Security Briefing on Travel to Hong Kong
Date: August, 2019
Resource: International SOS
The current protests in Hong Kong have been well publicized in the media. Western's student mobility programs in Hong Kong are continuing to operate as normal with the support of our partner institutions/organization.
Assessment:
At this juncture, we continue to advise that travel to Hong Kong can continue, given that members stay acutely aware/informed of upcoming and ongoing protests and remain informed of the notable upcoming events and sporadic instances.
HONG KONG SECURITY BRIEF
Members in and planning to travel to Hong Kong should continue to monitor developments, especially indicators of social unrest, related to a controversial bill that would facilitate extraditions to mainland China. Related protests have expanded to include wider grievances. Frequent demonstrations of varying sizes are likely in the near term.
Popular protest locations include the Legislative Council Complex (LegCo), the wider Central Government Complex, Government House, the police headquarters, the Court of Final Appeal, the People’s Liberation Army building and the West Kowloon station. Smaller-scale protests will continue to spread to suburban areas and symbolic locations in the New Territories.
While protests are currently at levels that do not seriously impact security or business operations, the situation is fluid. Given the fragmentation of issues, frequent protests of varying sizes are likely in the near term. In addition to large-scale rallies, small-scale spontaneous gatherings and/or standoffs between protesters and the police or between rival groups are increasingly likely. Large rallies tend to be announced in advance and take place on key dates and/or during weekends. While protests are not targeted at foreigners, any associated clashes would pose incidental risks to bystanders. Localised clashes are likely especially towards the end of these rallies. Pro-establishment groups are also increasingly holding rallies, and there is a risk of scuffles between rival groups.
ADVICE
- Avoid flashpoint locations, wherever feasible (see map). Maintain heightened awareness around such locations, and adhere to all directives issued by law enforcement personnel and the local authorities. Heightened security and traffic congestion, affecting road movement and public transport, should be expected during large demonstrations.
- Plan journeys bypassing routes likely to be disrupted by protesters. Liaise with local contacts to reconfirm the status of transport infrastructure before setting out. Expect delays and maintain flexible itineraries if travel through affected areas is unavoidable.
- Do not approach or photograph any gatherings. Leave an area when protesters and/or the police begin to gather. In the event of unrest, where possible to do so safely, relocate to a secure location, such as your accommodation or office, and remain there until the situation has stabilised.
- Monitor our alerts for related developments.
MAP OF LIKELY AFFECTED AREA
If students are planning to travel to Hong Kong on university-sanctioned activities, they must complete the Safety Abroad Steps for Students, in particular the Travel Registry (step 3) and registration with the Government of Canada (step 5). For questions or further assistance, please contact travelregistry@uwo.ca.
