The Immigration Department (ImmD) chartered a flight today (December 18) to effect the voluntary repatriation of 83 Vietnamese illegal immigrants (VIIs) to Hanoi, Vietnam. Most of the VIIs concerned, including 38 males and 45 females, are unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants. As of today, a total of 1 193 VIIs had been repatriated by the ImmD this year, representing a 17 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2017.
 
     Depending on the circumstances and needs, the ImmD will continue to consider removing illegal immigrants from Hong Kong as soon as possible by means of chartered flights or through other appropriate measures.

Ends/Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:20

NNNN