1868 Hotline is a 24-hour hotline operated by the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) of the Immigration Department (ImmD) offering assistance to residents in distress outside Hong Kong. Apart from calling the Hotline via long distance calls, Hong Kong residents abroad can now call the Hotline using network data with the new function in the Immigration Department Mobile Application (ImmD Mobile App).
The public can download the ImmD Mobile App for free from Apple App Store, Google Play, Huawei AppGallery or the Homepage of ImmD. Simply launch the App after installation and you can call the 1868 Hotline using network data.
The public can download the ImmD Mobile App for free. While 1868 Hotline Network Data Call is a free service, users may be charged by their mobile network providers for the use of mobile data. These charges can become very expensive when this hotline service is used on roaming. Users are obliged to determine whether to disable the option of “Data Roaming” in the settings of your mobile devices where appropriate.
If the 1868 Hotline Network Data Call is unable to launch or connect, please try the following.
- Update the ImmD Mobile App to the latest version; or
- Update the operating system of the mobile device to the latest version (iOS user has to allow the permission of ImmD Mobile App in "Settings" -> "Privacy" -> "Local Network"); or
- Check the network connection and try again, if problem persists, please call (852) 1868 direct for assistance.
The caller has to authorize the ImmD Mobile App to access the microphone of the mobile device and the receipt of push notifications, or else AHU of ImmD will not be able to make return call by network data. In addition, if the caller removes / reinstalls this mobile application or resets / replaces the mobile device, AHU of ImmD will not be able to make return call to the caller by network data as well.
Different mobile device manufacturers have different factory default settings for receiving push notifications. Certain settings (like automatically shutting down Apps running in the background, suspending or removing Apps by the system, etc.) may render mobile devices of the public unable to receive return call by network data. The public may need to consult the mobile device manufacturers and change relevant settings accordingly.
If AHU of ImmD cannot contact assistance seekers by returning call using network data, our staff will, according to information provided by assistance seekers, contact the assistance seekers through alternative channels (such as telephone or email).
