Hong Kong Courts hear historic case on LGBT+ visa rights

Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal is hearing the case of QT and her female partner in an historic case on the rights of foreign same-sex couples. QT married her partner in a UK civil partnership two years ago, but was denied a dependant visa when moving to Hong Kong in 2011. While QT’s partner has been able to work, QT has had to stay in the country on a tourist visa with no access to residence or subsidized public hospital services.

Jane Wetzel, Senior Policy Advisor for Amnesty International, talked of the case: “This is a landmark case for Hong Kong and an important moment for the rights of LGBTI people here and elsewhere. No one should experience discrimination because of who they are, or who they love.

“Hong Kong risks being left behind when it comes to equality for LGBTI people, as across the globe – including in Asia – there is growing recognition of the rights of same-sex couples, including residence permits and visas for same-sex partners.”

The case has drawn much media attention and has the potential to set precedence for other foreign national same-sex couples.

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