12/12/2022
A committee of the Legislative Council discussed yesterday (6th) the assistance provided by the Immigration Department to Hong Kong residents who are in trouble abroad. The Secretary for Security, Chris Tang Ping-keung, said that the Immigration Department received a total of 46 cases from January to November 28 this year regarding work scams in Southeast Asia. 10 Hong Kong residents asked for help, 42 people were confirmed safe, 30 of them have returned to Hong Kong with assistance, the task force is actively assisting the remaining 2 people to return to Hong Kong, 10 Hong Kong residents in Southeast Asia do not need further assistance and follow-up reasons.
When asked whether he would strengthen liaison with overseas Chinese groups in order to help Hong Kong people in the local area immediately, Chris Tang Ping-keungcontinued that he could not verify the reliability of the background of the local Chinese groups, and at this stage he gave priority to seeking help from the foreign economic and trade offices or embassies and consulates.
Regarding whether the Hong Kong government will provide assistance to Hong Kong people who hold British National (Overseas) passports (BNO) but do not have a SAR passport, Deng Bingqiang emphasized that the SAR government does not recognize BNO as a travel document or identity document. It is recommended that the relevant people "seek their own country" for help, but reiterate that as long as Hong Kong residents seek help, even if they are not Chinese citizens or hold a SAR passport, the Hong Kong government will try their best to provide assistance.