Ex-Democratic Party head enters UK after being held for 10 hours

British media have reported that former Democratic Party chairman Wu Chi-wai was detained and initially refused entry upon arriving in the United Kingdom.

It is understood that after being held for more than 10 hours, he was ultimately allowed to enter the country.

Wu Chi-wai was one of the defendants in the national security case in connection with the "35+ primary poll" in which activists were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion.

After pleading guilty, he was sentenced to four years and five months in prison.

The former Democratic Party Chairman was released late last month and had recently shared updates about his life on social media.

According to The Times, Wu was travelling to the UK with plans to relocate there.

Upon arriving at London Heathrow Airport, he attempted to enter using a British National (Overseas) or BNO passport, but was detained by UK border authorities and initially denied entry.

The report cites former Hong Kong Bar Association chairman Paul Harris who says Wu's passport has been confiscated and he is expected to be deported to Hong Kong within seven days.

Other reports suggest Wu intended to seek political asylum in the UK.

The reports say the UK Home Office is aware of the incident and describes it as an administrative or procedural matter.

It is understood that after being detained for more than 10 hours, Wu was eventually cleared to enter the UK.

The UK launched the BNO visa scheme in 2021, allowing eligible Hong Kong BNO passport holders and their dependants to apply for permanent residency after five years of residence, followed by British citizenship after a further year.

A UK immigration consultant says applicants entering under the BNO visa scheme undergo background checks in advance, including checks on criminal records in Hong Kong and are therefore rarely refused entry.

However, travellers seeking entry using only a BNO passport, rather than a pre-approved BNO visa, are assessed by border officials on arrival.