UK Grants Six-Month Stay to Former Hong Kong Leader

The UK Home Office granted Wu Chi-wai, a former leader of Hong Kong's Democratic Party and member of the "Hong Kong 47," permission to remain in Britain as a visitor for six months. The decision follows a period of immigration uncertainty that began when Wu arrived at London's Heathrow Airport on July 21, 2026, using a British National (Overseas) passport to reunite with his family.

Upon arrival, Wu was detained for nearly 10 hours. Border Force authorities initially determined he was not a "genuine visitor" and suspected he might seek long-term residency. Officials retained his passport and placed him on a seven-day immigration bail, ordering him to leave the country by July 29.

Following concerns raised by rights groups and the Hong Kong community in Britain, authorities withdrew the one-week limit on Monday, July 28, and approved a standard six-month entry. Wu had been released in June after serving over five years in prison for conspiracy to commit subversion under a Beijing-imposed security law.

While the UK Home Office declined to comment on the specific case, it reaffirmed its commitment to the Hong Kong community. This development occurs as an estimated 170,000 Hong Kong residents have moved to Britain since 2021 under relaxed visa rules.