Knowing who to call

In addition to a children’s storybook, the Immigration Department has been conducting talks at universities and secondary schools, catering to different audiences.

“We tell stories to younger children, while older students in secondary schools and univer-sities receive practical information through talks,” said Tse Chun-fung, chief immigration officer (International Co-operation).

The talks cover a wide range of topics related to travel safety, including consular protection, registration of outbound travel information, and the outbound travel alert system.

The ImmD often collaborates with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong to host various promotional events. These include travel exhibitions which allow direct interaction with potential travelers, as well as roving exhibitions in shopping malls and public spaces, to enhance safety awareness among Hongkongers and to raise their knowledge on the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit or AHU, which is commonly known as the “rescue team.”

Tse advised individuals to seek assistance from local law enforcement or police right away in case of immediate threat to personal safety. Other methods to contact the AHU when needed include using the ImmD mobile app to call the hotline via data, the 1868 chatbot, an online assistance request form, or sending messages via WhatsApp or WeChat.

He explained that upon receiving a request for assistance, the AHU can access timely and relevant information regarding the situation through Chinese embassies and consulates abroad, enabling them to provide appropriate advice and support.