The Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department works closely with the Security Bureau, Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR, Chinese diplomatic and consular missions in overseas countries and the Office of the HKSAR Government in Beijing in providing practical assistance to Hong Kong residents in distress outside Hong Kong. During the year, 5 648 requests were handled, including 1 942 requests handled during the tsunamis tragedy.

On October 18, a tragic traffic accident involving some 30 Hong Kong residents took place in Taiwan. The Government was deeply saddened by the unfortunate deaths of five Hong Kong residents and the injuries of many others. To render much needed assistance to our fellow residents, two immigration officers flew to Taiwan immediately that evening. Another two did so the following day. Most of the involved were arranged passage back home on the day following the incident.

On December 26, triggered by the strongest earthquake in 40 years, tsunamis devastated several South Asian countries. The Government was deeply grieved by the incident leading to the tragic loss and injury of over a hundred thousand lives. The Government closely monitored the situation and closely liaised with the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR, the Chinese Embassy/Chinese Consulate General in other destinations and the local Consulate Generals of affected countries. Over 160 officers from the Security Bureau, the Police, Immigration Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service, Social Welfare Department, Information Services Department, Hospital Authority and Department of Health were despatched to Thailand and Sri Lanka to render necessary and practical assistance to Hong Kong residents affected by the disaster.