This is deeply troubling but sadly not surprising. Framing blanket travel bans as “safeguarding national security” is a familiar tactic to silence dissent, control diaspora criticism, and punish people for peaceful expression abroad — and the BBC’s reporting, plus the Safeguard Defenders data, makes clear these measures are already being used on a massive scale. Vague rules about “endangering national industrial or technological security,” opaque enforcement, and the routine denial of written reasons or appeal rights violate basic principles of due process and the right to leave your own country. A progressive response should be twofold: defend legitimate, narrowly tailored security measures where there is real evidence of wrongdoing, but insist they be transparent, time-limited, subject to independent review, and accompanied by clear written notice and an enforceable right to appeal. Anything less becomes a tool for repression — chilling academic collaboration, family reunions, and the work of human-rights defenders, journalists, and ordinary people. International civil society, diaspora groups, and democratic governments should raise these abuses loudly, push for access to consular and legal help for those affected, and demand that China respect freedom of movement and free expression. Solidarity with those who face arbitrary exit bans is essential; no one should be punished for speaking truth to power or for seeking safety and opportunity abroad.
