China Blocks People from Leaving the Country with New Law

China has a new law about leaving the country. It is called Decree No. 841. The law started on September 15, 2026.

The Chinese government can now stop people from leaving China. They can do this for many reasons. Some reasons are about national security. The reasons are not always clearly explained.

Human Rights Watch is very worried about this law. They say the law breaks international human rights rules. Every person has the right to leave their country. This is protected by international law.

The new law affects both Chinese citizens and foreigners. Anyone in China can be stopped from leaving. The government decides who can go and who must stay.

For LGBTQ+ people, this law is especially dangerous. China already limits LGBTQ+ rights. Gay and transgender people sometimes face pressure from authorities. Now, the government has more power to stop them from leaving. LGBTQ+ activists or people seeking safety abroad could be blocked.

Human rights organizations say the rules are too broad. The government can use unclear reasons to stop people. This makes it hard to challenge a travel ban in court.

International human rights law has clear rules. A government can only limit travel for good reasons. The reason must be necessary and fair. China's new decree does not meet these standards, according to Human Rights Watch.

China has used travel bans before. Activists, lawyers, and journalists have been stopped from leaving. Now, the new law makes it easier for authorities to do this. More people could be affected.

LGBTQ+ people in China already live with many restrictions. There is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships. Transgender healthcare is very limited. And now, leaving the country may become harder too.

Human Rights Watch is calling on China to change the law. They want clear and fair rules about travel. They say no one should be stopped from leaving without a good legal reason.