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Hong Kong Security Bureau Launch Task Forceto Rescue Hong Kong Residents from Illegal Labor in Thailand

Undersecretary for Security Michael Cheuk speaks to reporters before leaving for Thailand. RTHK

BANGKOK, Thailand — Hong Kong’s Security Bureau announced today that it will lead a specialized task force, comprising members from the Police and Immigration Department, to Thailand. This initiative aims to address alarming reports of local residents being lured to Southeast Asian nations and subsequently held against their will for illegal labor.

The task force was established in response to a growing concern over the safety of Hong Kong citizens, with officials emphasizing the importance of combating cases where residents are allegedly enticed to foreign lands under false pretenses. Recent patterns indicate a troubling resurgence of such incidents since the second quarter of 2024, prompting the bureau to intensify its efforts.

Since this resurgence, law enforcement agencies have received 28 requests for assistance from concerned families of Hong Kong residents believed to be trapped in Southeast Asia. Of these cases, 16 individuals have successfully returned home. However, the bureau reported that 12 others remain in precarious situations, facing restrictions on their movement but are confirmed safe and able to maintain contact with their families and the task force.

As part of their mission, the task force plans to engage with officials from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Justice, which sits on the Prime Minister’s Anti Trafficking-in-Persons Committee. The collaboration aims to facilitate the exchange of intelligence and coordinate rescue efforts for those in distress.

“This task force is a vital step in our commitment to protect Hong Kong residents from the dangers of human trafficking,” a bureau spokesperson stated. “We are dedicated to working with international partners to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens.”

As the task force embarks on its mission, the Hong Kong government remains vigilant in addressing and mitigating the risks faced by its residents abroad, underscoring the critical need for awareness and preventive measures against such exploitation.