Ex-Hong Kong opposition leader Wu Chi-wai enters UK after reported denial

The Times, citing his friends, earlier reported former chairman of Democratic Party was initially refused entry and told he would be deported Wu Chi-wai takes part in a march from the Legislative Council to Government House in Central in June 2019. Photo: Nora Tam Former Hong Kong opposition leader Wu Chi-wai has been allowed into the UK, the South China Morning Post has learned, following a report he was denied entry while using his British National (Overseas) passport. A source said on Thursday that Wu, ex-chairman of the Democratic Party and a former lawmaker, had been allowed into the United Kingdom. Citing his friends, The Times earlier reported he had initially been refused entry and told he would be deported. Wu had served a sentence of four years and five months in a landmark subversion case and was released from a Hong Kong prison in late June. According to The Times report, Wu arrived in the UK with a BN(O) passport but was told by an immigration officer it would be confiscated and he would be sent back to Hong Kong. Under a bespoke visa scheme, eligible BN(O) passport holders from Hong Kong can live, work and study in the UK. Photo: Getty Images Former Hong Kong Bar Association chairman Paul Harris said he was aware of the case and confirmed that Wu had been stopped at Heathrow Airport. “The immigration officer told him his passport would be confiscated and that he would be deported to Hong Kong within seven days,” Harris was quoted as saying. Under a bespoke visa scheme, eligible BN(O) passport holders from Hong Kong can live, work and study in the UK, with a pathway to full citizenship after five years. Wu, 63, was among 45 former politicians and activists convicted of conspiracy to subvert state power under the national security law over their roles in a 2020 unofficial primary election. Two others were acquitted. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years and five months in prison. The High Court ruled that the poll, aimed at boosting the opposition’s chances of securing a legislative majority, was part of a plan to “undermine, destroy or overthrow” authorities. The South China Morning Post has sought comment from Wu, the Immigration Department, the Security Bureau and the UK Home Office.