Former Hong Kong opposition leader Wu Chi-wai and his family have been granted a six-month stay in the United Kingdom following his detention at London's Heathrow Airport last Wednesday. Wu, who was initially refused entry and told he would face deportation after one week, confirmed on Monday that the UK Border Force had approved his entry.
Wu, 63, is a prominent figure in Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and was part of the group known as the Hong Kong 47. These individuals faced charges under the national security law, and Wu was released in June after serving over five years for subversion and other convictions. His wife and son had relocated to the UK in 2022 and 2023, and he had hoped to reunite with them.
According to Wu, he had consulted with staff at the British Consulate General in Hong Kong before his departure, where he was informed that his entry would not pose a problem. He stated that consular staff had indicated they would provide information about his criminal record and travel plans to the UK Border Force. However, the Border Force reportedly informed him that he was not considered a "genuine visitor" solely for family reasons.
Wu has denied media reports suggesting he intended to apply for political asylum in the UK. Hong Kong Watch, a rights group that had advocated for Wu's right to remain in the UK, welcomed the decision. Megan Khoo, the organization's policy director, stated that while the outcome was correct, the process took too long and Wu should not have faced the possibility of being sent back to Hong Kong, where he had been imprisoned.