Another 14 Hong Kong residents return from Middle East on Dubai direct flight

Fourteen Hong Kong residents returned to the city on Sunday after the HKSAR government arranged for them to take a direct flight from Dubai, as authorities continued efforts to assist residents currently in the Middle East.

The government said it has been actively providing support to Hong Kong residents in the region in recent days. The latest group of 14 people traveled back to Hong Kong on a direct flight from Dubai arranged in coordination with Emirates.

Staff from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai were also deployed to the airport to provide on-site support and assist Hong Kong residents with departure arrangements.

As of 5pm on Sunday, the Immigration Department had received inquiries from about 810 Hong Kong residents in the Middle East seeking information on the latest flight schedules and travel arrangements. Of these, nearly 370 people have already left the region safely.

The remaining individuals have reported that they are currently staying in safe locations, the government said, adding that authorities will continue to maintain contact with those who have sought assistance.

The government also said it will maintain close communication with airlines operating routes in the Middle East, with the aim of restoring more return flights to Hong Kong as soon as aviation conditions permit.

Authorities added that appropriate arrangements will continue to be made to help Hong Kong residents who need to return to the city.

Hong Kong residents outside the city who require assistance are advised to contact the Immigration Department’s Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit through its 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868. They may also seek help through the Immigration Department mobile application, by using the 1868 chatbot, sending messages via WhatsApp or WeChat, or submitting an online assistance request form.