​About 1 500 visitors attended the Immigration Service Institute of Training and Development (ISITD) Open Day today (October 29). The Open Day is one of the highlight events of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The Immigration Department (ImmD) also showed its support to the "Celebrations for All" project co-ordinated by the Home Affairs Department to spread the joy of the anniversary to the underprivileged. 

     To tie with the theme of the HKSAR's 25th anniversary "A New Era – Stability • Prosperity • Opportunity", a series of interactive activities, including exhibitions, expert talks, professional demonstrations and game booths, were held to give the public an introduction to the duties and roles of the ImmD in maintaining and manifesting "one country, two systems", safeguarding the national security of the HKSAR, and serving Hong Kong residents, especially those outside Hong Kong seeking assistance from the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit.
     
     The exhibition booths also displayed the work of counter-terrorism, the Next Generation e-Passport and the latest tactical outfits. An exhibition booth of Immigration Department Youth Leaders Corps (IDYL) was hosted by members of the IDYL to share their joyful moments on previous activities with a view to promoting ImmD's achievement on youth training and development. 

     Members of the public visited the ISITD's Training Gallery and had a better understanding on the historical development and the duties of the department. Moreover, they had a chance to visit the various training facilities and to obtain the most updated recruitment information.

     In addition to exhibition and game booths, the Open Day included fascinating performance of the Immigration Band as well as Chinese-style foot drill demonstration and a firearms and tactical demonstration.

     As a prelude, the Immigration Band performed various contemporary Chinese-style military marching songs. The Departmental Contingent then performed Chinese-style rifle silent drill and had lined up to form the patterns of "HKID" and "HK25" to symbolise the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR.

     Pursuant to the amendment of the Weapons Ordinance and the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, members of the ImmD are permitted to possess arms and weapons when performing duties, and the department had taken the chance to show its comprehensive image to the public via the firearms and tactical demonstration. The Emergency Response Team (ERT) of the Castle Peak Bay Immigration Centre demonstrated the use of various firearms and anti-riot equipment, with the deployment of different tactics, in stopping violent act and curbing disorder of the Centre during the performance. 

     After that, the Departmental Contingent and the members of the Immigration Band and the ERT further mingled with the visiting public to share the joy and festive mood of the Open Day.

Ends/Saturday, October 29, 2022
Issued at HKT 20:25

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