How to Access Humanitarian Assistance for Protection Claimants

UNHCR does not provide financial assistance to refugees or protection claimants. The Government of the Hong Kong SAR has made in-kind humanitarian assistance available to protection claimants and refugees.

STEP 1: REGISTRATION WITH SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT

IMPORTANT: Please prepare the following information before you approach the Social Welfare Department:

• Your address (If you are staying in a guesthouse, you may mention the address of the guesthouse)
• Your telephone number
• Recognizance Document and/or USM Registration Confirmation Letter

1(a) You must first register with the Social Welfare Department. You may be asked to show confirmation of your USM claim. If you do not have any written confirmation, the Social Welfare Department may obtain your consent to contact the Immigration Department for verification directly. (The confirmation process may take some time).

Once confirmation has been obtained by the Social Welfare Department they will refer your case to International Social Service (ISS) via fax.

1(b): Please inform the SWD officer if you have serious or chronic illness and provide relevant medical documents, if any.

1(d): Please go to the Social Welfare Department IFSC, Yau Ma Tei Office if you:

1. Have no permanent address, OR
2. Staying in a guesthouse in Yau Tsim Mong District, OR
3. Live in the Yau Tsim Mong District

Address of Social Welfare Department Yau Ma Tei IFSC
Address: 2/F, Henry G. Leong Yau Ma Tei Community Centre, 60 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/sSRHC5Ubgp72

STEP 2: APPOINTMENT WITH INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICES

2(a): Once you are successfully registered at the Social Welfare Department, you will need to wait for International Social Services to make an appointment with you by phone. Be aware that it could take up to 6-8 weeks to hear from International Social Services. You will not have access to material assistance during this time. You will have to find ways to support yourself while you wait for assistance.

2(b): International Social Services will conduct an in-take interview with you to assess your needs and you will be required to sign a contract. If you fulfill the criteria, you will be provided with food and shelter.

2(c): If you have any queries about your case you can contact International Social Services directly: