ImmD repatriates 113 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants in week-long operation

Hong Kong’s Immigration Department (ImmD) repatriated 113 individuals whose non-refoulement protection claims were rejected following a seven-day enforcement operation.

The operation, conducted from January 12 to January 18, targeted illegal immigrants and overstayers with unsubstantiated non-refoulement claims.

The group comprised 68 men and 45 women, primarily from Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. Some had recently been released from prison after serving sentences for criminal offenses.

The department reiterated its commitment to promptly removing unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to maintain effective immigration control and safeguard the public interest.

Since the implementation of an updated removal policy on December 7, 2022, the ImmD has been empowered to expedite repatriation for claimants whose judicial review applications have been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court.

The department said it will continue to maintain close liaison with the governments of claimants’ home countries, airline operators, and relevant government departments to ensure timely repatriation using all appropriate measures.