After spending more than five years in a Hong Kong prison, former pro-democracy lawmaker Wu Chi-wai finally embraced his wife and son in London last week. Wu, who was the chairman of Hong Kong’s once-largest opposition party, was among 47 activists charged in 2021 under a Beijing-imposed security law that dismantled the city’s democracy movement.

Sentenced in 2024 to four years and five months for conspiracy to commit subversion related to an unofficial primary election, Wu was released last month. His immediate goal was to reunite with his family, now based in the U.K. He had communicated with Hong Kong’s British consulate before traveling, fearing his criminal record might affect his entry.

However, after landing in London last Wednesday, border authorities suspected Wu might have other intentions, including seeking long-term residency, he told The Associated Press in an interview. This has raised the possibility that Wu could be sent back to Hong Kong as early as this week, much sooner than he had anticipated.

The political landscape in Hong Kong has dramatically shifted since the 2020 introduction of the security law, prompting many families and young professionals to emigrate, particularly to Britain. U.K. government data indicates that over 230,000 Hong Kong residents have obtained a special visa allowing them to live and work in the U.K. and to apply for permanent residence after five years.

Wu’s wife and son moved to the U.K. in 2022, and prior to his release, Wu was limited to calling them for only 10 minutes once a month.

Sources