Ex-Hong Kong opposition leader Wu Chi-wai enters UK after reported denial


Former Hong Kong opposition leader Wu Chi-wai has been allowed into the UK, the South China Morning Post has learned, following a report he was denied entry while using his British National (Overseas) passport.

A source said on Thursday that Wu, ex-chairman of the Democratic Party and a former lawmaker, had been allowed into the United Kingdom. Citing his friends, The Times earlier reported he had initially been refused entry and told he would be deported.

Wu had served a sentence of four years and five months in a landmark subversion case and was released from a Hong Kong prison in late June.

According to The Times report, Wu arrived in the UK with a BN(O) passport but was told by an immigration officer it would be confiscated and he would be sent back to Hong Kong.

Under a bespoke visa scheme, eligible BN(O) passport holders from Hong Kong can live, work and study in the UK. Photo: Getty Images
Under a bespoke visa scheme, eligible BN(O) passport holders from Hong Kong can live, work and study in the UK. Photo: Getty Images

Former Hong Kong Bar Association chairman Paul Harris said he was aware of the case and confirmed that Wu had been stopped at Heathrow Airport.

โ€œThe immigration officer told him his passport would be confiscated and that he would be deported to Hong Kong within seven days,โ€ Harris was quoted as saying.