ABSTRACT
On 28 December 2017, Hong Kong immigration authorities arranged a chartered flight to send 68 unsuccessful refugees and illegal immigrants back to Vietnam. This chapter examines some of the contested dynamics of refugee governance structures in Hong Kong and Bangkok. It outlines how ritual process of categorisation operates in both Hong Kong and Bangkok. The chapter argues that these two places are, in some respects, slightly different with regard to asylum-seeking arrangements. Hong Kong has been a signatory to the 1984 Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) since 9 December 1992, and the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong government engages in interrogation screenings on CAT claims. The security bureau of the Hong Kong government has stated that Hong Kong maintains a liberal visa regime to facilitate the convenient travel of bonafide visitors and businessmen.
