The Hong Kong government issued a reminder to residents about the Amber Outbound Travel Alert placed on the UK, in light of the recent protests and riots in the country. Authorities advised Hongkongers there and those who plan to visit to prioritise their personal safety and avoid large group gatherings.
The UK has seen a spate of anti-immigration riots after three young girls were stabbed and killed in the northern town of Southport in late July. A teenager was arrested in connection with the attacks, after which false information spread that the suspect was an Islamist migrant. However, the riots have not abated, despite the police stating that the suspect was born in Britain. There have since been riots in more than 20 places across the country — including Manchester and Plymouth — as well as an attack on a hotel for migrants in Rotherham.
The amber warning on the UK has been in effect since the 2017 Manchester concert bombing, which was attributed to terrorist activity. Hong Kong has a three-tier travel warning system, which includes black and red alerts. Other countries in the amber category include Thailand, France, Japan (specifically areas near the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant), and Bangladesh, which has been in the grip of protests and violent clashes since early July.
Hong Kong residents in the UK who need assistance can call the Immigration Department’s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data, or use the 1868 Chatbot via the Immigration Department Mobile Application. The can also send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp or 1868 WeChat assistance hotlines or call the Chinese Embassy at (44) 7536174993.
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