2. GO TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TO DELIVER YOUR WRITTEN SIGNIFICATION

Your Recognizance Document or passport (if you have one).

Two copies of your original, signed Written Signification.

Go to the 'General Investigation Section' on the 13th floor. If you need an interpreter, tell the immigration officer. You may be asked to come back another time.

Tell the immigration officer that you want Non-refoulement Protection and give them one copy of your Written Signification.

Ask for a receipt or stamped copy of your Written Signification.

You will be asked questions about how you came to Hong Kong and why you do not want to go back to your home country.

Submit the other copy of your Written Signification to the 'Removal Assessment Section' on the 7th floor of the same building.

The Immigration Department will keep your passport.

You might be taken to a detention centre where you will not be able to leave for a period of time.

If you are not detained, you will normally be allowed to leave and told that they will contact you after reviewing your Written Signification. This normally takes around 3-6 weeks, but sometimes longer.

If your Written Signification is not accepted, you may need to prepare a new Written Signification.

The Immigration Department must have good reasons if they decide to detain you. They will often consider the following reasons:

Against Detention

If you came to Hong Kong on a valid visa and passport.
If you are under 18, elderly, pregnant, disabled or a torture victim.
If you have a strong claim for Non-refoulement Protection.
If you have family or strong community ties to Hong Kong. If it is not possible to return you to your home country promptly.

For Detention

If you entered Hong Kong illegally and/or have otherwise committed a criminal offence.
If you have overstayed for a long time after any visa expired.
If you are considered dangerous to Hong Kong society.
If you have committed criminal offences in Hong Kong or elsewhere.
If you have failed to report to the Immigration Department before.
If it is possible to promptly send you back to your home country.