Hong Kong residents going to Iraq should keep themselves up to date with the latest developments there and attach utmost importance to personal safety.

The reminder was issued by the Security Bureau today in view of the recent spate of abduction cases in Iraq involving foreign nationals.

The Security Bureau said it understands from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the Chinese Embassies or Consulate Generals in the six countries neighbouring Iraq - Jordan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait and Syria - have reached separate agreements with the respective governments on the protection of Chinese nationals entering Iraq.

Chinese nationals including Hong Kong residents who wish to enter Iraq from these countries must register with and obtain a permit from the Chinese Embass or Chinese Consulate General in the respective country. Otherwise, the frontier department there will deny them access.

Hong Kong residents abroad who need assistance may contact the local Chinese Embassy or Chinese Consulate General in their destination or call the Hong Kong Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline, (852) 2829 3010.