Former Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmaker Wu Chi-wai, who was recently released from a five-year prison sentence, faces potential deportation from the United Kingdom this week, significantly shortening his reunion with his wife and son.
Wu, the former chairman of Hong Kong's largest opposition party, was among 47 activists charged in 2021 under a Beijing-imposed national security law. He was sentenced in 2024 to four years and five months for conspiracy to commit subversion related to his participation in an unofficial primary election. Following his release last month, Wu traveled to London, where his family is based, with the initial goal of reuniting with them.
Upon arrival in London last Wednesday, Wu communicated with Hong Kong's British consulate about his criminal record and its potential impact on his entry. UK border authorities, however, perceived his intentions as potentially seeking long-term residency. He was eventually granted a seven-day immigration bail, which mandates his removal from the U.K. on Wednesday. This decision curtails his plans to spend an extended period with his family.
Wu expressed concern that this immigration record could hinder future travel and hopes the Home Office will reconsider its decision to extend his stay. "I am very worried about whether I have the ability or a chance to secure a re-entrance to the U.K. to meet with my family again," he told The Associated Press.
The Home Office stated that it does not comment on individual cases but affirmed the government's commitment to supporting Hong Kong residents in the U.K. Since the implementation of the security law in 2020, many families and professionals from Hong Kong have emigrated to various countries, including Britain. Official data indicates that over 230,000 Hong Kong residents have obtained a special visa allowing them to live and work in the U.K., with more than 9,800 eligible for permanent residency after five years.
Wu has denied seeking asylum in the U.K., stating his primary objective is to reunite with his family. He also voiced concerns that other Hong Kongers might encounter similar immigration challenges. His return flight to Hong Kong, initially scheduled for November, was reportedly changed to Wednesday without his request, though the Home Office and the airline did not immediately confirm this.
The political landscape in Hong Kong has dramatically shifted since the introduction of the security law. The legislature Wu once served is now dominated by Beijing loyalists, and media outlets, such as the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, have ceased operations. The Democratic Party he led has disbanded, along with numerous other civil society groups, citing the prevailing political climate. These changes reflect a reduction in the freedoms guaranteed to Hong Kong upon its return to Chinese rule in 1997.
Wu stated that his time in prison underscored the brevity of life, noting the deaths of his parents while he was incarcerated and his limited ability to attend their funerals. He described the emotional impact of not being able to say a final goodbye to his parents. While his wife and son moved to the U.K. in 2022, Wu's communication with them was restricted to a 10-minute phone call once a month, with letters taking approximately a month for a round trip.
Wu indicated that he does not intend to engage in political activities moving forward, prioritizing his family reunion. "Start afresh and cherish the time I have to reunite with my family. I feel this is my most important task in the near future," he said.