Two Hong Kong residents remain in custody in the Philippines months after completing their respective prison sentences. The Hong Kong Immigration Department confirmed on Friday that it is actively handling the cases after receiving appeals for assistance. The situation came to light following the return of a Hong Kong man who arrived back in the city on Tuesday after serving a 26-year sentence for drug-related offenses in the Philippines.

While the Immigration Department has acknowledged the ongoing detention, specific details regarding why the individuals have not been released or deported remain limited. The Chinese embassy in Manila has officially expressed concern regarding the continued detention of these citizens. The involvement of the embassy suggests a diplomatic effort to resolve the administrative or legal hurdles preventing the men from returning to Hong Kong.

There is currently a lack of clarity regarding the specific legal status of the detainees. While the Immigration Department confirms they have finished their prison terms, it is unclear if they are being held for further investigation, administrative processing, or due to complications with deportation procedures. The case highlights the complexities faced by foreign nationals navigating the Philippine justice and immigration systems after completing criminal sentences. Further updates are expected as the Chinese embassy and Hong Kong authorities continue to coordinate with Philippine officials to secure the men's release and repatriation.