Consular protection and services are important safety measures for Hong Kong residents outside of Chinese territory. Here you can learn about the scope of consular protection, the specific services and assistance provided, what cannot be provided, what to do in unexpected circumstances, how to find a Chinese embassy or consular mission in your host country, points to remember and where to obtain further information.

Consular protection is the act of diplomatic or consular organs or officers in protecting the national interests and legitimate rights of citizens or legal persons in another country within the limits permitted by international law. When the legitimate rights and interests of a Chinese citizen or legal person are illegally violated in another country, the Chinese diplomatic or consular mission there will, in accordance with customary international law principles, relevant international conventions, bilateral treaties or agreements and the relevant laws of China and the other country, reflect the citizen or legal person's request and urge the related authorities of the other country to handle the issue in a fair, friendly and proper way.

Consular protection also includes assistance rendered by Chinese diplomatic or consular missions to Chinese citizens or legal persons, such as providing information on international travel safety, assisting in employing lawyers and translators, visiting detainees and assisting in evacuating from dangerous places, etc.

If you are a Hong Kong permanent resident and Chinese citizen in need of assistance while abroad, the diplomatic and consular missions of the People's Republic of China can:

• Notify your family of the incident or casualty if you have an accident.
• Issue travel documents or homeward-bound documents if you have no travel documents or have lost them.
• Accept the application and provide a place of collection for a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport or Document of Identity for Visa Purposes if you are eligible.
• Visit you at your request when you are under detention, arrest or sentence.
• Recommend lawyers, translators or doctors to assist you in legal proceedings or in seeking medical treatment.
• Assist you in contacting your family when you are in financial difficulty for timely and necessary financial assistance.
• Provide advice and necessary assistance for evacuation from dangerous areas in case an unexpected incident takes place.
• Assist you in locating your friends or family members who may be in distress or custody.
• Provide notarial and authentication services for you in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China and international treaties, and handle registration of marriages between Chinese citizens provided that they do not contravene the laws and regulations of the host country.

Chinese diplomatic or consular missions cannot:

• Intervene in the judicial or administrative acts of the host country.
• Arbitrate or settle economic, labour and other civil disputes between you and others.
• Obtain treatment better than what is given to local people when you are in hospital, in detention or in prison.
• Pay for your lawyer's fees, translator's costs, hotel, medical and travel (air/sea/land travel tickets) expenses, or any other expenses.
• Apply for a visa for you.
• Institute legal proceedings for you.

While travelling abroad you could meet a number of unexpected circumstances. This section provides information on scenarios you might encounter, and what you should do in them.

Respecting the law

Chinese citizens outside Chinese territory should obey the laws and regulations of the countries they are in, and respect the local customs and practices. They should strictly adhere to the permitted limit of stay granted by the country concerned as specified in their visa or permit of residence.

Stolen Property

If any of your property is stolen, you should immediately report the theft to the local police and request a copy of the police report. You may also contact the Chinese diplomatic or consular mission in the country so that money can be remitted to you by your family through the diplomatic or consular mission, or transferred to you via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Detention or Imprisonment

If you commit an offence in another country, you must bear the legal consequences. If you are arrested or detained for any charge of offence, you have the right to request the authorities concerned to meet the consular officers of the Chinese diplomatic or consular mission.

Death

If your relative, friend or companion dies abroad, the Chinese diplomatic or consular mission in the country concerned may, at your request, authenticate the death certificate issued by the local authorities. The diplomatic or consular mission may also provide you with a list of companies engaging in funeral services.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China provides comprehensive lists of its missions overseas. The following link will take you to information on Chinese diplomatic or consular missions to international organisations and representative offices that can be contacted while you are abroad.

• Embassy, consulate, mission and representative office lists
  http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/default.htm

When seeking consular protection or services, please pay attention to the following points:

• Consular officers must not exceed the terms of reference for consular duties in providing consular protection and services to Chinese citizens.
• Relevant provisions lay down that fees are required for some consular services, such as the processing of various documents.
• If you are seeking consular protection and services while overseas, you can make enquiries with local government officials or police for the addresses and telephone numbers of diplomatic representatives and consular organs of the People's Republic of China at that place. You can also make enquiries through the Immigration
• Department assistance hotline at + 852 1868.
  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China is responsible for the explanation of consular protection and services.

More information on consular protection and services is available through the following links

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  http://www.fmprc.gov.cn
• The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong
  http://www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/
• Form ID907: Guide to Consular Services and Protection Outside Chinese Territory
  http://www.immd.gov.hk/pdforms/id907e.pdf