Ex-Hong Kong Opposition Leader Wu Chi-wai Faces UK Deportation

Wu Chi-wai, the former leader of Hong Kong's Democratic Party, is reportedly facing deportation from the United Kingdom this Wednesday. His situation became precarious after he was detained at the UK border last Wednesday and subsequently granted only a seven-day immigration bail.

Wu, 63, had traveled to the UK to visit his wife and son in London. However, his past conviction for conspiracy to commit subversion in Hong Kong's largest national security case has complicated his entry. He had served four years and five months before his release last month.

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I am very worried about whether I have the ability or a chance to secure a re-entrance to the UK to meet with my family again.

According to reports, Wu had informed the UK consulate in Hong Kong about his travel plans in advance, hoping his immigration record could be adjusted to allow an extended stay. He explicitly denied seeking asylum, stating his primary goal is to reunite with his family and "start afresh." He described reuniting with his family as his most important near-term task.

A UK Home Office spokesperson stated that the government remains committed to supporting the Hong Kong community in the UK but declined to comment on individual cases. Wu was among 47 prominent democrats arrested and charged under the 2020 security law for organizing legislative election primaries.

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Start afresh and cherish the time I have to reunite with my family… I feel this is my most important task in the near future.