Press Release - March 18, 2003

In view of the latest development in Iraq, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (March 18) reminded Hong Kong residents not to go to Iraq or nearby areas for the time being. Hong Kong residents who are currently there should consider leaving as soon as possible for their own safety. Hong Kong residents who need assistance should contact the relevant Chinese Embassy/Chinese Consulate General without delay.

The telephone numbers of the Chinese Embassies concerned are as follows:

Name of Chinese Embassies Contact number
------------------------- --------------

Chinese Embassy in Kuwait 00965-5333340 or
00965-5333342
(Note: These telephone numbers of the Chinese Embassy
in Kuwait replace the number released on March 17, 2003.)
Chinese Embassy in Jordan 00962-6-5515151
Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia 00966-1-2812090
Chinese Embassy in Turkey 009031-24464726
Chinese Embassy in Iran 0098-21-2291242
Chinese Embassy in Syria 00963-11-3339594

Hong Kong residents who need these telephone numbers or any other assistance may also contact the 24-hour hotlines of the HKSAR Immigration Department
(Tel: (852) 2829 3010 or (852)2829 3071).

The spokesman added that Hong Kong residents, who are abroad or are planning to go to places that may be affected under the current situation, should keep a close watch on developments in their destinations and pay attention to their personal safety. Hong Kong residents who are abroad and need assistance may contact the Chinese Embassy/Chinese Consulate General in their destination or call the 24-hour hotlines of the HKSAR Immigration Department.

The HKSAR Immigration Department's hotlines will continue to operate round the clock to handle enquiries and requests for assistance from Hong Kong residents who are in need. The Security Bureau and the Immigration Department of the HKSAR will keep a close watch on the development of the situation.




For more information, please contact: John Tam, Chief Information Officer of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office at (416) 924-5544 or email : [email protected] or Elison Chu, Senior Information Officer at [email protected]