their criminal convictions for participating in protests against Chinese policies. Among those affected are two activists, referred to here as John and Edward, whose British National Overseas (BNO) visa applications were rejected in July 2026. The rejections were based on their convictions for "riot" by Hong Kong courts, stemming from protests against laws seen as undermining democracy. Their lawyers reported that at least 10 other activists have faced similar visa denials since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister in 2024. The BNO visa program was introduced by the UK in 2021 to provide a pathway to British citizenship for eligible Hong Kong residents, in response to China’s intensified crackdown on pro-democracy protests. Since its launch, over 170,000 people holding BNO status have relocated to the UK, including Edward’s elderly parents and brother. Edward, who was arrested during a protest against police violence in Yuen Long in 2019, received a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for riot in 2022. After being released in 2024, he faced difficulties in continuing his education and finding work. His visa application was denied in 2026, with the UK Home Office citing his criminal record. John, another activist, was involved in a protest at Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2019, where he was injured by a rubber bullet, arrested, and later convicted of riot. He served two years and one month in prison before being released early. His BNO visa application was also denied in July 2026, based on his conviction. John expressed disappointment, saying the UK had promised the BNO visa would protect Hong Kongers and their rights. Both John and Edward’s lawyers pointed out that in previous cases, activists with similar convictions had been granted visas, suggesting the current rejections may reflect a shift in policy. Lawmakers and advocacy groups have raised concerns about the growing number of BNO visa rejections linked to criminal records not recognized in the UK. Priti Patel, who introduced the BNO visa as Home Secretary in 2020, criticized Burnham for allegedly aligning too closely with China. Emily Dalington, chair of Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hong Kong, highlighted the increasing difficulty for activists seeking refuge in the UK. The Home Office, however, stated it could not verify the activists’ claims and emphasized that it follows standard immigration rules, including the consideration of criminal history and behavior.