Immigration Department repatriates 33 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to their places of origin
The Immigration Department (ImmD) carried out repatriation operations from July 29 to today (July 31). A total of 33 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants who were overstayers were repatriated to their places of origin. All the persons removed were former foreign domestic helpers. Among them were discharged prisoners who had committed criminal offences and had been sentenced to imprisonment.
The ImmD is very concerned about the abuse of the non-refoulement claim mechanism and is aware that a number of claimants were former foreign domestic helpers. The ImmD has been co-operating with the relevant consulates-general in Hong Kong and will continue such co-operation to step up publicity and education for newly arriving foreign domestic helpers to help them understand that they should not abuse the non-refoulement claim mechanism.
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.
Immigration Department repatriates 33 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to their places of origin Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Immigration Department repatriates 33 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to their places of origin Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
S for S inspects Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area
The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, inspected the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area today (July 31) and received briefings from relevant departments on the Port's facilities preparations. He also chaired an interdepartmental working group meeting to make every effort to advance all preparatory work before the Port opens.
After arriving at the Hong Kong Port Area of the Huanggang Port Building, Mr Tang toured multiple levels, including the public transport interchange; passenger clearance halls (arrival and departure); vehicle clearance facilities (arrival and departure) and the immigration clearance hall for on-board passengers. He also conducted on-site reviews of the installation progress of different facilities, including the "collaborative inspection" automated channels and manual counters; and the "joint one-stop" vehicle lanes, etc. He then had an interdepartmental meeting with representatives from the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Transport Department, Highways Department, Architectural Services Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Government Property Agency, Hong Kong Police Force, Fire Services Department, Immigration Department, Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, Department of Health and other relevant departments to discuss works progress, testing and drill arrangements, with a view to ensuring that Port's facilities and operational arrangements are sound and comprehensive.
The Hong Kong Port Area was established at 00.00 hours today and is subject to the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in accordance with the laws of the HKSAR. The HKSAR Government will continue to work closely with the Shenzhen side to take forward various preparatory tasks in an orderly manner, including system testing, and operational and emergency drills, to ensure that all facilities and operational arrangements at the Port are sound and comprehensive. Upon confirmation by both sides that the Port is ready for safe and smooth operation, the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong will finalise the official opening date and make an announcement to the public in due course.
S for S inspects Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
S for S inspects Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
S for S inspects Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
S for S inspects Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
