Wu Chi-wai, a Hong Kong opposition leader and former head of the Democratic Party, was initially denied entry to the United Kingdom at Heathrow Airport last week but has since been allowed to enter the country. The 63-year-old, who has been imprisoned under Hong Kong’s national security laws imposed by Beijing, was stopped upon arrival last Wednesday and informed that he would be deported within seven days.

Wu was traveling on a British National (Overseas) passport, which permits holders to stay in the UK for up to six months. He carried a return ticket for November and said he had obtained prior advice from the British consulate in Hong Kong, where he had been reassured that his visit would not pose any issues.

According to Wu, immigration officials at Heathrow indicated that there was a problem with his paperwork, though he was not given specific details or requested to provide additional documentation. He believes the confusion stemmed from authorities suspecting he intended to apply for residency in the UK, a process requiring an advance visa. Wu said he received no formal explanation or apology when the initial deportation decision was overturned.

On Monday evening, UK immigration officials returned Wu’s passport and confirmed he would no longer be deported. He has now been granted permission to remain in Britain. Wu was traveling to the UK to visit family.

The circumstances surrounding Wu’s detention highlight ongoing complexities related to travel and residency status for holders of British National (Overseas) passports, a category introduced for residents of Hong Kong prior to its handover to China in 1997. UK authorities have not publicly commented on the reasons behind the initial refusal of entry.