3. RECEIVE YOUR RECOGNIZANCE DOCUMENT AND ACCESS SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES

Hong Kong Asylum Guide
Table of Content

Asylum Guide Home

Apply
1. Prepare Written Signification
2. Deliver Written Signification
3. Receive Recognizance Document
4. Attend Briefing Session
5. Prepare Non-Refoulement Claim Form
6. Attend Screening Intervention
7. Receive Decision

Appeal
1. Prepare Notice of Appeal
2. Submit Notice of Appeal
3. Submit New Evidence
4. Receive Notice of Hearing
5. Attend Appeal Hearing
6. Receive Appeal Decision

Glossary
Disclaimer

Once you have answered questions at the General Investigation Section, and if you are not detained, you will be issued a Recognizance Document.

The Immigration Department will also consider your Written Signification. Once your Written Signification is accepted, they will send you a letter confirming this. It normally takes around 3-6 weeks for them to complete this review and send you the letter. Sometimes they will ask you for more information before they can make a decision.

  • After you have your Recognizance Document, you will have to go to the Immigration Department to check in regularly.

    The immigration officer will tell you the date and time of your next check-in appointment.

    If you fail to check-in when required, it might increase the risk of being detained. It is very important to keep your Recognizance Document safe and to carry it with you at all times.

  • Once your Written Signification is accepted, you can begin the process of applying for social welfare assistance, which includes housing and food support.

    You must go to your local Integrated Family Service Centre (IFSC). This is a government office that is part of the Social Welfare Department. You can find a list of all the IFSC offices in Hong Kong here.

    Explain that you need support from International Social Service (ISS) and show them your Recognizance Document.‍ ‍

    They will explain the next steps, including where your local ISS office is and when you must go there. ISS is the organisation that will help you secure housing and food. Details of what support you can expect to receive are found at the International Social Service website.It might take several weeks before you begin to receive this support. If you urgently need food or medical care, you should let the ISS office know.

Use of this application is subject to the Disclaimer.

© Wenjin Wang