Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements releases latest information on cross-boundary passenger traffic estimation and arrangements for National Day Golden Week of Mainland
During the upcoming National Day Golden Week of the Mainland (October 1 to 8), the Immigration Department (ImmD) estimates that around 8.76 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points. The ImmD, in consultation with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection and other Mainland authorities, estimates that around 7.52 million passengers will pass through land boundary control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on October 4 (Saturday) and October 1 (Wednesday), with around 660 000 passengers and 610 000 passengers respectively.
The ImmD estimates that the passenger traffic at the Lo Wu Control Point, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Control Point will be heavy, with a daily average forecast of about 240 000, 220 000 and 140 000 passengers respectively.
To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic during the festive period, the ImmD has minimised leave for frontline officers for flexible deployment and the operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks.
Furthermore, the ImmD, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation Limited will set up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu Control Point to make necessary arrangements. The ImmD will also establish close communication with Mainland authorities, including the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection. To ensure a smooth passenger traffic flow, passenger conditions will be closely monitored and appropriate traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary.
The ImmD advises all land boundary passengers to plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. Residents and visitors may also visit “Easy Boundary” (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/bwt/status.html?type=outbound
For travellers making journeys to the Mainland, the ImmD reminds them to carry their proof of identity and valid travel documents for crossing the boundary. Hong Kong residents should also check the validity of their Home Visit Permits. Non-permanent residents must carry their valid smart identity card as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel document.
Holders of the acknowledgement receipt issued due to the reported loss or replacement of their Hong Kong identity cards, or children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.
About 700 e-Channels have been installed at various control points. To further enhance the clearance efficiency of control points and allow more Hong Kong residents to use the fast and convenient e-Channel service, the ImmD has adjusted the applicable age for e-Channel service for holders of smart identity cards. Eligible Hong Kong permanent residents aged 7 to 10 years old, who are at least 1.1 metres tall and hold a smart identity card and a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport, can use the e-Channels without prior enrolment for self-service immigration clearance via face recognition technology at all control points. Moreover, the Contactless e-Channel service is available at all control points now. All eligible Hong Kong residents, after enrolment, can generate an encrypted QR code through the Contactless e-Channel mobile application to enter the e-Channel and then verify their identity with the facial verification technology for automated immigration clearance.
In addition, the ImmD has extended the e-Channel service to holders of a valid People’s Republic of China (PRC) electronic ordinary passport aged 11 or above and are in transit through Hong Kong to and from another country or territory. Eligible PRC passport holders can use the e-Channel service when entering Hong Kong without prior enrolment for e-Channel service via face recognition technology. Additionally, all control points have introduced self-service departures for visitors to Hong Kong (Smart Departure), which provides greater travel convenience for visitors. The service employs facial recognition technology for identity verification, which allows eligible visitors holding electronic travel documents to perform self-service departure clearance through Smart Departure e-Channels without prior enrolment.
Hong Kong residents who require assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the ImmD at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD Mobile App, send a message to 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit the Online Assistance Request Form.
The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements is tasked with holistically co-ordinating and steering the preparatory work of various government departments for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the National Day Golden Week of the Mainland, as well as strengthening information dissemination to enable the public and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation.
Issued at HKT 15:30
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Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Kwun Tong District (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity activities in Kwun Tong District Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities. Also, Customs will strengthen publicity and education to remind the public not to take part in unlawful acts related to illicit cigarettes.
Under the DCO, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 15:30
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FEHD releases results of annual allocation of new niches and official commissioning of Shek Mun Columbarium and Garden of Remembrance
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases results of annual allocation of new niches and official commissioning of Shek Mun Columbarium and Garden of RemembranceIssued at HKT 15:30
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Treasury Markets Summit 2025 (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Treasury Markets Summit 2025
In his keynote address, the Chief Executive of the HKMA and Honorary President of the TMA Council, Mr Eddie Yue, discussed the opportunities that lie ahead for the further development of Renminbi business in Hong Kong; while Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA and Chair of the TMA Executive Board, Mr Darryl Chan, reviewed the evolution of Hong Kong’s treasury markets and the TMA’s key achievements over the past 20 years in his opening remarks.
The Summit’s panels covered three important topics, including the latest financial world order, Hong Kong as a hub of corporate treasury centres, and the changes brought by artificial intelligence to treasury markets. The panels were moderated by former Chief Investment Officer of the Exchange Fund Investment Office at the HKMA and former Chair of the TMA Market Practices Committee Mr Christopher Chan; Senior Advisor of the HKMA Mr Rami Hayek; and the Head (Banking Supervision) of the HKMA, Mr Alvin Li, respectively. They were joined by distinguished guest speakers from the financial industry and relevant sectors.
The Summit was attended by over 300 participants, including treasury market practitioners, asset managers, and senior executives and professionals from banks, financial institutions and corporates.
Issued at HKT 15:30
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Marine traffic control and safety measures to be implemented at 2025 National Day Fireworks Display
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Marine traffic control and safety measures to be implemented at 2025 National Day Fireworks Display
A Closed Area in the waters off the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, where barges for the fireworks display are to be anchored, will be established from 2pm to about 10pm on the event day. A Restricted Area will be established in the Central Harbour from 7pm to about 9pm on the event day. Other than authorised vessels, no vessels will be allowed to enter the Closed Area and the Restricted Area. Scheduled ferry vessels with permission may continue services until 7.40pm.
Spectator vessels could stay inside the Specified Area other than the Restricted Area and the Closed Area, for viewing from 6pm to about 9pm (specified period) on the event day. To enhance marine safety during a major event at sea, coxswains of spectator vessels in the Specified Area during the specified period must ensure that children on board are accompanied by an adult and wear a lifejacket at all times. Coxswains must also keep a passenger and crew list on board for emergency purposes. The MD will step up vessel inspections. If any vessel fails to meet these requirements, the department will initiate prosecution.
In addition, to ensure vessels disperse in an orderly manner, the Eastern and Western Cordon Lines of the Restricted Area will be lifted in stages after the event. The Western Cordon Line will be lifted first at about 9pm. Spectator vessels behind the Western Cordon Line and those wishing to move east must follow the instructions of officers from the MD and the Police at the scene. The Eastern Cordon Line will be lifted later, depending on traffic conditions in Victoria Harbour. It is anticipated that the Restricted Area will be lifted by about 9.15pm.
For landside crowd control, the public landing steps No. 1 to 4 at Kowloon Public Pier will be closed temporarily from 6pm to about 9pm, and the public landing steps No. 5 and 6 will be closed temporarily from 6pm to about midnight. Other public landing steps within the Restricted Area will be closed temporarily from 6.30pm to about 9pm. Buffer zones at Kowloon Public Pier, Kwun Tong Public Pier and Central Piers No. 9 and 10 will be established immediately after the event for the safe and orderly disembarkation of passengers.
Officers from the MD and the Police will also maintain order at major landing facilities after the event. To ensure smooth disembarkation, coxswains and crew members should remind passengers to pack their personal belongings early before the vessels arrive alongside the landing steps and assist passengers in disembarking. Coxswains and passengers should follow the instructions of the MD and the Police officers at the scene.
The MD and the Marine Police will also strengthen law enforcement, especially on conditions of life-saving appliances, speeding and overloading. Coxswains and persons-in-charge of vessels should check again and reconfirm that the operating licence, the certificate of survey and the third-party risk insurance are valid before setting sail, and that relevant crew members are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
MD Notice No. 181 of 2025 on the marine traffic control and safety measures has been issued and is available for viewing on the MD’s website (www.mardep.gov.hkIssued at HKT 15:15
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Online auction of vehicle registration marks to be held from October 9 to 13
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Transport Department (TD) today (September 26) said that the next online auction of vehicle registration marks (VRMs) will be held from noon on October 9 (Thursday) to noon on October 13 (Monday) through the auction platform E-Auction (e-auction.td.gov.hk). Interested bidders can participate in the online auction only after they have successfully registered as E-Auction users.
A spokesman for the TD said, “A total of 200 Ordinary VRMs will be available at this online public auction. The list of VRMs (see Annex) has been uploaded to the E-Auction website. Applicants who have paid a $1,000 deposit to reserve the Ordinary VRM for auction should also register as an E-Auction user in advance in order to participate in the online bidding, including placing the first bid at the opening price of $1,000. Otherwise, the VRMs reserved by them may be bid on by other interested bidders at or above the opening price. Auctions for VRMs with ‘HK’ or ‘XX’ as a prefix, special VRMs and personalised VRMs will continue to be carried out through physical auctions by bidding paddles, and their announcement arrangements remain unchanged.”
Members of the public participating in the online bidding should take note of the following important points:
(1) Bidders should register in advance as an E-Auction user by “iAM Smart+” equipped with the digital signing function; or by using a valid digital certificate and an email address upon completion of identity verification. Registered “iAM Smart” users should provide their Hong Kong identity card number, while non-Hong Kong residents who are not “iAM Smart” users should provide the number of their passport or other identification documents when registering as E-Auction users.
(2) Bidders are required to provide a digital signature to confirm the submission and amount of the bid by using “iAM Smart+” or a valid digital certificate at the time of the first bid of each online bidding session (including setting automatic bids before the auction begins) to comply with the requirements of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance.
(3) If a bid is made in respect of a VRM within the last 10 minutes before the end of the auction, the auction end time for that particular VRM will be automatically extended by another 10 minutes, up to a maximum of 24 hours.
(4) Successful bidders must follow the instructions in the notification email issued by the TD to log in to the E-Auction within 48 hours from the issuance of the email and complete the follow-up procedures, including:
- completing the Purchaser Information for the issuance of the Memorandum of Sale of Registration Mark (Memorandum of Sale); and
- making the auction payment online by credit card, Faster Payment System (FPS) or Payment by Phone Service (PPS). Cheque or cash payment is not accepted in the E-Auction.
(5) A VRM can only be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. Relevant information on the Certificate of Incorporation must be provided by the successful bidder in the Purchaser Information of the Memorandum of Sale if the VRM purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.
(6) Successful bidders will receive a notification email around seven working days after payment has been confirmed and can download the Memorandum of Sale from the E-Auction. The purchaser must apply for the VRM to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser within 12 months from the date of issue of the Memorandum of Sale. If the purchaser fails to do so within the 12-month period, in accordance with the statutory provision, the allocation of the VRM will be cancelled and a new allocation will be arranged by the TD without prior notice to the purchaser.
The TD has informed all applicants who have reserved the Ordinary VRMs for this round of auction of the E-Auction arrangements in detail by post. Members of the public may refer to the E-Auction website or watch the tutorial videos for more information. Please call the E-Auction hotline (3583 3980) or email (e-auction-enquiry@td.gov.hk) for enquiries.
Statistics on Code on Access to Information for first quarter of 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government received a total of 2 742 requests for information under the Code on Access to Information in the first quarter of 2025, a spokesman for the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said today (September 26).
The total number of requests received since the introduction of the Code in March 1995 and up to the end of March 2025 amounted to 136 866. Of these, 9 166 requests were subsequently withdrawn by the requestors and 6 732 requests covered cases in which the bureaux/departments concerned did not hold the requested information or cannot confirm or deny the existence of information. As at March 31, 2025, 714 requests were still being processed by bureaux/departments.
Among the 120 254 requests which covered information held by bureaux/departments and which the bureaux/departments had responded to, 116 840 requests (97.2 per cent) were met, either in full (113 672 requests) or in part (3 168 requests), and 3 414 requests (2.8 per cent) were refused.
Any member of the public who is dissatisfied with the response of a bureau/department under the Code may request that the matter be reviewed. He or she may also lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman.
In the first quarter of 2025, the Ombudsman received six complaints relating to requests for information. In this quarter, the Ombudsman concluded 11 complaints, among which one was concluded by inquiries (with inadequacies found), and 10 were assessed and closed. As at March 31, 2025, the Ombudsman’s investigation on one complaint was ongoing.
“The Code has provided an effective framework for the public to seek access to information held by the Government,” the spokesman said.
Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office organises Hong Kong · IN · Brand Greater Bay seminar in Shenzhen (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office (GBA Office) today (September 26) organised the Hong Kong．IN．Brand Greater Bay luncheon seminar in Shenzhen. Around 300 entrepreneurs from Guangdong and Hong Kong gathered to discuss the significance of developing proprietary brands, and how enhancing brand influence can stimulate innovation and align with the development of new quality productive forces, thereby enabling them to better seize the vast business opportunities brought about by Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development, and to tap into broader markets.
In her opening address, the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan, said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has long encouraged enterprises to develop their own brands, and has established the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) in 2012. The Chief Executive’s recently announced 2025 Policy Address further proposed injecting an additional $1.43 billion into the BUD Fund, and supporting the continued organisation of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival covering the Mainland and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) e-commerce markets, providing practical support for the industry in brand development.
President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to brand development, calling for the transformation “from made in China to created in China”, “from China speed to China quality”, and “from Chinese products to Chinese brands”. The National 14th Five-Year Plan also proposes launching a China brand-building campaign. Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong has the unique advantage of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. As an international metropolis with a tradition of rule of law, an internationally aligned regulatory regime, a robust intellectual property protection regime, and efficient professional services, Hong Kong can serve as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, serving as an ideal platform for Mainland brands to “go global” and for “bringing in” brands from around the world, thereby facilitating brands from the GBA and Mainland to expand globally.
The seminar was co-organised by the GBA Office, the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Brand Development Council. Featuring a rich programme, the event invited four scholars, experts, and renowned brand entrepreneurs to share insights on topics including building brand influence, shaping brand image, leveraging AI to drive brand marketing strategies, and promoting the integration of innovation with branding. During the subsequent interactive question-and-answer session, the discussion was lively, with entrepreneurs actively sharing their views, providing attendees with valuable insights on expanding their businesses through proprietary brand development.
Government announces establishment of Advisory Committee on Development of International Aviation Superhub and its appointments
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Government announced today (September 26) the establishment of the Advisory Committee on Development of International Aviation Superhub (ACDIAS) and its appointments.
Following the commissioning of the Three-Runway System (3RS) at Hong Kong International Airport in November 2024, the Government is committed to charting the future course of the development of Hong Kong’s aviation industry and further enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub. To this end, the ACDIAS is established, in place of the existing Aviation Development and Three-Runway System Advisory Committee, to provide high-level advice on aviation policies, including directions of aviation development, implementation of the Airport City development, interfacing issues among the operation of the 3RS, Airport City development and projects in the vicinity, as well as other civil aviation matters.
The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, said, “The National 14th Five-Year Plan has affirmed Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub. Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages under ‘one country, two systems’, and with our globally connected aviation network and world-class airport infrastructure, Hong Kong is well placed to assume a more significant role in the area of aviation, both regionally and globally. Looking ahead, we will step up our efforts in proactively unleashing the full potential of the 3RS and contributing to the high-quality development and high-level opening up of our country. We believe that the ACDIAS will provide invaluable insights and bring Hong Kong’s aviation industry to new heights.”
Members of the ACDIAS come from various sectors, including aviation, business and finance, innovation and technology, logistics and transport, professions and academia, and tourism. The appointments are for a period of two years starting from October 1, 2025. The membership of the ACDIAS is as follows:
Chairman
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Secretary for Transport and Logistics
Members
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Mr Aaron Bok Kwok-ming
Dr Angus Cheung Him-wah
Professor Herbert Chia Pun-kok
Professor Andy Chun Hon-wai
Ms Mary Huen Wai-yi
Ms Kuok Hui-kwong
Ms Lavinia Lau Hoi-zee
Professor Lo Hong-kam
Ms Rainie Pan Hailin
Mr Tommy Tam Kwong-shun
Ms Elsa Yuen May-yee
Mr Chris Zhao Peng
Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics (ex-officio)
Chief Executive Officer, Airport Authority Hong Kong (ex-officio)
Executive Director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (ex-officio)
Director-General of Civil Aviation (ex-officio)
DGCA attends 42nd Session of International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Victor Liu, has attended the 42nd Session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly at the ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada.
Over 3 000 representatives from ICAO member states, non-government organisations and regional and industry air transport associations are gathering at this triennial Assembly. The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) delegation led by Mr Liu has joined the Assembly as part of the China delegation.
Under the theme “Safe Skies. Sustainable Future.” a total of 39 agenda items covering aviation safety, air navigation capacity and efficiency, security and facilitation, economic development, technical co-operation, environmental protection and more are being discussed during the Assembly.
The China delegation, consisting of around 50 delegates, is led by the Deputy Administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Ms Liang Nan, and has submitted 45 papers to the Assembly. Among these, the CAD has actively participated in preparing papers including “Real-Time Monitoring and Analysis of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Interference to Enhance Aviation Safety” and “Enhancing Safety in Air Transport of Dangerous Goods through Innovative Technologies”. A CAD representative spoke at the Assembly as part of the China delegation, presenting information on GNSS interference, sharing experiences of the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, and highlighting the benefits accompanied with the implementation of related measures in safeguarding aviation safety while enhancing operational efficiency.
Prior to the Assembly, the CAD delegation also attended the ICAO Innovation Fair 2025. During the event, Mr Liu was invited to speak in an expert panel, where he shared his insights on promoting innovation to all states. He highlighted the rapid growth of the Asia-Pacific region in civil aviation and emphasised that various states/administrations, air navigation services providers, and the industry should collaborate and accelerate the promotion of innovation. Mr Liu also shared the experience of Hong Kong in aviation innovation.
In addition, an exhibition area showcased a range of new technologies and concepts with development potential in aviation industry. Attendees exchanged views on how innovation can contribute to sustainable development and bring benefits to all sectors of society.
Mr Liu will depart for Hong Kong on September 26 (Montreal time) and the Deputy Director-General of Civil Aviation, Miss Clara Wong, will depart for Montreal, Canada, on September 28 (Hong Kong time) to join the Assembly.