The Government today raised the outbound travel alert for Myanmar (south-eastern regions) to red, while maintaining an amber alert for the rest of the country.

It pointed out that the Security Bureau has always attached great importance to cases where Hong Kong residents are suspected of being lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work.

Since the second quarter of 2024, there have been signs of a resurgence in the situation where Hong Kong residents are suspected of being lured to Southeast Asian countries and detained to engage in illegal work.

The Government advised residents who plan to visit south-eastern regions of Myanmar, including Myawaddy, Hpapun, Hpa-An and Kawkareik districts, to adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel.

It added that those already there should monitor the situation, exercise caution and attend to their personal safety.

Moreover, the bureau has already updated the outbound travel alert webpage regarding supplementary information for Cambodia with a view to reminding residents to exercise caution and beware of overseas job scams.

Following the meeting with the Consul-General of Thailand in Hong Kong yesterday, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung today met Consul-General of Myanmar in Hong Kong Han Win Naing to follow up on the relevant request-for-assistance cases.

They exchanged views and shared information on the issue and discussed strengthening future follow-up work.

Mr Tang received positive feedback from Mr Han, with all parties expressing hope to help more assistance seekers in returning to Hong Kong safely as soon as possible.

The bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation in Myanmar and Cambodia, and issue updates through the media, the bureau's mobile app and the outbound travel alert webpage.

Hong Kong residents in Myanmar and Cambodia who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Immigration Department's Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit at (852) 1868.

They may also contact the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar at (95) 943209657 or the consular protection hotline in Cambodia at (855) 023210206.