Wu Chi-wai allowed six-month UK stay after Hong Kong prison ordeal

Hongkong,UPDATED: Jul 28, 2026 00:52 IST

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Wu Chi-wai has been allowed to remain in the UK as a visitor for six months, according to his lawyer, after concerns over his immigration status following his arrival in Britain. Wu has reunited with his family in the UK after spending more than five years in prison in Hong Kong.

The decision by British authorities came after Wu was initially admitted on a seven-day immigration bail last week, prompting concern among rights groups and Hong Kongers living in the UK and Hong Kong. The Home Office confirmed on Monday local time that Wu would not be removed on Wednesday and that he has permission to enter the UK.

Paul Harris, who represents Wu, told The Associated Press early Tuesday that immigration authorities had sent a letter to his legal team saying Wu, the former chairman of Hong Kong's once-largest pro-democracy party, had been granted permission to remain as a visitor for six months. Wu declined to comment.

Wu was among 47 activists charged in 2021 in Hong Kong's biggest case under a Beijing-imposed security law that crushed a once-thriving democracy movement. In 2024, he was sentenced to four years and five months in prison for conspiracy to commit subversion over his role in an unofficial primary election.

In an interview with AP on Sunday, Wu had said he was only allowed to stay in Britain until Wednesday because UK border authorities believed he might have aims beyond a visit, including seeking long-term residency. He had said he was worried this would cut short his plans to spend time with his family after years of separation and that the immigration record could affect future visits to the UK.

With the new permission granted, Wu will now be able to stay in the UK as a visitor for six months, easing immediate concerns over a return deadline and allowing him more time with his family after his release from prison.

With PTI Inputs

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