U.S. Department of State 2005 Trafficking in Persons Report - Hong Kong

Hong Kong (Tier 1)

Hong Kong is a transit and destination territory for men and women trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor. Hong Kong is primarily a transit point for illegal migrants, some of whom are subjected to conditions of debt bondage, sexual exploitation, and/or forced labor upon arrival in the destination country. To a lesser extent, Hong Kong is a destination for women from the People's Republic of China (P.R.C.) and Southeast Asia trafficked for prostitution.

The Government of Hong Kong complies fully with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The government continued to implement strong anti-trafficking measures. Through heightened awareness and improved documentation, Hong Kong authorities have improved their ability to identify possible trafficking victims among the large numbers of illegal immigrants. The government maintains effective border and immigration controls, carries out information campaigns to increase awareness of possible trafficking activities, has comprehensive criminal ordinances designed to punish traffickers, and provides access to protective services for trafficking victims.

Prosecution

Hong Kong has no specific anti-trafficking law, but a range of criminal ordinances are used to prosecute traffickers. Hong Kong authorities reported three trafficking-related cases in 2004, resulting in one conviction. The government has devoted greater resources to monitoring potential trafficking and is taking steps to improve its data-collection capabilities. The government has started to maintain case documentation on the number of illegal migrants who may be trafficking victims. In particular, the Hong Kong Security Bureau has instructed field offices to identify and carefully document cases in which trafficking is suspected. Law enforcement officers are deployed to monitor borders, airports, flights, and shipping.

Protection

Hong Kong provides a range of services to trafficking victims through the Social Welfare Department and local NGOs. Regardless of legal status or offenses charged, victims have access to temporary lodging in women's refugee centers, basic necessities, legal and medical services, and a victim support center. Trafficking victims who testify against their traffickers are granted immunity and are repatriated without being charged with an offense. Hong Kong provides foreign domestic workers with access to support services in labor suits. Law enforcement officers and social workers are provided training in the handling of witnesses and victims.

Prevention

Hong Kong continued its robust prevention programs during the reporting period. The government carried out information campaigns to increase awareness of possible trafficking activities. The government also distributed multi-lingual pamphlets to inform foreign domestic workers of their rights and provided a hotline for foreign domestic workers to call for information about available services and assistance. Authorities regularly shared information on local trafficking and smuggling patterns with the P.R.C. and foreign law enforcement entities.