Publications and Press Releases

3 April 2023

 The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (April 3) the introduction of the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline for Hong Kong residents in distress or in need of assistance outside Hong Kong to contact the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) of the ImmD to seek assistance via the WhatsApp messaging application.
 
     In addition to the introduction of the network data call function for the AHU's 1868 hotline and the Online Assistance Request Form, the ImmD is now providing the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline to further enhance the convenience for Hong Kong residents in distress or in need of assistance outside Hong Kong to contact the AHU. Hong Kong residents outside Hong Kong requiring assistance may use the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline through the following means:
1. message (852) 1868 via WhatsApp;
2. scan the QR code (see Annex); or
3. use the hyperlink: wa.me/message/IGSJWR2HF5PZI1?src=qr
 
     The current designated WhatsApp hotline (852) 5190 8909 for overseas job scams will cease service on the same day (April 03). All Hong Kong residents in distress or in need of assistance outside Hong Kong may contact the AHU via the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline.
 
     The 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline aims at providing assistance to Hong Kong residents requiring assistance outside Hong Kong and is not applicable for general enquiries. For other immigration enquiries, please call the general enquiry hotline at (852) 2824 6111 or email to enquiry@immd.gov.hk.
 
     With the introduction of the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline, Hong Kong residents may use any one of the following means to contact the AHU if they need assistance while in distress outside Hong Kong:
1. Call (852) 1868;
2. Call the 1868 hotline using network data via the Hong Kong Immigration Department Mobile Application;
3. Submit the Assistance Request Form online; or
4. Send message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline.
 
     For details, please refer to the ImmD's website www.immd.gov.hk.
 
     The ImmD will continue to introduce assistance channels on other social media applications with a view to further enhancing the AHU's service and accessibility.

Annex