33 overstaying FDHs who failed in asylum bids sent back home

 

All those repatriated were former domestic helpers

The Immigration Department repatriated a total of 33 former foreign domestic helpers who overstayed, then filed for asylum but failed to support their claim.

 They included some who had been discharged from prison after committing criminal offences.

 All were sent back to their places of origin from July 29 to 31 as part of Hong Kong's campaign to speed up the repatriation of those who do not have enough proof or reason to support their asylum applications.

Basahin ang detalye!

 A statement issued by the Immigration Department said it was very concerned about the abuse of the mechanism for non-refoulement claim, or against being sent back home, as the first step to applying for asylum.

It added it was aware that a number of claimants were former FDHs, and because of this, has been working with relevant consulates-general to step up publicity and education for newly arrived FDHs to help them understand that they should not abuse the non-refoulement system.

A number had criminal records

Under a government policy that has been enforced since December 2022, Immigration can proceed with the removal of claimants whose judicial review cases have been dismissed by the Court of First Instance. This means that they can be removed even if they file an appeal against such a decision.

Recently, the Philippine Consulate reported that there had been 26 applications for non-refoulement filed by Filipinos so far this year, but acknowledged that there are hundreds, if not thousands others, who are waiting for a final judgment in their cases.

Consul General Romulo D. Israel, Jr. said reaching out to them has been difficult because their identities and whereabouts are protected by Hong Kong’s strict privacy laws. But the Consulate is committed to helping them out should they decide to just go back to the Philippines.

Israel said the Consulate knows of only one successful application for asylum by a Filipino, which indicates that there’s hardly any chance for the current claimants to succeed in their claims.

Immigration said it will continue to explore ways to speed up the repatriation of applicants who cannot substantiate their claims of torture or persecution. These will include liaising with governments of major source countries of the claimants, airline companies and other government departments so the repatriation of unsubstantiated claimants could proceed “as soon as practicable through all appropriate measures.”