After Hong Kong's "Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 2021" took effect on August 1, Canada updated its travel warning for Hong Kong on August 3, stating that the Hong Kong government may prevent certain individuals from leaving the country under the relevant amendments.
The Hong Kong Security Bureau has denied the relevant claims in the past, saying that the amendment will not affect the freedom of entry and exit of Hong Kong residents.
The Canadian government updated its travel warning on Hong Kong on August 3, stating that Hong Kong’s "Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 2021" took effect on August 1. The Hong Kong government may prevent certain individuals from leaving the country. These new powers may involve investigations of individuals, their families or employers, criminal and civil affairs.
Canada updated its travel warning for Hong Kong on August 3 (website screenshot)
The Canadian government stated that “before you try to leave Hong Kong, you may not know that you are the subject of restricted movement, and it may be difficult to obtain information about movement restrictions from local authorities. If you cannot leave Hong Kong due to movement restrictions, consult a lawyer and Notify the Canadian Consulate General in Hong Kong."
The Canadian government department also posted on Twitter that under the relevant amendments in Hong Kong, individuals including foreigners may not be able to leave the country.
Canadians in #HongKong: the Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 2021 came into force on August 1. Under this amendment, individuals, including foreigners, might be unable to leave the territory.
Full details here: https://t.co/XdMXOTyXFZ pic .twitter.com/BXqTa5lXwX
— Travel.gc.ca (@TravelGoC) August 4, 2021
The amendments to the "Immigration Ordinance" include empowering the Secretary for Security of Hong Kong to formulate regulations to implement the "Pre-Notification of Passenger Information" system. It also points out that the Secretary for Security can empower the Director of Immigration to instruct the Director of Transport after the amendment is made. Don't carry someone to cause social concern.
The Hong Kong Security Bureau later stated that the "advance notification of passenger information" system will be formally implemented after the Legislative Council has reviewed and passed subsidiary legislation and approved funding to establish the required system. It will not take effect at this stage.
The Security Bureau has emphasized that it will not affect the freedom of entry and exit
The Security Bureau also issued a statement stating that the purpose of the amendment is to fulfill the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s international responsibilities under the Convention on International Civil Aviation. It will have any impact on the freedom of entry and exit of Hong Kong residents.
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