FIRST TIME ASYLUM APPLICATIONS
Hong Kong Asylum Guide
Table of Content
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
APPLY FOR ASYLUM
If you are afraid to go back to your home country because you might be killed, tortured or seriously harmed, or your human rights will be seriously restricted, you can apply for asylum. In Hong Kong, you do this by making a Non-refoulement claim under the Unified Screening Mechanism (USM).
This section is a guide to making a Non-refoulement claim in Hong Kong for asylum seekers.
-
You must consider your options very carefully.
The success rate for non-refoulement Claims in Hong Kong is very low and this application may adversely impact other immigration options.
Please note that you can only lodge a non-refoulement claim in Hong Kong after you have over stayed your visa in Hong Kong. Overstaying your visa in Hong Kong is an immigration offence and you could be prosecuted for the same.
If you are successful on persecution grounds, your case may be referred to UNHCR and they may assist you to move to another country. It is likely that this will take many years. Under no circumstance will you be eligible to receive a Hong Kong identity card upon success of the asylum claim.
If you are unsuccessful, you may be sent back to your home country and might not be able to come to Hong Kong again in the future.
You cannot work in Hong Kong while you are waiting for a decision. If your Non-refoulement Claim is approved, you may apply for permission to work where you have a job offer. This must be renewed every 6 months.
The Government will provide only very limited housing and food support while your case is pending.
You may be detained by the Immigration Department. If this happens, it may be difficult to predict and is sometimes for a long time.
