Singaporeans Advised To Avoid Hong Kong Airport & Yuen Long As Protests Are Expected This Weekend
If you’re in Hong Kong or have plans to travel there this weekend, take caution. Upcoming protests are anticipated to take place on Friday (26 Jul) 1pm, and Saturday (27 Jul).
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a travel advisory that the above protests will take place at Hong Kong International Airport, and Yuen Long town respectively.
Important note: if you’re travelling or currently in Hong Kong, please register with MFA eRegister so MFA can locate you if there’s an emergency.
Hong Kong International Airport
Source
Hence, they are advising Singaporeans to “avoid these locations at all times.”
Impending protests
TODAY Online reported that pro-democracy activists are planning to protest inside Hong Kong’s airport arrival gates on Friday. There will also be a series of marches on Sunday.
On Saturday, activists are also planning to hold a protest in Yuen Long, New Territories. This is the same location where a gang of white shirt men assaulted anti-government protesters, civilians, and journalists last Sunday.
The clash occurred at a Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station and on a train. Around 45 people were sent to the hospital for injuries.
Political upheaval in Hong Kong
For the last few months, large-scale demonstrations have gripped central Hong Kong. Citizens stormed the city’s streets and faced off with authorities.
Although most protests were peaceful and orderly, recent instances of violence by suspected triads drew concern from international communities.
Take steps to ensure personal safety
According to the Ministry’s advisory on Facebook, Singaporeans should take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
You are advised to stay vigilant, monitor developments through the local news, and heed the instructions of the local authorities.
They also advised potentially affected travellers to follow the Hong Kong Police Force on social media:
- Hong Kong Police Force Facebook
- Hong Kong Police Force Twitter @hkpoliceforce
Singaporeans should also stay away from joining protests and large public gatherings. Always stay in touch with your family and friends so that they are aware of your well-being at all times.
Important contacts to note
In the event that the Ministry needs to contact you, they are encouraging Singaporeans in Hong Kong to register with them online via eRegister.
As for those who need consular assistance, you can contact the Singapore Consulate-General in Hong Kong, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24 hours) at:
Singapore Consulate-General in Hong Kong
Contact: +852-2527-2212 or +852-9466-1251 (after office hours)
Fax: +852-2861-3595
Email: singcg_hkg@mfa.sg
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24 hours)
Address: Tanglin, Singapore 248163
Contact: +65 6379 8800 / 8855
Email: mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg
Stay safe in Hong Kong, everyone.