The launching ceremony of the Consular Protection Month co-hosted by the Immigration Department (ImmD) and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OCMFA) was held today (June 7) at Hong Kong International Airport. As guests of honour, Deputy Commissioner of the OCMFA Mr Pan Yundong; ​the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; and the Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, jointly officiated at the launching ceremony, marking the start of a series of publicity activities on consular protection.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Pan said that over the past 27 years or so since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the Central Government has always upheld the notion of "the safety of Hong Kong people is no small matter; the interests of compatriots are extremely important" and has proactively protected the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong people overseas, benefitting them with the country's diplomatic achievements. During the Consular Protection Month, the OCMFA will work closely with the ImmD in organising a series of activities for Hong Kong people to better understand consular protection policies and work involving Hong Kong, and to enhance their awareness and capabilities regarding safety precautions.
Mr Tang pointed out that consular protection has always been the strongest safeguard for Hong Kong people travelling abroad. With the full support of the OCMFA and the Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions, the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the ImmD strives to provide practicable assistance to Hong Kong residents in distress outside Hong Kong. He thanked the OCMFA and the Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions for sparing no effort in providing Hong Kong people with various support services, which fully demonstrates the country's care and concern for Hong Kong people.
The Consular Protection Month starts in June, during which a series of publicity activities will be held to enhance public awareness of the consular protection provided by the country and outbound travel safety. The activities include the arrangements for roving exhibitions on consular protection; the launch of an online virtual exhibition as well as the release of a new edition of an animated video on consular protection and outbound travel safety; the participation in the travel expo, and the conduct of seminars on consular protection.
For more information about the Consular Protection Month, please stay tuned to updates on the ImmD's Instagram account (www.instagram.com/hongkongimmigrationdept/) and Weibo account (weibo.com/u/7800183480). For information on consular protection and outbound travel safety, please browse the online virtual exhibition on consular protection and outbound travel safety at consularprotection-travelsafety-exhibition.hk, or scan the QR code in the Annex, or watch the animated video jointly produced by the ImmD and the OCMFA on the ImmD's official YouTube channel.
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