UK confirms ex-Hong Kong lawmaker Wu Chi-wai will not face deportation after immigration hiccups

The UK has confirmed that former Hong Kong lawmaker Wu Chi-wai will not face deportation, following initial immigration difficulties upon his arrival in Britain.

Wu, a former chair of the now-defunct Democratic Party, was convicted under Hong Kong's national security law for conspiracy to subvert the state. He was among 47 democrats accused of participating in an unofficial pro-democracy legislative primary election in 2020 and subsequently received a prison sentence of four years and five months.

Upon arriving in the UK on his British National Overseas (BNO) passport in late July, Wu was detained for 10 hours and initially granted only seven-day immigration bail. However, following intervention from supporters and advocates, he was later permitted to remain in the UK as a visitor for six months.

Jo White, the UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, stated in a letter that the Home Office recognizes the importance of independently assessing each case involving a BNO passport. She added that UK authorities should not automatically deny settlement applications due to overseas convictions. The letter, shared by the NGO Hong Kong Watch, confirmed Wu's admission to the UK and that he is not facing deportation. Hong Kong Watch welcomed the decision but expressed ongoing concern for other Hong Kong political prisoners applying for the BNO scheme.

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Where an individual asserts that their actions were politically motivated, or raise concerns about circumstances surrounding their convictions, caseworkers will consider any relevant evidence provided in support of those claims… including all relevant court findings… Regarding Mr. Wu, I can confirm that, following further engagement with him, he was granted permission to enter to the UK and is not facing deportation or removal.