Month: July 2025

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Education Bureau today held a gala celebrating the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s Return to the motherland.

The “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country” Joint School National Education Activities Gala showcased the fruitful achievements of the school year.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing and Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin officiated at the event. Around 2,000 representatives from school sponsoring bodies, school councils, school head associations, schools and parent-teacher associations attended.

Mr Cheuk said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has consistently promoted mainstream values centred on patriotism and love for Hong Kong, which align with the principle of “one country, two systems”.

In April last year, the Working Group on Patriotic Education, chaired by the Chief Secretary, was established to deepen public understanding and appreciation of our nation and the richness of Chinese culture, and to systematically integrate patriotic education into the national education framework.

The Deputy Chief Secretary noted that the “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country 3.0” joint school national education series is a fine example of how the education sector has responded positively to this initiative and worked together to promote patriotic education.

He hoped students would turn the knowledge and experiences gained from the “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country” activities into positive values and meaningful actions – actively practising the spirit of patriotism and love for Hong Kong.

Mr Cheuk also hoped they would aspire to become a new generation of idealistic, courageous individuals with a strong Hong Kong spirit and national pride, contributing their youthful passion and strength to the cause of national unity and solidarity.

This school year’s “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country” joint school national education activities had a total attendance exceeding 40,000. Apart from teachers and students, some activities also invited parents, experts from different sectors and members of the public to enhance understanding of national education among different stakeholders.

The activities included Chinese cultural experiences, learning of intangible cultural heritage skills, visual arts and innovation exhibitions, competitions, and enquiry-based studies on themes aligned with national policies.

Today’s gala marked the grand finale of the “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country 3.0” series. About 300 students participated in the performances, including the flag-raising ceremony and Chinese-style foot drill by joint school flag guards, music, dance, dragon and flag dance as well as Cantonese opera performance, all showcasing their fruitful learning achievements.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​Regarding the fire incident in an industrial building at 21 Ma Tau Wai Road, Hung Hom, yesterday (July 3), it was suspected that the unit concerned had been subdivided for illegal domestic use. The Buildings Department (BD) was very concerned about this matter, and launched an investigation immediately. If any unlawful act is found, the BD will consider instigating prosecution against the relevant persons.

     “The design, approval of building plans and construction of industrial buildings are intended solely for industrial use. Since the units in industrial buildings are used for industrial activities, including the storage of dangerous and flammable items, illegal conversion of industrial buildings to domestic use poses serious safety risks to users.  No one should reside in industrial buildings.  Persons involved in sales and rental activities, such as prospective buyers and tenants as well as estate agents, should check the approved use of the units. An industrial unit should not be used for domestic purposes,” a spokesman for the BD said.

Following the fire incident yesterday, the BD has deployed its staff to carry out a site inspection. Officers at the scene found that the unit concerned was subdivided into a number of smaller units, and some of them were illegally used for domestic purposes. The BD has served statutory orders in accordance with section 25 (2) and section 26(1) of the Buildings Ordinance (BO) to order the owner to discontinue the use of the unit for domestic purposes and rectify the dangerous situation.  The BD will continue its investigation. If anyone is found in contravention of the BO, the BD will follow up seriously, including considering prosecution against the relevant persons. In addition, the BD will include the building in its large-scale operation against domestic use in industrial buildings and will arrange to inspect the other units of the building in phases.

Failure to comply with a discontinuation order served under section 25(2) or a repair order served under section 26(1) of the BO without reasonable excuse are serious offences. Upon conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum fine at level 5 (currently $50,000) and imprisonment for one year, and a further fine of $5,000 for each day that the offence continues.

To ascertain the approved use of the premises, apart from obtaining independent professional advice, members of the public may obtain relevant information by checking the occupation permit and approved building plans of the building via the Building Records Access and Viewing On-line system of the BD if they are in doubt.

The Government is finalising the proposals to amend the BO and drafting the legislative amendments, including criminalising the subdivision of units in industrial buildings for domestic uses to enhance deterrence. The Government aims to submit the amendment bill to the Legislative Council in the first half of 2026.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said that the statement made by former non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA) Brenda Hale on the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the rule of law and independent judicial power in Hong Kong is far from the truth, particularly her assertion that “the National Security Law has taken over the Basic Law” is absolutely incorrect and contrary to the facts.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government noted that any claims the security law overrides the Basic Law are incorrect.  Article 1 of the HKNSL clearly states that the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) enacts the security law in accordance with the Constitution, the Basic Law, and the NPC’s decision on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong.

The HKNSL, promulgated and implemented in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020 has plugged the loopholes in the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding the city’s national security. The security law and other laws safeguarding national security in Hong Kong firmly adhere to the principle of the rule of law while protecting the rights and freedoms enjoyed under the Basic Law in accordance with the law, the statement added.

The statement noted that the judicial system of Hong Kong is protected by the Basic Law. According to Articles 2, 19 and 85 of the Basic Law, the Hong Kong SAR shall be vested with independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, and the courts shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference.

All judges and judicial officers abide by the Judicial Oath and administer justice in full accordance with the law without fear or favour, self-interest or deceit. When adjudicating cases of offences endangering national security, as in any other cases, judges remain independent and impartial in performing judicial duties, free from any interference, the statement said.

The implementation of the security law over the past five years has proven that the courts have handled all the cases involving the HKNSL strictly in accordance with the above principle, it added.

“The NPCSC’s authority to interpret the Basic Law and national laws that apply in Hong Kong is a fundamental aspect of the “one country, two systems” principle and has been recognised in the jurisprudence of the city.

“It is therefore entirely in line with the ‘one country, two systems’ principle that the general power to interpret the HKNSL being a piece of national law, as stipulated in Article 65 thereof, is also vested in the NPCSC.”

The interpretation given by the NPCSC on Articles 14 and 47 of the HKNSL in December 2022 does not and did not directly deal with any specific judicial proceedings or cases. Rather, it clarifies the meaning of the relevant legal provisions and the basis for application of the HKNSL.

It does not in any way impair the independent judicial power and the power of final adjudication of the courts as guaranteed by the Basic Law. It is for the Hong Kong SAR to resolve specific cases and issues by itself.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said that the long-time presence of esteemed judges from overseas appointed or reappointed as the CFA’s non-permanent judges participating in hearings of the Court as well as after the enactment of the security law, is conducive to the international legal environment and development of the jurisprudence of common law in Hong Kong.

There are currently six non-permanent judges from the UK, Australia and New Zealand in the CFA.

Brenda Hale was appointed as a non-permanent judge of the Court in 2018, but has never been involved in the hearing of any cases.

She indicated to the Judiciary in June 2021 that for personal reasons, she would not wish to have her appointment extended for another term upon the expiry of her then appointment, which differs from her current statement.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

​The Education Bureau (EDB) today (July 4) held the Celebration of the 5th Anniversary of the Implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law cum the 28th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s Return to the Motherland “Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country” Joint School National Education Activities Gala to showcase the fruitful achievements of the school year.

The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, and the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, officiated at the event. Around 2 000 representatives from school sponsoring bodies, school councils, school head associations, schools and parent-teacher associations attended.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today presented the Award for Teaching Excellence to 12 teachers, while 12 other teachers received the Certificate of Merit from Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin.

 

Additionally, Mr Lee presented the Award for Budding Teachers to two teachers, and the Award for Education Innovation to three teachers.

 

There were 239 nominations received for such recognition, with themes covering Chinese language education, mathematics education, values education, etc.

 

The award’s themes in the coming year will be Physical Education Key Learning Area, STEAM Education, Curriculum Leadership, Award for Budding Teachers, and Award for Education Innovation.

 

Nominations will be accepted from July 7 to October 3.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     A woman who went missing in Yau Ma Tei has been located.

     Lui Hoi-yan, aged 48, went missing after she was last seen in Yau Ma Tei on April 9. Her family made a report to Police on July 2.

     The woman was located in Nam Cheong Estate, Sham Shui Po this afternoon (July 4). She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Twilight” from June 30 to yesterday (July 3) and a joint operation with the Labour Department codenamed “Lightshadow” to combat illegal food delivery couriers, on July 2. A total of six suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer were arrested.
 
     During operations “Twilight”, ImmD Task Force officers raided 34 target locations including premises under renovation, recycling yards, restaurants and retail stores. Four suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised two men and two women, aged 43 to 59. Among them, one man was a holder of a recognisance form, which prohibits him from taking any employment. In addition, one man and one woman were suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. One woman, aged 52, was suspected of employing the illegal workers and was also arrested.
 
     During operation “Lightshadow”, ImmD and Labour Department enforcement officers raided 24 target locations in Kowloon West Region. Two suspected illegal workers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised two men, aged 32 and 34. Both of them were holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment.
 
     An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”
 
     The spokesman warned, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. As stipulated in section 20(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance, the Chief Executive may make a deportation order against an immigrant, prohibiting the immigrant from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter if the immigrant has been found guilty in Hong Kong of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years. Under the prevailing laws, it is an offence to use or possess a forged Hong Kong identity card or a Hong Kong identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to 10 years’ imprisonment.”
 
     The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
 
     According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman reminded all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
 
     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will depart for Europe tomorrow (July 5) to begin his visit to the Netherlands, France and Italy. He will meet with local senior government officials and leaders of various international organisations to introduce Hong Kong’s latest legal developments, strengthen exchanges and co-operation with all parties, promote Hong Kong’s strengths in legal and dispute resolution services, and explore collaboration on international capacity building.

During his visit, Mr Lam will attend local seminars organised by the Department of Justice and other exchange sessions. He will deliver speeches to the local legal and business sectors to introduce Hong Kong’s unique advantages in the practice of the common law system under the “one country, two systems” principle, its strategic positioning as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region, and its important role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Mainland and the rest of the world.

Accompanying Mr Lam on the visit will be the Law Officer (International Law) of the Department of Justice (DoJ), Dr James Ding, the Director of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Office of the DoJ, Dr Yang Ling, and government counsel.

​Mr Lam will conclude his visit in Rome, Italy, and return to Hong Kong on the morning of July 13. During his absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.