Hong Kong Democracy Activist Wu Chi-wai Granted 6-Month UK Visa After Years of Imprisonment

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Wu Chi-wai has been granted permission to stay in the United Kingdom for six months as a visitor, his lawyer announced on Tuesday. This development comes after Wu’s entry on a seven-day immigration bail last week raised widespread concerns from rights groups and Hong Kongers living in the UK and the Chinese territory.

Wu, the former chairman of Hong Kong’s once-biggest pro-democracy party, was one of 47 activists charged in 2021 in Hong Kong’s biggest case under a Beijing-imposed security law that crushed a previously thriving democracy movement. He was sentenced in 2024 to four years and five months in prison for conspiracy to commit subversion over his role in an unofficial primary election.

According to his lawyer, Paul Harris, immigration authorities had sent a letter to his attorneys saying Wu was being granted permission to remain as a visitor for six months. Harris stated that Wu’s family resides in the UK, and the British authorities’ decision came after Wu’s entry on a seven-day immigration bail last week raised widespread concerns from rights groups and Hong Kongers living in the UK and the Chinese territory.

Wu expressed his concerns in an interview with the Associated Press on Sunday, stating that he was only allowed to stay in Britain until Wednesday as UK border authorities believed he might have other goals beyond just visiting, including seeking long-term residency. He worried that would cut short his plans to spend time with his family after years of separation. He also feared the immigration record could affect his future visits to his family in the UK again.

The Home Office confirmed on Monday local time that Wu will not be removed on Wednesday and that he has permission to enter the UK. This decision has brought a sense of relief to Wu and his family, who have been separated for years.

Wu’s case highlights the ongoing struggles of democracy activists in Hong Kong, who have faced intense scrutiny and repression under the Beijing-imposed security law. The law has been widely criticized for its human rights implications and has led to the arrest and imprisonment of many activists, including Wu.

As Wu enjoys his time with his family in the UK, his case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong. The decision by the UK authorities to grant Wu a six-month visa is a welcome development, but it remains to be seen what the future holds for this democracy activist and his family.

Key Facts:

• Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Wu Chi-wai granted permission to stay in the UK for six months as a visitor.
• Wu was one of 47 activists charged in 2021 in Hong Kong’s biggest case under a Beijing-imposed security law.
• He was sentenced in 2024 to four years and five months in prison for conspiracy to commit subversion.
• UK border authorities initially believed Wu might have other goals beyond just visiting, including seeking long-term residency.