Hong Kong’s Immigration Department (ImmD) confirmed Tuesday that 432 residents have been accounted for in the Middle East following escalating conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, but their return remains uncertain as regional airspace disruptions continue.
As of 5pm Monday, the ImmD had been contacted by the residents, all of whom reported being safe, according to local media reports. Many of those stranded are tourists and university students, with a significant number located in Dubai, the South China Morning Post reported.
The crisis began Saturday when the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, resulting in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Gulf Arab states, including Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. At least 555 people have been killed in Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, even as six American service members have died in counterstrikes.
While Emirates and Etihad, the UAE’s flag carriers, partially resumed flights Monday after a period of airspace closures, the UAE’s defense ministry reported early Tuesday that it was “currently dealing with a barrage of ballistic missiles coming from Iran.” This ongoing instability continues to complicate travel arrangements for those seeking to leave the region.
Hong Kong tour agency WWPKG has cancelled all tours to the Middle East until March 10, citing safety concerns. Executive director Yuen Chun-ning told RTHK on Tuesday that approximately 20 travelers in two WWPKG tour groups are currently stranded in Dubai, with no immediate timeline for their repatriation. Despite the ongoing tensions, Yuen stated that the tour groups would continue sightseeing Tuesday after local authorities lifted an earlier indoor alert.
Hong Kong International Airport reported 14 flight cancellations as of 11 am Tuesday. Cathay Pacific had previously cancelled all flights to Riyadh and Dubai until Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. The ImmD has activated a 24-hour assistance hotline (+852 1868) and is coordinating with Chinese missions in Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan to provide assistance with onward travel or temporary accommodation. VisaHQ reports that the department is too issuing facilitation letters for those whose Hong Kong Re-entry Permits or visas may expire during the unexpected stay.
The Security Bureau has issued a red travel alert – the highest level – for both Iran and Israel, warning of a “significant threat.” The government continues to discourage non-essential travel to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and neighboring Gulf states. Residents planning essential travel are advised to register their itineraries on the ‘Registration of Outbound Travel Information’ (ROTI) system to receive security updates.
The situation remains fluid, and the ImmD has not yet provided a clear timeline for the return of the 432 residents. The agency is advising those transiting through Europe or Southeast Asia to ensure they meet any Schengen or ASEAN visa-waiver rules if layovers exceed 24 hours due to disrupted schedules. The Hong Kong Immigration Department website provides details on visa requirements.
