Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – On the eve of the 2026 National Security Education Day, Mr. Kwok Chun-fung, Director of the Hong Kong Immigration Department (hereinafter referred to as "Hong Kong Immigration Department"), stated in a media interview that the Hong Kong Immigration Department, as a backbone force in safeguarding national security, shoulders the important responsibility of protecting the nation's "southern gateway." Facing the new situation, cyberspace has become a new front in safeguarding national security, and the Immigration Department will leverage technology to empower law enforcement and fully protect national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
Immigration control points are the front line of law enforcement in safeguarding national security. Data shows that in 2025, Hong Kong's total number of inbound and outbound passengers reached approximately 335 million, a 12% increase compared to 2024, setting a new historical record. Mr. Kwok Chun-fung emphasized that the Immigration Department strictly enforces immigration control policies in accordance with the law and resolutely intercepts individuals who endanger public order outside the country. From 2025 to February 2026, the Immigration Department refused entry to approximately 37,000 unsuitable travelers and conducted approximately 15,000 counter-terrorism patrols at various immigration control points, intercepting over 25,000 individuals. Through high-density, routine enforcement, a crucial line of defense for national security was fortified.
Regarding the new challenges brought by technological advancements, Guo Junfeng pointed out that the Immigration Department is extending its national security work from offline physical operations to online virtual spaces. To effectively combat various types of cybercrime, the Immigration Department is continuously enhancing its digital forensic capabilities and plans to establish its first "Digital Forensic Laboratory" in 2026 to meet the needs of law enforcement and court evidence presentation. Simultaneously, it is developing a new analysis system to integrate multi-platform network data, conduct automated cross-platform online patrols, and comprehensively strengthen its capabilities in investigating cybercrime and collecting digital evidence.
Team building is the foundation of its duties. Guo Junfeng explained that the Immigration Department rigorously selects personnel during the recruitment process, consistently shaping the team's values with the core principle of safeguarding national security. Through in-depth cooperation with multiple government agencies and universities in mainland China, the department coordinates training and exchange programs for newly recruited and existing staff, strengthening their patriotism and love for Hong Kong. Furthermore, the "Mission" Exhibition Hall in the new headquarters building of the Immigration Department in Tseung Kwan O, by explaining the department's ideals, mission, and beliefs, highlights the Immigration Department's responsibility in safeguarding national security and ensuring Hong Kong's long-term stability, becoming an important platform for deepening staff's patriotic values.
Guo Junfeng stated that the Immigration Department will always adhere to building a loyal and responsible patriotic law enforcement team, using stricter controls, more advanced technology, and firmer beliefs to continuously safeguard the nation's "southern gateway" and contribute solid strength to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. (End)
