Hong Kong activist Wu Chi-wai granted UK stay
Former pro-democracy leader detained at Heathrow Airport after arriving on a BN(O) passport.
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Wu Chi-wai, a former leader of the Democratic Party in Hong Kong and one of the pro-democracy figures known as the 'Hong Kong 47', has been granted permission to remain in the United Kingdom for six months. His arrival at London Heathrow Airport last Wednesday led to his detention and an initial refusal of entry, as reported by BBC World. He was later informed he would face deportation after a week.
However, on Monday, the UK Border Force approved his entry, allowing him a standard six-month period in the country. Wu, 63, had been released in June after serving over five years in prison for charges including subversion. He used his British National (Overseas) passport to enter the UK, a document typically granting visa-free entry for six months.
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Wu Chi-wai stated that his wife and son relocated to the UK in 2022 and 2023 respectively, and his hope was to reunite with them. He told BBC Chinese that he had sought guidance from staff at the British Consulate General in Hong Kong before his departure. He was informed that there would be no issues with his entry, and that his criminal record and travel plans would be communicated to the UK Border Force.
The Border Force indicated that Wu was not considered a 'genuine visitor' solely intending to see family. Wu has denied media reports suggesting he intended to seek political asylum in the UK.
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The rights group Hong Kong Watch welcomed the decision, with policy director Megan Khoo stating it was the correct outcome and should not have taken so long. She added that Wu should never have faced the possibility of being sent back to Hong Kong, the city that had imprisoned him. The UK government introduced a visa programme for BN(O) passport holders in 2021, following pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and subsequent crackdowns. This policy offers a pathway to citizenship for those who settle in the UK.
According to UK government figures, over 230,000 Hong Kong residents have been granted BN(O) visas, with nearly 170,000 having already moved to the UK. The UK Home Office, which oversees the Border Force, stated it does not comment on individual cases but affirmed the government's continued support for the Hong Kong community in the UK.
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