In a decisive move on Wednesday, the Hong Kong legislative council enacted a law prohibiting individuals convicted of national security offenses from either forming or leading trade unions. This amendment to the Trade Union Ordinance imposes a lifetime ban on such individuals, starkly contrasting the five-year restriction applied to those convicted of fraud or criminal organization involvement.

The contentious nature of the national security offenses, as outlined by the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, has been a focal point of international criticism. Passed in response to the widespread protests in Hong Kong during 2019-2020, the law has been condemned for its vague definitions and perceived overreach, which critics argue suppresses political dissent against Chinese authority.

The EU System for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society (EUSEE) had previously expressed concerns that these amendments would undermine the operational freedom of civil society organizations in Hong Kong. This legislative change follows a series of actions taken against Hong Kong’s unions and civil society groups, which have seen significant crackdowns since 2019, leading to the disbandment of major organizations like the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions due to political pressures.

Under the new law, unions are also required to report any financial contributions from foreign entities. The Hong Kong government defends the amendment as a necessary measure to safeguard national security, asserting that it will not impact unions that comply with the law.

Scheduled to take effect on January 6, 2026, this law marks another significant development in Hong Kong’s rapidly changing political landscape, reflecting ongoing tensions between civil liberties and national security concerns.