Key facts
- Hong Kong activist Wu Chi-wai has been granted six months of visitor status in the UK.
- Wu was initially detained at Heathrow Airport and told he could only stay for one week.
- He was released from prison in June after serving over five years for subversion.
- Wu denies claims he intended to seek political asylum in the UK.
- His family resides in the UK, and he had consulted British consular staff before traveling.
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Wu Chi-wai has been granted six months of visitor status in the UK, resolving initial immigration concerns after he was detained at London Heathrow Airport. Wu, who arrived last Wednesday, was initially told he could only stay for one week before facing deportation, but UK Border Force approved his entry on Monday.
Wu, 63, was the leader of the now-defunct Democratic Party and is one of the Hong Kong 47 pro-democracy figures sentenced after a national security trial. He was released in June after serving more than five years in prison for subversion and other convictions. Wu stated that his wife and son moved to the UK in 2022 and 2023, and he had hoped to reunite with them.
He told BBC Chinese that he had consulted staff at the British Consulate General in Hong Kong before his departure, who indicated there would be no issues with his entry and would explain his criminal record and itinerary to Border Force. However, Border Force officials stated he was not considered a genuine visitor solely visiting family. Wu denies media reports that he intended to apply for political asylum.
Hong Kong Watch, which had urged UK authorities to allow Wu to stay, welcomed the decision, with policy director Megan Khoo stating it was the "right outcome" and he should never have faced removal. Wu entered the UK using his British National (Overseas) passport, which typically allows visa-free entry for six months. The UK government has a visa program for BNO holders, offering a pathway to citizenship. According to UK government figures, over 230,000 Hong Kongers have been granted BNO visas, with nearly 170,000 relocating to the UK.