Immigration Department repatriates 61 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to their places of origin (with photos)

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) carried out repatriation operations from July 17 to today (July 19). A total of 61 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants who were illegal immigrants and overstayers were repatriated to their places of origin. The persons removed comprised 34 men and 27 women. Among them were discharged prisoners who had committed criminal offences and had been sentenced to imprisonment.
 
     The ImmD has been committed to promptly removing unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong so as to maintain effective immigration control and safeguard the public interest. Under the updated removal policy effective from December 7, 2022, the ImmD may generally proceed with the removal of a claimant whose judicial review case has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court, thereby enhancing the efficiency of and efforts in removing unsubstantiated claimants. 
 
     Depending on circumstances and needs, the ImmD will remain committed to expediting the removal process and actively maintain close liaison with governments of major source countries of non-refoulement claimants, airline companies and other government departments to repatriate unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong as soon as practicable through all appropriate measures.