Twitch streamer Hasan Piker says he has been barred from entering the UK after the Home Office revoked his travel authorization ahead of a planned trip to London.
Piker, better known by his Twitch name, HasanAbi, revealed on June 1 that he had been informed his Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) was no longer valid, preventing him from boarding a flight to the UK.
The political commentator had been due to appear at SXSW London and other events during the visit.
Home Office says Piker’s presence “may not be conducive to the public good”
According to Piker, he was notified that his ETA had been revoked shortly before his scheduled departure.
Multiple outlets, including Reuters and The Guardian, reported that the Home Office confirmed the decision and cited concerns that Piker’s presence in the UK “may not be conducive to the public good.”
As of writing, no further details appear to have been publicly disclosed by the Home Office. However, the move has led to discussion online due to Piker’s prominence as one of Twitch’s biggest streamers and political commentators.
Twitch/HasanHasan and his uncle, Cenk Uyger, were denied entry to the UK by the country’s Home Office, citing concerns that their presence “may not be conducive to the public good.”
Hasan’s uncle, Cenk Uygur, said they had also been “banned from the UK” after they had attempted to board a flight to London for the same event.
Piker addressed the situation on X, saying he believed the decision was politically motivated and expressing frustration at being unable to attend events he had planned to participate in while in London.
SXSW statement and Hasan’s response
Per Variety, a SXSW spokesperson released a statement on June 1, stating:
“Decisions on entry to the U.K. are a matter for the Home Office and the individuals concerned. SXSW London’s role is to convene a broad range of diverse voices and perspectives. We remain focused on delivering a programme this week fostering open dialogue and exchange of ideas and featuring more than 800 speakers, artists and screenings.”
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In referencing SXSW’s statement, Hasan said his appearance at the conference was only a “minor part” of his trip and criticized organizers for not defending him or his uncle, saying, “I will never work with them for the rest of my life. If you bought a ticket expecting to see me you should demand a refund.”
It’s unclear if Hasan will be able to appeal the decision. Dexerto has contact the UK Home Office for comment.
