Political donor Huang Xiangmo’s permanent residency ‘cancelled’

The government declines to comment on reports political donor Huang Xiangmo has had his permanent residency cancelled.

Huang Xiangmo with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

The federal government has declined to comment on reports that political donor Huang Xiangmo has had his permanent residency cancelled and been stranded outside of Australia.

As recently as December Mr Huang — who owns a mansion in Sydney’s Mosman — handed over the role of company chairman to his son Jimmy and Mr Huang travelled to Thailand in November as chair of Oceanic Alliance for the Promotion of the Peaceful Reunification of China — an organisation linked to the Chinese government.

Mr Huang’s family company, Yuhu Group has real estate projects underway worth billions of dollars in Sydney’s Circular Quay and on the Gold Coast.

According to Nine newspapers, Australian officials have declined Mr Huang’s attempts to secure Australian citizenship and cancelled his permanent residency.

Huang Xiangmo (left) with Malcolm Turnbull at the 2016 Chinese New Year Lantern Festival.

Immigration Minister David Coleman declined to comment on the report when asked on Wednesday morning.

Asked about Mr Huang, Industry Minister Karen Andrews said: “I understand there are issues surrounding that matter”.

Mr Huang has donated millions to both sides of Australian politics but has editorialised in favour of the Labor party in opinion pieces he has written in the Chinese language media.

He was also linked to former Senator Sam Dastyari, who supported Beijing’s position on the South China Sea at a press conference while standing next to Mr Huang.

Asked if political parties should return Mr Huang’s donations, Ms Andrews said: “It’s something for consideration”.

A spokesman for Yuhu Group, now run by Mr Huang’s son, distanced the company from the billionaire.

“Yuhu Group Australia [does not] speak for Mr Huang,” a spokesman for Yuhu Group told The Australian.

“As reported last year, Mr Huang no longer holds any position at the company, is not involved in day-to-day operations, nor does he hold any shares.”

The spokesman insisted the developer’s projects have not been affected.

“Regardless, the company’s operations and projects are certainly continuing and it is business as usual.”

The Australian understands Mr Huang is currently in Hong Kong.