Hong Kong – Three Hong Kong residents have been safely evacuated from Lebanon amid the country’s ongoing political and economic turmoil, the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) announced on Monday.
The evacuation, assisted by the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon, comes as the Hong Kong government has raised its outbound travel alert for the country to the highest “black” level, advising residents to avoid all travel there.
“The safety of Hong Kong citizens is our top priority,” said an ImmD spokesperson. “We are working closely with our diplomatic partners to monitor the situation in Lebanon and assist any Hong Kong residents who may be caught in the unrest.”
Lebanon has been gripped by a severe economic crisis and political instability in recent years, with widespread protests and clashes between security forces and demonstrators. The country is also reeling from the devastating 2020 Beirut port explosion that killed over 200 people.
Hong Kong residents currently in Lebanon have been urged to “attend to their personal safety” and leave or relocate to safer areas immediately. They have been advised to follow announcements from local authorities and the Chinese Embassy, and to contact the ImmD’s 24-hour hotline or the Embassy’s consular protection line if they require assistance.
The successful evacuation of the three Hong Kong travelers offers a glimmer of hope amid the volatile situation in the Middle Eastern nation. As tensions continue to simmer, the Hong Kong government has vowed to remain vigilant and do everything in its power to ensure the well-being of its citizens abroad.
