Exiled former Hong Kong lawmaker Ted Hui has been granted asylum by Australia, a decision he described as a crucial acknowledgment of the human rights situation in Hong Kong following the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
Hui, who left Hong Kong more than four years ago and faces criminal charges with a bounty on his head, received asylum status on Friday. In an interview, he stated the decision vindicates his belief that he was persecuted for his role in the protests. “It is recognition by the Australian government that human rights infringements and erosion of democracy and freedom actually happened and justified granting asylum to people like me… being persecuted because of the protests,” Hui told Reuters.
The move has drawn a sharp response from Hong Kong and Beijing authorities. On Monday, Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary for Administration, Chan Kwok-ki, summoned the Australian and British consul generals to protest the decision, as activist Tony Chung had also recently been granted asylum in the UK. A Hong Kong government statement accused both countries of “harbouring these offenders,” calling the action contrary to the rule of law. China’s Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment, labeling Hui an “anti-China rioter” and urging other nations to “stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs.”
Hui Expresses Concern for Imprisoned Activist Jimmy Lai
Hui, who now works as a lawyer in South Australia, expressed deep concern for his friend, pro-democracy businessman Jimmy Lai, who is currently on trial for national security charges in Hong Kong. Lai, 77, has reportedly experienced health issues, including heart palpitations, during the final stages of his trial.
“Jimmy Lai is very iconic of Hong Kong’s resistance because he actually had the ability to leave Hong Kong but he decided to stay,” Hui said. Citing a past conversation, Hui recalled Lai’s resolve to “sink with the ship” in support of democratic values. “He deserves democracy’s help in rescuing him when he is in a deep plight and he is not well,” Hui added.
Australia’s Stance and Ongoing Support
The grant of asylum to Hui appears to be a notable exception in recent Australian visa policy. Reuters’ review of visa data showed that Australia had not approved any asylum claims from Hong Kong citizens since January 2021 and had rejected five in 2023.
Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong raised concerns with her Chinese counterpart last month about anonymous letters circulated in South Australia offering rewards for information about Hui and his family. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) are currently investigating the matter, with Hui confirming that the AFP has been in contact to ensure his family’s safety.
Since Hui and his family arrived in 2021, 123 Hong Kong citizens have sought asylum in Australia. An increasing number have also utilized a skilled visa program launched in 2021, which provides a pathway to permanent residency for Hong Kong citizens.
