After more than five years locked away in a Hong Kong prison, former pro-democracy lawmaker Wu Chi-wai finally got the chance to hold his wife and son last week in London. The reunion brought tears of joy — but it may be over almost as soon as it began.
Wu was formerly the chairman of Hong Kong’s largest opposition party and was among 47 activists prosecuted in 2021 in the city’s most significant case brought under a sweeping security law imposed by Beijing. That law effectively dismantled what had been a vibrant democracy movement. In 2024, Wu received a sentence of four years and five months in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to commit subversion for his participation in an unofficial primary election.
Following his release last month, his top priority was getting to his family, who had relocated to the United Kingdom. Concerned that his criminal record might create problems at the border, Wu reached out to Hong Kong’s British consulate ahead of his trip. Despite those preparations, when he arrived in London last Wednesday, immigration officials raised concerns that he might have intentions beyond a family visit — possibly seeking to establish long-term residency, he told The Associated Press.
Authorities ultimately allowed Wu to enter the country, but only under a seven-day immigration bail. That restriction means he faces removal from the UK on Wednesday — a far cry from the months his family had hoped to spend together.
Wu said he is worried the immigration record could create obstacles for him when trying to visit the UK in the future, and he is urging the Home Office to reconsider and allow him to stay longer.
