Immigration Department carries out in-flight escort repatriation operation repatriating six unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to their place of origin
The Immigration Department (ImmD) carried out an in-flight escort repatriation operation codenamed "Expel" yesterday (July 16), deploying officers to successfully repatriate six unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to Pakistan. The persons removed were all male illegal immigrants. Among them were discharged prisoners who had committed criminal offences and had been sentenced to imprisonment. Since the persons had repeatedly refused to accept repatriation arrangements and vigorously resisted during previous repatriation operations, the ImmD resorted to using an in-flight escort to effect the forced repatriation.
An ImmD spokesman said, "The ImmD has been committed to promptly removing unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong to maintain effective immigration control and safeguard the public interest. As there are currently no direct flights between Hong Kong and Pakistan, repatriating Pakistani claimants need to transit through a connecting airport to Pakistan. To enhance removal efforts, following the in-flight escort repatriation operations codenamed 'Expel' in November 2025 and March 2026, the ImmD once again arranged a special chartered flight from Hong Kong to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, then interchanged to a commercial flight to Pakistan to effect the in-flight escort repatriation operation. The ImmD successfully carried out the forced repatriation to remove six unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to their home country in this operation, and handed them over to the relevant government authorities. This has significantly enhanced the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the repatriation process, demonstrating the ImmD's firm determination to expedite repatriations against unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants."
Under the updated removal policy effective from December 7, 2022, the ImmD may generally proceed with the removal of a claimant whose judicial review case has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court, thereby enhancing the efficiency of and efforts in removing unsubstantiated claimants.
The ImmD will continue to explore different feasible solutions to expedite the repatriation of unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants, and will actively co-ordinate with relevant authorities to optimise repatriation routes and the operation process. The ImmD will actively maintain close liaison with governments of major source countries of non-refoulement claimants, airline companies and other government departments to repatriate unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong as soon as practicable through all appropriate measures.
The Immigration Department (ImmD) carried out an in-flight repatriation operation codenamed "Expel" yesterday (July 16). A total of six Pakistani unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants were repatriated to Pakistan. Photo shows removees being escorted by ImmD officers to depart from Hong Kong. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
New Aberdeen Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange to be commissioned on July 26 to enhance bus service efficiency and passengers' waiting experience
The Transport Department (TD) announced today (July 17) that the new Bus-Bus Interchange (BBI) located at the Wong Chuk Hang portal of the Aberdeen Tunnel will be commissioned on July 26 (Sunday). The bus stop will be named Aberdeen Tunnel Bus-Bus Interchange. The new BBI will provide passengers with a wider selection of interchange routes travelling to and from the Southern District. It will also enhance the passenger waiting environment and improve bus service efficiency.
Following the implementation of "HKeToll", the Government has made good use of the freed-up area at the former Aberdeen Tunnel toll plaza to construct the new BBI. The new BBI has one bus bay each for the Wan Chai bound and Aberdeen bound directions, accommodating six and five buses respectively, and the two sides are connected by an existing footbridge. In addition to bus transfer, passengers may also access the new BBI via Nam Fung Path and Wong Chuk Hang Path for Wan Chai bound andAberdeen bound buses respectively.
The new BBI also provides covered waiting areas, seats and fans, together with route information panels and real-time estimated bus arrival display panels provided by the franchised bus operator. These facilities enhance the waiting experience and provide passengers with more information to plan their journeys.
With effect from July 26 (starting from the first departures of day time routes), 37 bus routes will stop at the new BBI, with interchange discounts available on designated routes:
- 30 existing routes that currently stop at the bus stops outside and/or opposite Wong Chuk Hang Hospital (Citybus route Nos. 37A, 37B, 37X, 38, 42, 42C, 49X, 70, 70P, 72, 72A, N72, 75, 77, 90, 90C, N90, 97, 99, 592 and Cross Harbour route Nos. 107, 107P, 170, N170, 171, 171A, 171P, N171, 671 and 671X);
- Four existing routes plying between Stanley and Central/North Point (Citybus route Nos. 6A, 6X, 65 and 260);
- Two existing morning peak routes from Wah Kwai and South Horizons/Ap Lei Chau to Sai Wan Ho (Citybus route Nos. 77X and 99X); and
- A new whole-day route plying between Tin Wan and Chai Wan (East) (Citybus route No. 770).
A spokesman for the TD said, "As bus routes to and from Stanley can stop at the new BBI, a total of 37 bus routes will be available for interchange there. This covers almost half of the bus routes serving the Southern District and significantly expands the bus network of Stanley. In addition, the introduction of Citybus route No. 770 will facilitate convenient travel for passengers between the Southern District and the vicinity of Chai Wan and Siu Sai Wan. Furthermore, interchange discounts will be offered on designated routes, enabling passengers to select suitable options to reach their destinations."
The TD has briefed the Traffic and Transport Committees of the relevant District Councils on the new bus service arrangements. Appropriate traffic signs and road markings have been put in place at the new BBI to guide passengers and motorists. Members of the public may refer to the bus operator's notices, website and mobile app for route information, interchange discount details and bus stop locations, or pay attention to announcements inside bus compartments.
Upon the commissioning of the new BBI, the existing bus stops outside and opposite Wong Chuk Hang Hospital will be renamed "Wong Chuk Hang Hospital/Complex for the Elderly" and will remain in operation.
Source: AI-found images
