Publications and Press Releases

28 March 2023

The Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang, officiated at the first certificate presentation ceremony for "Professional Certificate in Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services for Immigration Service Members" at the Immigration Department (ImmD) Training and Youth Development Centre today (March 28). Guests participating in the ceremony included representatives from the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OCMFA) and the Security Bureau.

The Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development, in the capacity of programme operator, was further accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications in January this year to include the Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services training programme of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) in the Qualifications Register. Upon completion of the course, trainees will be awarded the Professional Certificate in Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services for Immigration Service Members, which is at Level 4 under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework, equivalent to the level of an Associate Degree or a Higher Diploma.

The first five-day course was held in March. Apart from covering topics relating to theories on psychological support, emergency management and communication skills, the course also consists of talks and sharing given by officers from the OCMFA and the Security Bureau, and lecturers of the School of Continuing and Professional Education, City University of Hong Kong. On the other hand, the course covers content on consular protection and analysis of international situations, which enable the trainees to deepen their understanding of the country's commitment to and concern for Hong Kong residents as well as the current global landscape and challenges.

In his speech, Mr Au expressed that he hopes the course would lay a concrete foundation for the work of AHU members, and encouraged them to continuously strive for excellence and facilitation to serve members of the public, in order to safeguard the safety of Hong Kong residents abroad at all times. He also expressed his gratitude to the OCMFA for their continuous support for the work of the ImmD. In co-operation with the OCMFA and the overseas Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions, the ImmD will continue to assist in providing overseas consular protection and services for Hong Kong residents, and to implement the concept "the safety of Hong Kong people is no small matter; the interests of compatriots are extremely important", which made the Hong Kong residents deeply feel the care and love of the country.

The ceremony was attended by a total of 40 graduates, comprising eight Senior Immigration Officers, 11 Immigration Officers, five Chief Immigration Assistants, 11 Senior Immigration Assistants and five Immigration Assistants. Looking ahead, the ImmD will continue to apply for the inclusion of various in-service training programmes in the Qualifications Register.