The highly volatile protest demonstrations taking place across Hong Kong since June 2019 have led Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to issue an advisory directing Singaporeans to postpone non-urgent and non-essential travels to Hong Kong.
According to MFA authorities, “There have been large-scale protests taking place across Hong Kong since June 2019 which have become increasingly unpredictable.
“These protests can take place with little or no notice and could turn violent.”
The agency has likewise cited the recent protests that have adversely affected the operations inside the Hong Kong airport, with many flights cancelled and travellers stranded on Aug 12 and Aug 13.
“If you are already in Hong Kong, you should take all necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety. You are advised to stay vigilant, monitor developments through the local news and heed the instructions of the local authorities,” MFA personnel said.
“You should avoid protests and large public gatherings, and stay in touch with your family and friends so that they know you are safe,” it said, adding that Singaporeans in Hong Kong are encouraged to eRegister on its website so that they may be contacted should the need arise.
MFA suggested that Singaporeans in Hong Kong to follow the local police on their social media accounts for updates.
Staying vigilant
Singapore is not the only country that issued an advisory regarding travels to Hong Kong.
Several countries, like Japan, South Korea and Canada, have also issued travel advisories while Ireland has issued a travel warning following recent episodes of violence.
MFA said people already in Hong Kong should take all necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety,
“You are advised to stay vigilant, monitor developments through the local news, and heed the instructions of the local authorities… You should avoid protests and large public gatherings, and stay in touch with your family and friends so that they know you are safe,” it said.
MFA also informed everyone that the latest updates could be obtained from the Hong Kong Police Force on their Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Singaporeans in Hong Kong are encouraged to eRegister with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/ to enable the MFA to contact them should the need arise.
Those who require consular assistance can contact the Singapore Consulate-General in Hong Kong, or the MFA Duty Office (24hrs) at:
Singapore Consulate-General in Hong Kong
Tel: +852-2527-2212 or +852-9466-1251 (after office hours)
Fax: +852-2861-3595
E-mail: singcg_hkg@mfa.sg
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24 hours)
Tanglin, Singapore 248163
Telephone: +65 6379 8800 / 8855
E-mail: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg