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In view of the latest situation in Pakistan, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (June 9) raised the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Pakistan to red.
A government spokesman said, "Residents intending to visit Pakistan should adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel, including leisure travel. Those already there should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety and avoid protests and large gatherings of people."
Residents in Pakistan who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) of the Immigration Department at (852) 1868 or contact the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan at the 24-hour consular protection hotline: (92) 315-6060000
In addition, the HKSAR Government today reminded residents that the Red OTA for Thailand remains in force. "Residents intending to visit Thailand should adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel, including leisure travel. Those already there should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety and avoid protests and large gatherings of people," the spokesman said.
Apart from Pattaya, Koh Samui, Phuket, Hua Hin, Cha-am, Krabi, Phang Nga, Koh Chang, Hat Yai and Koh Pha-ngan, a curfew remains in place for other parts of the country from midnight to 4am.
The Security Bureau will continue to monitor the situation of Pakistan and Thailand. Any update will be issued through the media and the bureau's OTA webpage, www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota.¡@
Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the on-line Registration of Outbound Travel Information service (www.gov.hk/roti) to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong. The information provided allows the AHU of the Immigration Department to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means, including SMS on mobile phones, on a timely basis when necessary.
Ends/Monday, June 9, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:00
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