Hong Kong opposition leader Wu Chi-wai granted entry to UK after Heathrow detention

Former Hong Kong Democratic Party chairman Wu Chi-wai arrived at London Heathrow Airport on a British National (Overseas) passport and was detained by immigration officials. The officers initially informed him that his passport would be confiscated and that he faced deportation to Hong Kong within seven days. After more than ten hours of questioning, Wu was released and allowed temporary admission to the United Kingdom, where he intends to apply for political asylum.

Wu, 63, was released from a Hong Kong prison last month after serving a four‑year‑five‑month sentence for conspiracy to subvert state power in the “Hong Kong 47” national security case. The UK Home Office said it supports the Hong Kong community in the UK but did not comment on individual cases. British parliamentarians have raised concerns about the detention, and the incident has drawn attention to the treatment of Hong Kong activists seeking refuge under the BNO visa scheme.

Wu plans to remain in the UK and apply for permanent residence under the BNO pathway, which grants settlement after five years of residence. Hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong citizens have moved to Britain since the scheme’s introduction in 2021.