Month: September 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Second Reading of the Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill (the Bill) was voted down by the Legislative Council (LegCo) today (September 10), with 14 votes in favour, 71 votes against and one vote abstaining.

“The Government all along respects the rule of law and fulfils the requirements of the court’s ruling. The Bill was introduced in exercising the responsibility of the executive authorities empowered by the Basic Law to propose and introduce bills. In accordance with the Basic Law, the LegCo has the functions and powers to scrutinise and pass bills. The Government respects LegCo’s decision and voting results of the LegCo members,” a Government spokesman said.

“The introduction and scrutinising of the Bill has demonstrated the shouldering of responsibilities among the executive authorities, the LegCo and the Judiciary in exercising their constitutional functions and discharging their respective duties effectively.”

“The Government understands that the issue of same-sex partnership is highly controversial and stakeholders in society hold different views. The Government respects the rule of law and has submitted a proposal on an alternative framework to the LegCo in accordance with the court’s judgment. As the Bill has been voted down, the Government will not apply to the court for an extension of the suspension period and will further discuss and study the issue with the Department of Justice.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Chong Zheng Chinese Orchestra presented “Sounds of Joy and Abundance: A Harvest Celebration in Gongs and Drums” at the historic NSW State Library in Sydney CBD. Jointly organised by the Chong Zheng Foundation and the Sydney Taiwan Festival Committee, the concert drew a full house, with the NSW Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Hon. Scott Farlow MLC, attending as a VIP guest.
In his remarks, Director-General David Cheng-Wei Wu emphasized that culture is the soul of a nation and the roots of its people. He noted that Taiwan is more than high technology and semiconductors; it is also renowned for its vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, qualities vividly reflected in the performance of the Chong Zheng Chinese Orchestra.
DG Wu also introduced TECO Sydney’s 2025 signature project, “Soft Power: Three Episodes”, which showcases the diversity and inclusiveness of Taiwan’s society through three initiatives: Taste of Taiwan – the International Tour of Taiwan Gourmet Cuisine, the Taiwan Film Festival in Australia, and the upcoming Cultural Goodwill Mission by the Formosa Melody Music Centre on September 22 at the Chatswood Concourse.
Based on the shared values of liberal democracy and human rights between TW and AU, we are confident that cultural exchanges like this will bring people together, foster mutual understanding, and strengthen the friendship between our two nations.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Invest Oman of the Sultanate of Oman (Oman) during the Belt and Road Summit today (September 10). The agreement aims to enhance bilateral economic and investment co-operation, further solidifying Hong Kong’s role as a global business hub and a gateway to the Mainland and beyond.
      
     The signing of this MOU comes on the heels of the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee’s successful Middle East visit in May this year, which elevated Hong Kong’s relations with the Middle East to new heights. During the visit, Mr Lee emphasised Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle and its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” in facilitating international exchanges and co-operation.
      
     The MOU was signed by the Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, with the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Oman, Mr Nasser Al Kindi. The agreement underscores the commitment of both parties to fostering both inward and outward investment and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, and technology.
      
     Ms Lau said, “Oman is a key player in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The signing of this MOU with Invest Oman during the Belt and Road Summit today marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s efforts to strengthen its economic ties with the Middle East. Hong Kong’s world-class financial services, professional expertise, and strategic location make it an ideal partner for businesses looking to expand their global footprint. We look forward to working closely with our counterpart in Oman to unlock new opportunities for mutual growth, particularly in the context of the BRI.”
      
     The MOU focuses on sharing information on investment environments and opportunities, encouraging local companies to establish or expand businesses in each other’s regions, supporting and facilitating incoming missions and business programmes, and organising joint investment promotion events and activities.
      
     To download the event photo, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720328938057.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, at a media session after the Second Reading debate on Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill at the Legislative Council today (September 10):
 
Reporter: Now that the Bill was voted down, what would be the Government’s next step and whether the Government would seek extension of time from the Court? Would there be any adverse impact to the rule of law of Hong Kong?
 
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: As I just said, the Government is not going to apply for any extension of time from the Court for the moment but we will further discuss with the DoJ (Department of Justice) to see how to take forward the matter.
 
As regards the rule of law of Hong Kong, the Government has all along fully respected the rule of law of Hong Kong as well as the Court’s ruling. And that’s why we introduced the Bill this time to discharge our positive obligations under the Hong Kong BoR (Bill of Rights) as ruled by the court. And throughout the whole legislative process, you can see that from our detailed analysis of the judgement to see how to fulfil the requirements as set out by the court, to the drafting of the Bill, the introduction of the Bill, and also all the explanatory and lobbying work that we have done to solicit support from the Legislative Council as well as the public. You can see that we have tried our best to pursue the legislative process as well as to fulfil our obligations. As regards of the Legislative Council, you can see that they have dutifully and effectively discharged their functions and obligations under the Basic Law to closely scrutinise the Bill, and to render advice to the Government, and also to reflect the views of the public to us. So, I don’t see any question about the rule of law of Hong Kong being adversely affected in any way. Thank you.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority (HA), Dr Libby Lee, is leading a delegation on a three-day visit to Beijing from September 9 to 11, to strengthen healthcare collaboration through in-depth exchanges with various healthcare institutions.
 
     The HA renewed collaboration agreements with both the Beijing Municipal Health Commission (BJHC) and the Beijing Hospitals Authority (BJHA). These agreements aim to enhance collaboration between Beijing and Hong Kong in various areas, including high-quality development of public hospitals, hospital management and talent training, etc. The HA will continue to deepen the partnerships with the BJHC and the BJHA through different exchange activities and collaborations including senior management visits and talent-nurturing programs to jointly improve the quality of public healthcare services of the two places.
 
     During the visit, the HA delegation will also attend a high-level meeting with the BJHC to discuss various healthcare matters of common interest.
 
     Dr Lee said, “This Beijing visit has yielded fruitful results. The HA has successfully established strong collaborative relationships with both the BJHC and the BJHA over many years, with significant achievements under previous agreements. The renewal of these collaboration agreements will further strengthen the partnership between healthcare institutions in both cities. Under the current collaboration framework, the HA and the BJHC have implemented exchange programmes for doctors with Beijing hospitals, effectively enhancing medical expertise in both cities. Looking forward, this strategic partnership will further advance the exchange of professional knowledge and experience between Beijing and Hong Kong, jointly improving healthcare service quality for residents in both cities.”
 
     Dr Lee remarked that the public healthcare services in Beijing and Hong Kong have achieved mutual learning and shared growth through deepened exchanges. She said she looks forward to strengthening future collaboration in hospital management and service development, continuing talent development and exchanges, and leveraging mutual professional expertise to jointly advance healthcare services.
 
     The delegation also visited Beijing Tiantan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University to exchange innovative management experiences, and toured a healthcare services exhibition at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services to learn about innovative applications and achievements of AI in healthcare.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (September 10):

Question:

     It is learnt that the Hospital Authority (HA) is developing the Rare Diseases Database by referencing the Mainland’s National Lists of Rare Diseases which contains 207 rare disease entries, with a view to facilitating the identification of the relevant patients and retrieval of their clinical records. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it knows, according to the definitions under HA’s Rare Diseases Database, the number of cases in which rare disease patients attend the accident and emergency (A&E) departments of public hospitals for treatment in each of the past five years, and among those cases, the number involving relapses or deterioration of the diseases and the number of patients concerned, as well as the top five rare diseases with the highest number of attendances; whether it has compiled statistics on the longest and median time taken from patients arriving at the A&E departments to receiving treatment;

(2) whether it knows how HA’s healthcare staff make use of the Rare Diseases Database to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of rare disease patients in terms of clinical applications, in particular those patients seeking treatment without scheduled appointments due to relapses or deterioration of the diseases; and

(3) given that irreversible damage could be caused to patients suffering from certain rare diseases with high relapse rates (such as neuromyelitis optica) if timely medical treatment is not administered, whether the Government knows if HA will set up a multi-specialty expert panel in respect of such rare diseases to regularly review treatment protocols and the procedures for handling the patients concerned by the A&E departments, as well as to formulate the relevant clinical guidelines and define the golden hours for treatment so as to expedite diagnosis and treatment for such patients?

Reply:

President,

     In consultation with the Hospital Authority (HA), the consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan is as follows:

     The HA attaches high importance to providing optimal care for all patients, including those with rare diseases.

     There is no common definition of rare diseases worldwide. To enhance clinical support for patients with rare diseases and improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities, the HA has developed the Rare Diseases Database by referencing the National Lists of Rare Diseases which contains 207 rare disease entities. The HA’s Clinical Management System (CMS) maintains clinical data for all patients, including those with rare diseases, alongside information on various disease categories. When providing treatment for patients with rare diseases covered under the lists, doctors will input the relevant diagnosis codes in the consultation records in the HA’s CMS to identify patients with rare diseases and provide appropriate care accordingly. As the HA accumulates more local experience in treating rare diseases and clinical data, the database of rare disease patients in the CMS will become more extensive, providing important reference for healthcare service planning as well as clinical diagnosis and treatment. As at June 30 this year, the HA’s CMS has recorded all 207 diseases listed in the National Lists of Rare Diseases, with a total of about 63 600 cases.

     According to statistics from the HA, the five types of rare diseases that are relatively less uncommon in Hong Kong are, in order of prevalence: gastrointestinal stromal tumor, generalised myasthenia gravis, retinopathy of prematurity, hereditary hypomagnesemia, and polycythemia vera. After diagnosis, most of these rare disease patients can be managed through out-patient follow-ups, with only a small number requiring hospitalisation for treatment. Where patients are required to attend the accident and emergency (A&E) department due to medical needs, healthcare staff will provide appropriate treatment based on their clinical conditions.

     The primary challenge in dealing with rare diseases lies in the small number of cases, resulting in difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of rare diseases are often atypical and non-specific, frequently resembling common ailments. Additionally, these symptoms may affect multiple organ systems, leading patients to consult various medical specialties without obtaining a comprehensive understanding of their condition. Apart from clinical examinations, diagnosis may also require some high technology testings, such as genetic testings, thereby prolonging the diagnostic process.

     For hereditary rare diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta and X-linked hypophosphataemia, the clinical genetics service of the HA provides one-stop cross-disciplinary support for patients with genetic disorders (including rare diseases) and their families, in line with the latest developments in genomic medicine in Hong Kong. Patients who are affected or suspected to be affected by various genetic diseases and other rare diseases as well as their families will be referred to the Department of Clinical Genetics of Hong Kong Children’s Hospital for one-stop services, including assessment, testing, diagnosis, treatment, counselling and prevention services. Adhering to the principle of “providing holistic care for patients”, the HA adopts an integrated service model in providing holistic medical and rehabilitation services to patients with rare diseases through multi-disciplinary and inter-departmental teams, comprising doctors, nurses, pharmacists, clinical psychologists, rehabilitation specialty nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, speech therapists, prosthetist-orthotists, medical social workers, etc.

     In addition, the Hong Kong Genome Institute launched the Hong Kong Genome Project since 2021, covering rare diseases associated with genomics and precision medicine, such as mucopolysaccharidosis and Marfan syndrome. Eligible patients and their family members are recruited through public hospitals to undergo whole genome sequencing on a voluntary basis. The sequencing results assist precise diagnoses and provide key basis for prognosis assessment and treatment decisions. The Government will continue to advance the implementation of the initiative under the 2024 Policy Address in developing precision medicine.

     Regarding Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) as mentioned in the question, it is an extremely rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system of the patient attacks his/her own optic nerves and spinal cord, causing damages to optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. As a result, patients are typically managed by ophthalmologists or neurologists. Joint consultations will be arranged as needed, along with relevant investigations.

     In cases where these patients need to attend the A&E department due to relapses and presentation of symptoms, they will undergo assessment and triage by nurses under the prevailing triage system at the A&E department. The treatment priority is determined based on the severity of their condition. The HA’s service targets stipulate that all critical patients (Triage 1) are to receive immediate treatment (i.e. 100 per cent immediate treatment), while emergency (Triage 2) patients and urgent (Triage 3) patients will be prioritised for treatment upon arrival at the A&E department, the targets being that most of the emergency and urgent patients are to be treated within 15 minutes and 30 minutes respectively. Generally speaking, patients experiencing symptoms such as acute vision loss or focal neurological deficits will be triaged as urgent cases (i.e. Triage 3). The A&E department aims to arrange these urgent patients for treatment within 30 minutes. In case the patient concerned has clinical needs, the A&E department will refer him/her to the Department of Ophthalmology for follow-up. The ophthalmology specialist will forthwith assess the condition of the patient and conduct clinical examinations, blood tests and computerised tomography (CT) scans etc, to rule out other conditions that may cause the relevant symptoms. After assessment, patients may be arranged for hospitalisation or referred to the relevant specialist out-patient clinics for treatment and follow-up subject to their conditions. Thank you, President.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the keynote speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Forum on Sustainability Disclosures today (September 10):
  
Kelvin (Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Dr Kelvin Wong), Julia (Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Julia Leung), Emmanuel (Chief Executive Officer of the Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority, Mr Emmanuel Givanakis), Mark (Chief Executive of the Dubai Financial Services Authority, Mr Mark Steward), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to join you all at the Forum on Sustainability Disclosures today to exchange views on this topic with growing importance globally. First of all, I would like to thank the Securities and Futures Commission, our co-organiser of today’s event, and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), our event partner, for joining hands with our bureau (Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau) to promote the development of a comprehensive sustainability disclosure ecosystem in Hong Kong. Today’s Forum is one of the fruits of our joint effort, providing a platform for vibrant exchanges of expertise, ideas and global collaboration to foster sustainability disclosures in the global capital market. Also, amid the current complicated geopolitical environment, we are also here to reaffirm our commitment in driving the sustainability agenda together with our partners.
 
     Having accurate, comparable and consistent information on sustainability-related topics, as highlighted by Kelvin just now, is vital for making informed decisions, evaluating climate-related risks, and fostering innovation in sustainable financing. This is why sustainability disclosures are attracting fast-growing global awareness. Today we will explore together the path ahead for the global and local adoption of the IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards). We will also discuss how disclosures can drive significant progress in sustainability development and facilitating financing and investments for real economy transition, climate adaption and mitigation in Hong Kong, the region, and beyond.  
 
     Hong Kong is a leading international financial centre and a hub for green and sustainable finance. Last year, the volume of green and sustainable bonds arranged in Hong Kong amounted to around US$43 billion, capturing around 45 per cent of the regional total and ranking first in the Asian market for seven consecutive years since 2018. Besides, as of June 2025, the number of environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds authorised by the SFC was over 200 with assets under management reaching HK$1.1 trillion and more. The number of ESG funds and assets under management recorded an increase of 51 per cent and 18 per cent respectively from three years ago. At the same time, we are committed to enhancing our competitiveness by adhering to the international standards and best practices, and have taken big steps in achieving this goal.
 
Sustainability disclosures
 
     Following the release of the first set of the ISSB Standards back in 2023, the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government published a vision statement in March last year, outlining our vision and approach in building a comprehensive ecosystem for sustainability disclosure in Hong Kong. Since then, listed companies, financial institutions, investors and industry organisations have been engaged in the consultation to identify Hong Kong-specific circumstances that should be taken into account when developing the Hong Kong Sustainability Disclosure Standards (Hong Kong Standards) which is in full alignment with the ISSB Standards. We are happy that the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA), as the sustainability reporting standard setter in Hong Kong, published last December the Hong Kong Standards, which are fully aligned with the ISSB Standards. 
 
     After the release of our vision statement, we continued to work closely with financial regulators and stakeholders in ironing out the steps and timeline for Hong Kong’s full adoption of the ISSB Standards. We launched in December last year the Roadmap on Sustainability Disclosure in Hong Kong, detailing the approach to require publicly accountable entities (PAEs) to adopt the ISSB Standards. This roadmap provides a clear pathway for large PAEs to adopt fully the ISSB Standards no later than 2028.
 
     Since the launch of the Roadmap, we have made progressive moves towards our target. For listed issuers, the HKEX has implemented in phases since January this year new climate-related disclosures requirements under its Listing Rules (New Climate Requirements), which are developed based on IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures. The New Climate Requirements aim to prepare companies to start climate reporting early in accordance with provisions of the ISSB Standards. The HKEX will consult the market in 2027 on mandating sustainability reporting against the Hong Kong Standards for listed PAEs, with an expected effective date of January 2028 under a proportionate approach. For the financial industry, our financial regulators will conduct sector-specific engagements to determine the approach and timing of adopting the Hong Kong Standards for different financial sectors. Subject to stakeholders’ comments and feedback, relevant financial regulators will require non-listed financial institutions carrying a significant weight (i.e. non-listed PAEs) to apply the Hong Kong Standards no later than 2028.
 
     We are proud that the IFRS Foundation, in its publication of the jurisdictional profiles on adoption of the ISSB Standards this June, confirms Hong Kong as among the initial set of jurisdictions having set a target of fully adopting the ISSB Standards. This underscores our commitment to enhancing the transparency of information on sustainable development in the capital markets, enabling investors to make informed investment decisions and promoting global capital flows. 
 
     I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ISSB for its support and continuous engagements with relevant stakeholders in Hong Kong during our journey on the full adoption of ISSB Standards. 
 
Sustainability assurance
 
     To support smooth and practical implementation of sustainability disclosure requirements, a comprehensive and robust ecosystem encompassing aspects such as sustainability assurance, data and technology, as well as skills and competencies is vital. For sustainability assurance, the HKICPA issued in March this year the Hong Kong Standard on Sustainability Assurance 5000 which fully converges with the International Standard on Sustainability Assurance 5000 published by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. It will develop the local ethics standards for sustainability assurance, which will be on a full convergence basis with the International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance published by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants, for publication within this year. The Accounting and Financial Reporting Council is also working with relevant financial regulators and stakeholders with a view to releasing a proposed local regulatory framework for sustainability assurance for public consultation within this year.
 
Data and technology
 
     Promoting data and technology is one of our key priorities to promote the availability and accessibility of sustainability-related information. We have launched a number of tools to support enterprises, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in sustainability reporting. For example, a Climate and Environmental Risk Questionnaire for non-listed companies/SMEs was launched three years ago to provide a free and easy-to-use sustainability reporting template to corporates in need, facilitating their understanding of their sustainability performance and raising their sustainability profiles to lenders, investors and supply chain clients. We are now enhancing the Questionnaire to make it more accessible and inclusive.
 
     Another example is the greenhouse gas emissions calculation and estimation tools we launched in February last year. The tools are free for public use and aim to help corporations manage their environmental footprint while encouraging market participants to improve their sustainable development practices. The tools also clearly disclose the methodology and data sources, and incorporate Hong Kong and Mainland elements into the calculation and estimation models. Going forward, we will continue to enhance the tools and collaborate with different stakeholders to facilitating better sustainability disclosures with the use of these tools.
 
Skills and competencies
 
     Last but not least, we are committed to strengthening capacity building to assist the industry and companies in their journey towards sustainability disclosures. The HKSAR Government will continue to support industry capacity building through our Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme launched three years ago, and the Scheme will be extended to 2028. Besides, financial regulators, the HKEX and the HKICPA, have been organising conferences, seminars and other stakeholder exchange activities to promote alignment with the ISSB Standards and support capacity building efforts locally, regionally and internationally. These engagement activities and relevant training programmes help to nurture skilled sustainable finance professionals including preparers, reporting and assurance professionals, and sustainability-related service providers. 
 
     By collaborating and working together, we can definitely build a sustainable and resilient future. Before I wish all of you a fruitful day, normally these days, forums can’t finish without mentioning AI. Just before I came to this stage, I checked on my app in terms of what word it would use to describe Hong Kong and also sustainability disclosure. There are a number of choices, of course it depends on which app you use and also what time of the day that you use it. One of the key words is actually “ecosystem”.
 
     I think the app describes what I just described, basically it’s about who to provide, what to provide and how to provide the information. I’m sure in the coming days and also this forum, you will be having a lot of insightful discussions and exchanges, in particular how Hong Kong can be a better ecosystem on sustainability disclosures for not just Hong Kong but also for the region and the world. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

　　The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the visiting Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, Mr Sun Chanthol, today (September 10) to exchange views on further strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations. Also attending the meeting was the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong.
 
　　Mr Lee welcomed Mr Sun and his delegation to Hong Kong to attend the 10th Belt and Road Summit and to serve as a keynote speaker. Noting that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is actively exploring emerging markets in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Belt and Road countries, Mr Lee said that Cambodia, with its rapid market development and vast economic potential, offers broad opportunities for co-operation between the two places. Hong Kong and Cambodia reached 13 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) last year, covering areas such as economics and trade, aviation, and financial services. Mr Lee said he was pleased to witness more MOUs between government departments of the two places at today’s Summit, which will further enhance bilateral exchanges and co-operation.
 
　　Mr Lee said that Cambodia is a strategic partner in the country’s promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, while Hong Kong possesses a highly internationalised, market-oriented and business-friendly environment with strengths in capital, technology and market resources that enable it to fully serve as a functional platform to help both places seize the opportunities from the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering economic and trade development and achieving mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. He welcomed enterprises from Cambodia to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to explore overseas and Mainland markets.
 
　　Mr Lee thanked Cambodia for its support in establishing the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). He said that the establishment of the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong demonstrates the city’s unique advantages and strengths in international mediation to further promote international exchanges and co-operation. Hong Kong will continue to leverage its advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, thereby contributing to the promotion of the development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Swordfish”, for five consecutive days from September 5 to 9, targeting foreign domestic helpers who breached their conditions of stay. A total of 11 persons, including six suspected illegal workers and five suspected employers, were arrested.
 
     During the operation, ImmD investigators raided 28 target locations including restaurants, bars and commercial and residential buildings. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised six women, aged 23 to 48. Among them, two persons were current helpers, two persons were overstaying ex-helpers, and two persons were found to be holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment in Hong Kong. ImmD investigators found most of the suspected illegal workers at restaurants performing dishwashing, cleaning, etc. Meanwhile, five suspected employers, comprising two men and three women, aged 29 to 50, were in charge of the involved companies or restaurants and suspected of employing the suspected illegal workers.
 
     “A helper should only perform domestic duties for the employer specified in the contract. The helper should not take up any other employment, including part-time domestic duties, with any other person. The employer should not require or allow the helper to carry out any work for any other person,” an ImmD spokesman said.
 
     The spokesman also said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him/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.”
 
     In addition, the spokesman warned that, “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 any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three 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 would like to remind 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 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, temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.