In its most forceful removal operation since tightening removal rules in late 2022, Hong Kong’s Immigration Department (ImmD) confirmed that six Pakistani men whose asylum bids had been rejected were flown out of the city on 6–7 November under operation “Expel”. Because there are no direct commercial services to Pakistan, officers chartered a flight from Hong Kong to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and then boarded a connecting service to Pakistan, escorting the men throughout the journey. ImmD says the approach saved transit time and reduced costs compared with previous multi-step removals.
All six individuals had previously served prison sentences in Hong Kong and had resisted earlier deportation attempts. Under the city’s updated removal policy, claimants can be expelled once their final court challenge is dismissed, and ImmD now liaises directly with source governments and airlines to reserve seats or arrange charters.
![Hong Kong conducts first charter-assisted in-flight escort to remove six Pakistani non-refoulement claimants]()
Hong Kong has struggled with a backlog of non-refoulement claims, some of which stem from overstayed foreign domestic helpers and irregular migrants. The authorities argue that swift repatriation is essential to deter abuse of the system and free up detention-centre capacity. Human-rights groups have criticised the use of force and the limited legal avenues left to failed claimants, but business groups have generally welcomed faster processing, saying it reduces security and budgetary pressures at control points.
For multinational employers, the tougher stance underscores the importance of keeping immigration compliance tight for both transferees and dependants. Companies may face higher scrutiny if a transferee overstays, and should review exit-planning protocols for staff whose work visas will not be renewed.
All six individuals had previously served prison sentences in Hong Kong and had resisted earlier deportation attempts. Under the city’s updated removal policy, claimants can be expelled once their final court challenge is dismissed, and ImmD now liaises directly with source governments and airlines to reserve seats or arrange charters.
Hong Kong has struggled with a backlog of non-refoulement claims, some of which stem from overstayed foreign domestic helpers and irregular migrants. The authorities argue that swift repatriation is essential to deter abuse of the system and free up detention-centre capacity. Human-rights groups have criticised the use of force and the limited legal avenues left to failed claimants, but business groups have generally welcomed faster processing, saying it reduces security and budgetary pressures at control points.
For multinational employers, the tougher stance underscores the importance of keeping immigration compliance tight for both transferees and dependants. Companies may face higher scrutiny if a transferee overstays, and should review exit-planning protocols for staff whose work visas will not be renewed.
