Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee has praised the Immigration Department's Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit for its professionalism.

Speaking at the department's graduation parade today, he said during major incidents in recent years, the unit has speedily dispatched members abroad or to the Mainland to help Hong Kong residents.

"Despite the grievous conditions in such natural disasters, and the shortage of supplies and unavailability of communication facilities, the immigration officers drew on their professional knowledge and expertise to discharge their duties around the clock with perseverance and selflessness, striving to serve Hong Kong residents."

The 1868 hotline also helps locals outside Hong Kong seek emergency assistance wherever and whenever needed, he added.

Mr Lee also praised the department's efforts in providing diversified services, including enforcing immigration control, combating cross-boundary illegal migration and the use of forged documents, issuance of highly-secure identity cards and travel documents, and the processing of registration for births, deaths and marriages.