Hong Kong Issues Red Travel Alert for Israel and Iran Amid Rising Tensions

Government adjusts Outbound Travel Alert for Israel and Iran

In view of the latest developments in Israel and Iran, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (August 18) adjusted the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Israel and Iran to red.

A Government spokesman said, "The red OTA signifies a significant threat. The HKSAR Government advises Hong Kong residents who intend to visit Israel and Iran to adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel. In view of the situation in Israel, Hong Kong residents should avoid all travel to Gaza and nearby areas, as well as areas along the border with Syria and Lebanon. As for Iran, Hong Kong residents should also avoid all travel to areas near the Isfahan, Qom, Markazi and Bushehr provinces."

The Security Bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation there. Any updates will be issued through the media, the Bureau's mobile app and the OTA webpage (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota).

Hong Kong residents in Israel and Iran should attend to personal safety and pay attention to announcements made by local authorities and the Chinese Embassies there. Hong Kong residents there who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department (ImmD) at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD Mobile Application, send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or the 1868 WeChat assistance hotline, submit the Online Assistance Request Form, or contact the local Chinese Embassies (consular protection hotline of Chinese Embassy in Israel: (972) 3-5459520; consular protection hotline of Chinese Embassy in Iran: (98) 912-2176035.

Hong Kong residents, when outside Hong Kong, are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service (www.gov.hk/roti) of the ImmD to register their contact details and itinerary. The information provided allows the ImmD to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means, including SMS on mobile phones, when necessary.

Source: AI-found images

Man sentenced to three months' imprisonment for operating unlicensed slaughterhouse, illegally slaughtering food animals and selling prohibited food

A man pleaded guilty at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts today (June 3) to charges of operating an unlicensed slaughterhouse, illegally slaughtering food animals, and selling prohibited food at a goat farm in Kam Tin, Yuen Long, in breach of the Slaughterhouses Regulation and the Food Business Regulation. He was sentenced to three months' imprisonment for each of the three charges by the Court, with the sentences to run concurrently.

The spokeman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said that the FEHD conducted a blitz operation with the Police on April 16 this year, successfully cracked down on illegal goat slaughtering activities and the sale of prohibited food at the goat farm, and arrested and charged the man.

Under the Slaughterhouses Regulation and the Food Business Regulation, operating an unlicensed slaughterhouse, illegally slaughtering food animals, or sale of prohibited food are serious offences. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment up to six months.

The spokesman emphasised the FEHD's deep concern and strong commitment to combating the illegal slaughtering of food animals and the sale of prohibited food through stringent enforcement actions against violations. Anyone who discovers suspected illegal slaughtering activities or has doubts about the origin of meat being sold by retailers can report it by calling 1823.

Source: AI-found images