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In view of recent developments in Syria, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (March 29) raised the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for the country from amber to red. Residents intending to visit the country should adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel. Those already there should attend to their safety and avoid protests and large gatherings of people.
In addition, the HKSAR Government today adjusted the OTA for Egypt from black to red. A government spokesman said, "Under the red OTA, Hong Kong residents should avoid non-essential travel to Egypt. Those who intend to visit the country or already there should adjust their travel plans, monitor the situation and exercise caution."
The Security Bureau will closely monitor the situation of the two countries and assess the need to further adjust the alert level. The OTA webpage of the Security Bureau is: (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota).
Residents outside Hong Kong who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department at (852) 1868.
Ends/Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:27
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