Ex-Hong Kong opposition leader Wu Chi-wai granted 6-month stay in UK after border detention, thanks supporters

Wu Chi-wai, the former leader of Hong Kong's opposition Democratic Party, has secured a six-month stay in the United Kingdom, narrowly avoiding deportation after a brief detention at the border last week. The decision comes after significant advocacy from Hong Kong diaspora communities and supporters.

“

I know that, throughout this event, many Hong Kong people and friends everywhere have been working tirelessly during this period, speaking out for me and voicing opinions through various channels and methods. With everyone’s assistance, today – on the afternoon of July 27, 2026 – I finally received a document issued by the UK Border Force officially approving my entry and granting me a standard stay of six months.

Wu, 63, was released from prison in Hong Kong in June after serving four years and five months for conspiracy to commit subversion, an offense under Beijing's national security law imposed in 2020. He also served a separate 14-month sentence for an unauthorized assembly case. Upon arriving in the UK to join his wife and son, he was initially granted only a seven-day immigration bail, with concerns that his conviction might impede his entry.

Despite reports suggesting he was seeking asylum, Wu denied this, stating his primary intention was to reunite with his family and "start afresh." He expressed gratitude for the collective efforts that helped overturn the initial decision to deny his entry. The Home Office confirmed that Wu had been granted permission to enter the country.

“

With everyone reflecting opinions through different channels, that collective effort turned into a force that ultimately overturned the decision to deny my entry.

However, Wu cautioned that his experience highlights ongoing concerns for Hongkongers navigating UK immigration. He emphasized that his six-month stay was a "discretionary treatment" and does not establish a precedent. Wu called for clearer immigration procedures to prevent distress among Hongkongers seeking to enter or exit the UK, thanking supporters for their role in his successful entry.

“

The government has made it very clear that this case itself does not constitute any precedent. The entry procedures still require further clarification to avoid causing distress to Hongkongers.