Hong Kong Activist’s Reunion in London Cut Short by Deportation Threat

HONG KONG — After more than five years of imprisonment, former pro‑democracy legislator Wu Chi‑wai finally embraced his wife and son in London last week, where they wept with joy.

Wu, former chairman of Hong Kong’s largest opposition party, was among 47 activists charged in 2021 in the city’s most prominent case under the Beijing‑imposed national security law that dismantled the territory’s once‑vibrant democratic movement. In 2024, he received a sentence of four years and five months for conspiracy to commit subversion related to an unofficial primary election.

Following his release last month, his initial objective was to reunite with his family, who are now residing in the United Kingdom. Concerned that his criminal record might impede entry, he had consulted the British consulate in Hong Kong beforehand. Upon arrival in London on Wednesday, border officials suspected he might be seeking long‑term residency, a possibility he disclosed to The Associated Press.

Wu explained that he was ultimately permitted entry and received a seven‑day immigration bail, which mandates his removal from the United Kingdom on Wednesday, thereby truncating the family’s planned extended stay.

He noted that the Home Office granted him a seven‑day immigration bail, requiring his departure from the U.K. on Wednesday and ending the anticipated months‑long family reunion.

He expressed concern that the immigration record could hinder future travel and appealed to the Home Office to overturn the decision and extend his stay.

The Home Office issued a statement on Sunday indicating that it does not routinely comment on individual cases, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Hong Kong residents in the United Kingdom.

Following the dramatic political shifts in Hong Kong after the 2020 security law, numerous families and young professionals have emigrated abroad, notably to the United Kingdom. Both Beijing and Hong Kong authorities maintain that the legislation was essential for maintaining stability in the city.

UK government statistics indicate that over 230,000 Hong Kong residents have obtained a special visa enabling them to live and work in the United Kingdom, with eligibility for permanent residence after five years; more than 9,800 have been granted settled status.

Wu denied any intention to seek asylum in the United Kingdom, though his long‑term aim remains to reunite with his family there. He voiced concern that other Hong Kong residents might encounter comparable entry obstacles.

He stated that his scheduled return flight to Hong Kong, originally set for November, has been adjusted to Wednesday without his input, and both the Home Office and the airline have not promptly responded to inquiries.

The legislative body he once represented is now populated by Beijing loyalists following electoral reforms, and several media outlets — including the pro‑democracy newspaper Apple Daily — have shut down, with its founder Jimmy Lai serving a 20‑year prison term under the same security law.

The Democratic Party that Wu once headed has dissolved, joining dozens of other civil society groups that cited the prevailing political climate as a reason for disbandment.

These developments underscore the diminishing freedoms promised to the former British colony upon its 1997 handover to Chinese sovereignty.

“Even if it is difficult to let go, one must,” Wu remarked regarding the dissolution of his party.

He reflected that imprisonment taught him life is fleeting; his parents passed away while he was incarcerated, and he was only permitted brief attendance at their funerals.

“When one cannot be present to bid farewell to one’s parents at their final moment, the emotional impact can be profound,” he explained.

After his wife and son relocated to the United Kingdom in 2022, Wu could communicate with them only for ten minutes each month; exchanging letters required approximately a month for each reply.

Wu declared that he will no longer engage in political activities.

“Begin anew and cherish the time I have to reunite with my family,” he said, adding that this constitutes his most important task in the coming future.

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