Hong Kong has annulled the passports of six pro-democracy activists living in exile overseas under its recently instituted domestic security law, describing them as “lawless fugitives”.

The authorities stated that, along with the revocation of the fugitives' travel documents, these individuals are also prohibited from engaging in any business activities in Hong Kong, spanning from financial transactions involving cash to gold.

“These lawless wanted criminals are hiding in the United Kingdom and persistently partake in activities that threaten national security,” a government representative declared on Wednesday.

“They also disseminate fear-inducing comments to defame the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Furthermore, they continually conspire with external entities to safeguard their misdeeds. Consequently, we have taken this measure to deliver them a stern blow.”

The six individuals, accused of national security offenses in Hong Kong and sought by law enforcement, include former legislator Nathan Law and British consulate worker Simon Cheng who was detained for 15 days in China in August 2019. The others mentioned were activist Finn Lau, labor rights advocate Christopher Mung, Fok Ka-chi, and Choi Ming-da, according to the statement.

In a post on social media platform X, Lau labeled the action as “an explicit act of transnational repression” but asserted it would not deter him from his advocacy work. He mentioned he had neither requested nor held a passport from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

“The act of repression does not deter me from advocating for human rights & democracy,” he wrote. “The fighting spirit of Hongkongers, including mine, remains.”

On Facebook, Law remarked he has not held an HKSAR passport since he received asylum in the UK in 2021, deeming the Hong Kong government's action as “unnecessary”.

The government warning also highlighted that any individuals in Hong Kong providing any form of financial aid or engaging in business transactions with the six would be committing an offense that could result in a seven-year prison sentence.

“Please prioritize your personal safety,” Law advised the residents of Hong Kong in his post.

The legislative body in the territory passed the security law, known as Article 23, in March, augmenting a national security law enforced by Beijing in July 2020 following massive protests that occasionally escalated into violence.

Hong Kong’s officials and Beijing contend that these laws have brought stability to the region. However, critics argue that they have severely eroded Hong Kong's freedoms.

The Hong Kong police have proposed a reward of up to 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($128,000) for information leading to the capture of 13 pro-democracy activists currently residing abroad, which includes the six whose passports have now been revoked.