Hongkongers will be able to contact the department’s Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit to seek assistance via the WhatsApp messaging application.

With the new hotline, the department said the current designated WhatsApp hotline 5190 8909 for overseas job scams will cease service today.

It added that the hotline aims at providing assistance to Hong Kong residents requiring assistance outside Hong Kong and is not applicable for general enquiries.

With the introduction of the new hotline, Hong Kong residents may now use any one of the following means to contact the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit if they need assistance while in distress outside Hong Kong:

1. Call (852) 1868;

2. Call the 1868 hotline using network data via the Hong Kong Immigration Department Mobile Application;

3. Submit the Assistance Request Form online; or

4. Send message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline. (wa.me/message/IGSJWR2HF5PZI1?src=qr)