Hong Kong Deports 21 Failed Asylum Seekers to Vietnam
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 6 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
The Immigration Department carried out a removal operation on Thursday (November 12), sending 21 individuals back to Vietnam. This cohort included 20 Vietnamese nationals who had entered Hong Kong illegally and one person who had overstayed their visa. The group comprised 14 men and 7 women, all of whom were asylum seekers whose claims were not established under Hong Kong law. Several of those removed had criminal histories and had served prison sentences before being released.
Key Points
- Immigration Department removed 21 people to Vietnam on November 12, including 20 illegal immigrants and 1 overstayer
- The group comprised 14 men and 7 women, all of whom were failed asylum seekers under Hong Kong's non-refoulement mechanism
- Some individuals had prior criminal convictions and had served prison terms before completing their sentences
- Since December 7, 2022, the department can execute removals after High Court rejects judicial review applications
- The department will continue studying feasible measures to accelerate removals and improve coordination with origin countries
Why It Matters
This removal operation demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to maintaining effective immigration controls and protecting public interests. The updated policy framework reflects authorities' efforts to address the longstanding challenge of processing and removing failed asylum seekers efficiently.
This removal operation demonstrates Hong Kong's commitment to maintaining effective immigration controls and protecting public interests. The updated policy framework reflects authorities' efforts to address the longstanding challenge of processing and removing failed asylum seekers efficiently.