The news of Heung’s application met with opposition in Taiwan last December, as he is known for his public support of the sweeping new national security law that China imposed on Hong Kong.

His Taiwanese wife, Chen Lan, publicly criticized students protesting against the territory’s proposal for an extradition agreement with Beijing.

In addition, their son Jacky Heung Cho is a member of the Communist Party-linked All-China Youth Federation, with some arguing that people with close links to Beijing should not be granted stay in Taiwan.

According to Taiwan media reports, their applications have been denied by Taiwan authorities after taking social security into account. Charles Heung was also said to have criminal records in the self-ruled island.

Heung and his son entered Taiwan in September back then on work visas, which allowed them to stay for three months followed by one three-month extension.