Former Hong Kong pro-democracy politician Ted Hui has been granted asylum in Australia. The protection visa also extends to his wife, children, and parents. Hui announced the news on Facebook, expressing his deep gratitude to the Australian government. He said his family is “very relieved” by the decision.
“After years of uncertainty, we can now plan our lives without fear,” Hui told the ABC. “We no longer have to worry about which countries we’ll live in, where our children will go to school, or where we can work.”
Hui has been living in Australia for four years after fleeing Hong Kong. During that time, he has continued to face intimidation for his outspoken pro-democracy views. The South Australian Law Society has publicly condemned the harassment campaign against him. Hong Kong’s political landscape changed dramatically after Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in 2020. The law followed large-scale democracy protests in 2019, in which Hui played a prominent role. He was arrested in China before eventually settling in Adelaide.
“I left Hong Kong with a very heavy heart,” Hui recalled. “When I declared my exile in Europe, I cried, knowing I might never return home.” In 2023, Hong Kong authorities placed bounties of HK$1 million (around $200,000) on several overseas activists, including Hui. While largely symbolic, these bounties signal ongoing threats against pro-democracy figures abroad.
“A bounty does not affect my daily life in Australia,” Hui said. “Of course, there is always a risk of illegal attempts to bring me back, but the likelihood is low.” The Hong Kong government has not commented directly on Hui’s case. A spokesperson stated that those who flee should not expect to escape “criminal liability.” The statement criticized countries that harbor Hong Kong fugitives, claiming it shows contempt for the city’s legal system.
Hui urged Australia to do more for Hong Kong activists who remain imprisoned. He highlighted figures such as media tycoon Jimmy Lai, jailed since 2020, and others facing harsh sentences for defending democratic rights. “Australia must help rescue these activists and speak up for their humanity,” Hui said. “Its actions set an international example and show other democracies the importance of protecting human rights.” He suggested Australia could impose sanctions on Hong Kong and Beijing officials responsible for human rights violations. “These are not just numbers—they are fathers, mothers, daughters, and sons who are suffering,” he added.
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has previously condemned Hong Kong’s arrest warrants and bounties. She emphasized that freedom of expression and assembly are essential in a democracy and assured support for those exercising these rights in Australia. “Australia remains deeply concerned by the ongoing erosion of Hong Kong’s rights, freedoms, and autonomy,” Wong said in 2023. Hui’s asylum marks a significant development in the protection of overseas pro-democracy activists. It highlights Australia’s willingness to provide refuge to individuals facing political persecution and reinforces the country’s stance on human rights and democratic freedoms.
