Former Hong Kong opposition leader Wu Chi-wai allowed six-month UK stay

Former Democratic Party leader Wu Chi-wai was permitted to remain in the United Kingdom for six months after being initially detained and told he faced removal, UK authorities and Wu told BBC Chinese.

Wu, 63, arrived at London’s Heathrow Airport last Wednesday and was held for nearly 10 hours before Border Force staff first refused entry, then later allowed a one-week stay and finally approved a standard six-month stay, he said.

Wu, who is among the Hong Kong 47 tried under the national security law, was released in June after serving more than five years in prison for subversion and related convictions. He travelled on a British National (Overseas) passport and said his wife and son had moved to the UK in 2022 and 2023 respectively; he had hoped to reunite with them during the visit.

Wu said he had contacted the British Consulate General in Hong Kong before departure and was told consular staff would explain his criminal record and itinerary to Border Force. The Border Force informed him it did not consider him a “genuine visitor” solely visiting family, he added. Wu denied intending to apply for political asylum, contradicting earlier media reports.

Rights group Hong Kong Watch welcomed the six-month stay, with policy director Megan Khoo saying the outcome was appropriate and that Wu should not have faced potential removal to the city that jailed him.

The UK Home Office declined to comment on individual cases but reiterated the government’s support for the Hong Kong community in the UK. A HKSAR Government spokesperson told BBC Chinese it had not received any requests for assistance from Hong Kong residents in this matter.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

Wu was granted entry after initial refusal and a temporary one‑week allowance; he travelled on a BNO passport and had sought consular assistance prior to departure. He is a high‑profile member of the Hong Kong 47, recently released after more than five years in prison, and his family members had already relocated to the UK in 2022 and 2023.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Wu Chi‑wai was detained at Heathrow for nearly 10 hours and initially refused entry before being granted six months in the UK.
• He is a former leader of the Democratic Party and one of the Hong Kong 47, released in June after over five years in prison.
• Wu travelled on a BNO passport and sought consular help ahead of travel; the UK Home Office does not comment on individual cases.