The Immigration Department said on Thursday that it's doubled the manpower of a unit responsible for helping Hong Kong people stranded in the Middle East because of the Iran war.

Those who require assistance can call the hotline, 852-1868.

The department said on social media that it set up an emergency command centre soon after the conflict broke out, and the unit has been giving stranded residents advice regarding flight arrangements and itineraries.

It said officers have been offering help through staying in close liaison with the Commissioner's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the SAR, Chinese embassies and consulates overseas, as well as the local tourism sector regulator.

"The Director of Immigration, Benson Kwok, visited the 1868 hotline centre today for an inspection and listened to a briefing, while encouraging colleagues to keep working hard to help stranded Hong Kong people depart as soon as possible," the department said.

It added that as airports in the region gradually resume limited operations, the centre will stay in contact with the hundreds of Hongkongers and help them return home.


Edited by Priscilla Ng