********************************************************
In view of the latest developments in Israel, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (November 21) raised the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for the country to red.
Residents intending to visit the country should adjust their travel plans and avoid non-essential travel. Those already there should exercise caution, attend to personal safety, avoid protests and large gatherings of people, and monitor local announcements on the latest situation. Residents should also avoid all travel to Gaza and nearby areas due to the volatile security situation.
The Security Bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation and issue updates through the media and the OTA webpage (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota).
Hong Kong residents in Israel who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) of the Immigration Department on (852)1868 or the Consular Section of the Chinese Embassy in Israel on the 24-hour duty phone number (972) 52-8391282. Residents may also refer to the Israel Defence Force's Home Front Command website (www.oref.org.il/International/14-en/PAKAR.aspx) on how to behave in the event of a rocket or missile attack.
Additionally, Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the on-line Registration of Outbound Travel Information (ROTI) service (www.gov.hk/roti) to register their contact details and itinerary before travelling outside Hong Kong. The information provided allows the AHU of the Immigration Department to contact and assist them in an emergency outside Hong Kong.
Ends/Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Issued at HKT 12:52
NNNN
