Month: December 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Hong Kong Legal Week 2025, themed “Linking Laws, Bridging Worlds”, commenced today (December 1). Representatives from international organisations and the legal industry, renowned experts, government officials and academics from around the world will participate in the Legal Week in person and online to engage in in-depth discussions and exchanges on topics such as the integration of lawtech and AI, the development of international law and alternative dispute resolution, as well as collaboration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Before the start of the Legal Week activities, all participants stood up and observed a moment of silence to mourn the victims of the Tai Po fire.
 
     The 6th UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Judicial Summit – Judicial Conference, organised by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, was held as the opening event of this year’s Hong Kong Legal Week. Around 50 judges from over 25 jurisdictions attended the Judicial Conference in person, with judges from other jurisdictions participating online. The biennial Summit themed “The Future is Now: Legally Enabling Digitalization of International Trade” comprises a Judicial Conference and a Judicial Roundtable tomorrow (December 2). The Judicial Conference focused on “Building Towards End-to-End Trade Digitalization” and explored topics such as digitalisation of trade, digital transformation in transport, and emerging trends in dispute resolution within the digital economy. The Judicial Roundtable, under the theme “Recent Trends in Dispute Resolution”, will explore judicial approaches for handling disputes involving AI, as well as the dynamic interaction between alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and formal court proceedings.
 
     In his welcome remarks, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said that the theme of this year’s Hong Kong Legal Week aims at highlighting Hong Kong’s role in connecting different economies and legal systems through collaboration, understanding and global legal exchange. Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong has strong legal foundation and international connectivity. It is dedicated to serve as a “super connector” and a capacity building hub to facilitate the legal and economic collaboration across the region and beyond. The Judicial Conference today provided a platform to share experience and exchange views on facilitating the development of digitalisation.
 
     The Secretary of UNCITRAL, Ms Anna Joubin-Bret, and the Deputy Director General of the Department of Treaty and Law of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Tian Ya, gave their welcome remarks at the Summit.
 
     The Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Andrew Cheung, gave a keynote speech on the evolving judicial landscape amid digitalisation of trade. The Secretary-General of International Organization for Mediation, Professor Teresa Cheng, also delivered special remarks at the Summit.
 
     The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, in his closing remarks said that the insightful perspectives offered by the participants in the conference today have demonstrated the collective dedication to facilitating and harmonising the seamless digitalisation of trade transactions, and set the stage for continuous engagement among members including the judiciary, government officials, legal specialists and practitioners. It will foster continued professional interaction and constructive dialogues in the times ahead.
 
     This year’s Summit coincides with the first anniversary of the launch of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy. The Department of Justice (DoJ) has specially released the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy Anniversary Booklet 2024-2025, reviewing the achievements and milestones of the Academy in promoting international legal exchange and capacity building over the past year. Building upon its inaugural year’s accomplishments, the Academy will continue to make good use of Hong Kong’s bilingual common law system and international status, to serve as a capacity-building, as well as knowledge and experience-sharing platform for legal professionals in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and other jurisdictions, in particular those along the “Belt and Road”.
 
     Other events during the Hong Kong Legal Week include the Third Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development, co-organised by the DoJ and the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region tomorrow, featuring in-depth discussions on “Practising Multilateralism and Upholding the International Rule of Law” and “The Promotion and Development of International Law through Emerging Technologies”. On Wednesday (December 3), a Symposium of the HCCH Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) on Private International Law, alongside the annual forum “Capital of Mediation” and “Hong Kong Mediation Lecture 2025” will be held. On Thursday (December 4), the Basic Law 35th Anniversary Legal Summit will be held on the Constitution Day. The closing event, the First Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macao Greater Bay Area Lawyers Forum, will be held on Friday (December 5) morning under the theme “GBA Connectivity: Setting Sail for Global Horizons”. On the same day afternoon, a lawtech conference titled “The AI Era: Shaping the Legal Landscape in the 21st Century” will be held, with a view to deepening the legal profession’s understanding of the opportunities and challenges brought by legal technology and AI through various activities.
 
     For more details of Hong Kong Legal Week 2025, please visit the dedicated website at www.legalweek.hk. Live broadcast will be available on the dedicated website and at webcast.info.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government continues to make full efforts in following up on the support, relief, and investigation work related to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. As of yesterday (December 1), the latest progress made by various bureaux and departments under the Task Force on Investigation and Regulation, the Task Force on Emergency Support and Fundraising, and the Task Force on Emergency Accommodation – led respectively by the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, and the Deputy Financial Secretary – was as follows:

Financial and welfare support
————————————

     For the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po established by the Government, as of 1pm yesterday, the donations received have reached $1.3 billion. In addition to the start-up capital of $300 million from the Government, the fund’s total has reached around $1.6 billion. The fund will be used to assist the residents in rebuilding their homes and providing long-term and sustained support. The Government earlier announced that the Support Fund will provide the families of each deceased victim with a token of solidarity of $200,000 and $50,000 to cover funeral costs. The first batch of 18 cases was processed yesterday, and disbursement is underway. In addition, the Government also announced that the Support Fund will provide a living allowance of $50,000 to each affected household. The first batch of 20 cases for the living allowance of $50,000 was processed yesterday, and disbursement is also underway.

     The Government has been offering an emergency subsidy of $10,000 per affected household since the evening of November 27. As of 4pm yesterday, the Government has registered more than 1 900 households for the subsidy, with disbursement made to 1 861 households.

     In addition, the Government will provide four special subsidies, namely the injury grant, the student grant, the subsidy for workers and the subsidy for foreign domestic helpers. The amount of the injury grant ranges from $50,000 to $100,000, while that of the student grant, the subsidy for workers and the subsidy for foreign domestic helpers is at $20,000.    

     As of yesterday morning, social workers of the Social Welfare Department (SWD) have been in contact with about 1 450 affected households, and more than 3 300 affected residents have been registered for the “one social worker per household” support service. The SWD will maintain liaison with the affected households for provision of all necessary assistance while fully back the support and relief work of the Government. Those not yet in touch with the SWD are advised to leave their contact information by calling 182 183 as soon as possible.

Accommodation support
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     As of yesterday morning, 945 residents have been accommodated, through the co-ordination of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, in youth hostels/camps or hotel rooms. Another 1 470 residents have moved into transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau or units of the Hong Kong Housing Society. Furthermore, two shelters remain open for residents in need.

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, went to CONCORDIA Sheung Yue River, a transitional housing project in Yuen Long, yesterday afternoon to visit and comfort victims affected by the fire. CONCORDIA Sheung Yue River has accommodated approximately 60 families, totalling over 100 fire victims. Mr Lee emphasised that the Government attaches high importance to the well-being of affected residents, focusing not only on immediate relief aid but also their various long-term living needs.

     During the visit, Mr Lee inquired about the residents’ living conditions. Some victims stated that the $10,000 emergency cash subsidy quickly distributed by the Government after the fire, along with essential supplies such as bedding and household appliances co-ordinated by welfare organisations, have provided immediate relief and substantial support during their difficult time.

     Mr Lee also inspected the temporary supplies centre, converted from an activity room which keeps daily necessities donated by various sectors. He warmly praised the staff and social workers from the welfare organisation responsible for the operation, as well as the neighbourhood residents of CONCORDIA Sheung Yue River who voluntarily assisted the newly relocated victims. He noted their swift mobilisation at critical time to provide victims with comprehensive assistance, ranging from daily essentials to emotional support.

     Mr Lee said he is deeply moved by the selfless commitment of the welfare organisation personnel and CONCORDIA Sheung Yue River neighbourhood residents, believing they embody the spirit of mutual help and solidarity of the Hong Kong society.

     Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, also visited residents affected by the fire at Pok Oi Kong Ha Wai Village, a transitional housing project at Kam Sheung Road in Yuen Long, yesterday afternoon to express sympathy and care for them, and to understand their living conditions and actual needs.

Relief supplies and donations
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     The supplies donation online platform (www.taipodonation.hk) established by the Government and the information technology sector began operation on November 30 to facilitate registration of supplies donations from organisations and members of the public. Together with the information provided by members of the public via WhatsApp earlier, the Government has so far received over 470 registrations with different kinds of donation items including food and beverages, clothing, daily necessities, beddings and electrical appliances. The Government will consolidate information of all donation items and distribute supplies to residents in need as necessary.

Medical services
———————-

     To more comprehensively support the medical needs of the injured and residents affected by the fire, the Health Bureau made the following arrangements: (1) all injured individuals admitted to public hospitals under the Hospital Authority (HA) will receive full fee waivers for all necessary healthcare services (including drugs and medical devices) throughout the entire process of their treatment and rehabilitation; (2) all residents (including foreign domestic helpers) of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court will be eligible for full medical fee waivers until December 31, 2026, covering various HA services; and (3) the Department of Health (DH) will also put in place similar fee waiver arrangements.

Replacements of identity documents
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     As at 4pm yesterday, the Immigration Department processed about 1 090 personal document replacement applications from the affected residents. Additionally, a total of 16 applications was processed for extension of stay and provision of services related to lost visa records from affected persons.

Transport services
———————-

     Starting from yesterday, five taxi fleets will arrange some taxis to provide free special services for residents in need, mainly to and from various locations in Tai Po district. Details are provided under the dedicated website “Support Services for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po” set up by the Government (www.taipofire.gov.hk).

Handling of reported missing persons 
———————————————-

     The Police have completed searches at five buildings and deployed again more than 600 officers from the Disaster Victim Identification Unit to conduct searches at structurally-safe locations in the remaining two most affected buildings yesterday. As of 4pm yesterday, the Police handled eight sets of human remains in the buildings, including five sets of newly found and three sets found by firefighters but yet to be removed. The number of the deceased has been updated to 151. The Police will continue to follow up on the reported missing persons, aiming to confirm their status and the number of casualties as soon as possible.

     The forensic pathologists from the DH continued to assist personnel from the Disaster Victim Identification Unit on site in collecting evidence, making every effort to help identify the deceased. As of 4pm yesterday, the next of kin of 90 victims have completed necessary procedures at the Fu Shan Public Mortuary.

Investigations
—————–

      In addition to the three personnel from a construction company who were arrested earlier, the Police have arrested another 10 individuals from various construction and engineering consultancy companies on suspicion of manslaughter. The Police have accorded top priority to the case and are gathering evidence through various channels for a thorough and in-depth investigation. The possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

Regulation and inspection work
—————————————-

     The Independent Checking Unit (ICU) of the Housing Bureau, together with more than 100 professionals from the Housing Department, completed on November 29 and 30 the inspections of more than 1 700 units in seven buildings, including Wang Yan House, Wang Tao House, Wang Kin House, Wang Tai House, Wang Shing House, Wang Chi House and Wang Sun House as well as a few floors of Wang Cheong House. The professionals yesterday have also completed the inspection of the remaining units in Wang Cheong House.
 
     According to the assessment of the professionals, the structure of some units may be subject to more serious damage, but there is no imminent danger in terms of the overall structural safety in all of the buildings inspected. With the full assistance of the officers from the Fire Services Department (FSD), the emergency maintenance contractors of the Housing Bureau have completed the relevant support works so that officers of the Police Force and the FSD can immediately enter the units for evidence collection and other operations. The ICU will conduct concrete core tests as soon as possible so that more detailed assessments on the conditions of the buildings can be made.
 
     The ICU has conducted on-site sampling at Wang Fuk Court and four other Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) courts that have been issued notices under the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme, including Sui Wo Court in Sha Tin, Ching Lai Court in Sham Shui Po, Yee Kok Court in Sham Shui Po, and On Kay Court in Kwun Tong. Samples collected from different positions of the protective nets had been sent to the Government Laboratory for testing. The ICU will further arrange visits to these HOS courts to collect samples on site for Government Laboratory tests. Should any non-compliant elements be detected, the ICU will immediately request removal of the protective nets and refer the case to law enforcement agencies for prosecutions of the relevant maintenance contractors.

     The Buildings Department (BD) continued its special inspection operation. As of yesterday, the BD has inspected 359 buildings undergoing external wall maintenance. Among them, about 300 buildings were confirmed to have installed with scaffold nets, and samples have been taken. Test results are expected to be ready in batches within this week. Apart from the two buildings where plastic sheeting was found blocking the windows as announced earlier (being removed successively at the Government’s instructions), no other buildings were found using foam boards or plastic sheeting to block windows. 

     The Labour Department (LD) launched a territory-wide special enforcement operation since November 28, targeting the fire protection facilities and fire emergency preparedness of building maintenance work sites with large-scale scaffolding erected. This includes checking if protective screens (also known as scaffold nets) on scaffolds are in compliance with recognised standards for fire-retardant materials to safeguard occupational safety of workers. As of 4pm yesterday, the LD has inspected 61 construction sites, issued a total of 53 written warnings and 13 improvement notices, and has taken out two prosecutions.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that as of 5pm today (December 1), the CHP has recorded one new local case of chikungunya fever (CF).

Latest case information
—————————–
     The case involves a 59-year-old female living in Tung Chung. A preliminary investigation revealed that she developed a fever and joint pain on November 28. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of North Lantau Hospital yesterday (November 30) and was admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment. She is currently in stable condition. Her blood sample tested positive for the chikungunya virus upon laboratory testing. 

     The preliminary investigation also revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. The case is classified as local. She is a staff of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) who participated in a mosquito control operation near Tsing Yi Nature Trails on November 24 (within her incubation period). She reported being bitten by mosquitoes during the operation. Other than that, the CHP found no overlap between her activities during the incubation period and the locations visited by earlier confirmed cases. The CHP considered that the patient most likely contracted the infection through mosquito bites while working near Tsing Yi Nature Trails on that day, and that there is an epidemiological linkage between this case and the two recent local cases in Tsing Yi.

The patient participated in the mosquito control operation with approximately 40 staff near Tsing Yi Nature Trails on November 24. She has three household contacts. Currently, all individuals are asymptomatic. The CHP will provide them with medical surveillance and health advice. Laboratory testing will be arranged if necessary.

Hong Kong has recorded a total of 75 confirmed CF cases this year. Among them, seven were local cases, and the rest were imported cases. 

Government’s comprehensive follow-up actions
—————————————————–

Regarding the recent imported and local cases residing in Tsing Yi, the CHP initiated immediate epidemiological investigations upon notification and notified the FEHD of the patients’ activity locations for mosquito control operations. As some confirmed cases have reportedly been bitten by mosquitoes while hiking along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails, the CHP considers the trails to be a higher-risk area. As a precautionary measure, since November 23, the CHP has urged individuals who have recently visited the Tsing Yi North area or hiked along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop relevant symptoms and to call the CHP’s enquiry hotline (2125 2373). The hotline operates daily from 9am to 8pm. The CHP received enquiries from two individuals with mild symptoms and has arranged blood tests for them. Both blood samples tested negative for the chikungunya virus.
 
Last week, the CHP also informed approximately 130 primary care doctors in Kwai Tsing District through the Primary Healthcare Commission, urging them to closely monitor whether their patients present with compatible symptoms and arrange blood tests for those concerned. The CHP’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch will provide free testing services. All relevant government departments have strengthened mosquito vector control measures for all imported cases and conducted active case tracing in the district. The CHP’s epidemiological investigation is ongoing.
 
Specifically targeting confirmed cases who visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area, the FEHD has been conducting intensive fogging operations to eliminate adult mosquitoes along the hiking trails. At suitable locations, large ultra-low volume foggers have been deployed, and robot dog is being put on trial to enhance operational effectiveness. The FEHD has also set up new mosquito trapping devices, cleared discarded containers and garbage that could bring stagnant water, and applied larvicide oil or larvicides in areas with stagnant water that cannot be removed immediately. Pamphlets have been also distributed to hikers in the area, urging citizens to be vigilant against mosquito infestations. The FEHD has earlier requested the relevant departments to strengthen efforts in eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites along the Tsing Yi Nature Trails. The FEHD also held meetings of the inter-departmental task forces on anti-mosquito work across districts, to discuss the latest developments regarding the situation and plan accordingly to coordinate relevant departments and stakeholders in strengthening mosquito prevention and control measures in areas under their purview.

Furthermore, the FEHD and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July this year, and this has continued. Among these, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported and local cases. In light of the local cases, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, including:
 

• carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
• carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
• enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.

The abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures.

Preventive measures to be taken by the public
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Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
 

• read the label instructions carefully first;
• apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
• apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
• apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
• reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
• in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.

     â€‹The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page, Instagram Account and YouTube Channel, and also the Mosquito Prevention and Control dedicated page of the FEHD.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

In view of the relocation of more residents affected by the fire incident at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po to the emergency accommodation for residents by the Government in the youth hostels/camps or hotel rooms through the co-ordination of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, as well as the transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau or units of the Hong Kong Housing Society, the Tai Po District Office today (December 1) announced that the operation of temporary shelter had been further adjusted.

The Tai Po District Office will continue to operate a temporary shelter at Tai Po Community Centre and open for residents in need.

While for the other temporary shelter at Tung Cheong Street Community Hall, it will no longer accept new users, but will remain in operation until the existing users at this shelter have relocated to the arranged emergency accommodation.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government today (December 1) begins to provide tokens of solidarity of $200,000 and funeral grants of $50,000 to the families of the deceased from the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The first batch involves 18 cases of the deceased. At the same time, the Government is gradually providing a living allowance of $50,000 to each of the 20 cases in the first batch.

     A Government spokesman said that in addition to the aforementioned tokens of solidarity, funeral grants, living allowances, and the previously disbursed emergency cash subsidy of $10,000, the Government will provide the following special subsidies:

 (1) Injury grant
An injury grant will be provided to all injured persons from the fire, since the injured may lose part of their income during hospitalisation and have immediate living needs after discharge. Calculated from the date of admission, $100,000 will be granted to those who stay in hospital for seven days or more, and $50,000 will be granted to those who stay in hospital for six days or less. It will be disbursed through the Social Welfare Department’s “one social worker per household” mechanism.

(2) Student grant
A special subsidy of $20,000 will be granted to students living at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po for them to repurchase textbooks, stationery, computers, and other learning tools, or for transportation expenses between temporary accommodations and schools. The subsidy covers those studying in day schools, including secondary schools, primary schools, special schools and kindergartens, as well as those studying full-time in locally accredited courses at post-secondary institutions. The subsidy will be distributed to the students through the day schools.

(3) Subsidy for workers
A special subsidy of $20,000 will be offered to construction workers, cleaning workers, and security guards working at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to cover their loss of income due to employment stoppage or their need to repurchase business equipment. It will be followed up by the Labour Department.

 (4) Subsidy for foreign domestic helpers
A special subsidy of $20,000 will be provided to foreign domestic helpers employed at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. They may not have support from family or relatives in Hong Kong, and their personal belongings may already be completely destroyed by the blaze, or their employers may have tragically passed away. It will be followed up by the Labour Department.

     For the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po established by the Government, the donations received have reached $1.3 billion. In addition to the start-up capital of $300 million from the Government, the fund’s total has reached around $1.6 billion. The fund will be used to assist the residents in rebuilding their homes and providing long-term and sustained support.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today began to provide tokens of solidarity of $200,000 and funeral grants of $50,000 to the families of the deceased from the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, with the first batch involving 18 cases, and is concurrently providing a $50,000 living allowance to each of the 20 cases in the first batch.

In addition to the tokens of solidarity, funeral grants, living allowances, and the previously disbursed emergency cash subsidy of $10,000, the Government will provide four categories of special subsidies as follows.

An injury grant will be provided to all the injured from the fire, since they may lose part of their income during hospitalisation and have immediate living needs after discharge.

Calculated from the date of admission, $100,000 will be granted to those who stay in hospital for seven days or more, and $50,000 to those who stay in hospital for six days or less. It will be disbursed via the Social Welfare Department’s “one social worker per household” mechanism.

Secondly, a special subsidy of $20,000 will be granted to students living at Wang Fuk Court to repurchase textbooks, stationery, computers and other learning tools or for transportation expenses between temporary accommodations and schools.

The subsidy covers those studying in day schools, including secondary and primary schools, special schools and kindergartens, as well as those studying full-time in locally accredited courses at post-secondary institutions. It will be distributed through the day schools.

Thirdly, a $20,000 subsidy will be offered to construction workers, cleaning workers, and security guards working at Wang Fuk Court to cover their loss of income due to employment stoppage or their need to repurchase business equipment. The subsidy will be followed up by the Labour Department.

Finally, a $20,000 subsidy will be provided to foreign domestic helpers employed at Wang Fuk Court, to be followed up by the Labour Department. They may not have support from family or relatives in Hong Kong, and their personal belongings may have been completely destroyed by the blaze or their employers tragically passed away.

For the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po established by the Government, the donations received have reached $1.3 billion.

In addition to the start-up capital of $300 million from the Government, the fund’s total has reached around $1.6 billion. It will be used to assist the residents in rebuilding their homes and providing long-term and sustained support.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In view of the relocation of more residents affected by the fire incident at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po to the emergency accommodation for residents by the Government, the Tai Po District Office today announced the operation of a temporary shelter has been further adjusted.

The office will continue to operate a temporary shelter at Tai Po Community Centre and open for residents in need.

The other temporary shelter at Tung Cheong Street Community Hall will no longer accept new users, but will remain in operation until the existing users at this shelter have relocated to the arranged emergency accommodation.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong Legal Week 2025 commenced today, attracting representatives from international organisations and the legal industry, renowned experts, government officials and academics from around the world to participate in person and online.

Themed “Linking Laws, Bridging Worlds”, the event provides an opportunity for participants to engage in in-depth discussions and exchanges on topics such as the integration of lawtech and Artificial Intelligence, the development of international law and alternative dispute resolution, as well as collaboration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Before the start of the Legal Week activities, all participants observed a moment of silence to mourn the victims of the Tai Po fire.

The 6th UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Judicial Summit – Judicial Conference was held as the opening event of this year’s Hong Kong Legal Week, with around 50 judges from over 25 jurisdictions attending in person, and judges from other jurisdictions participating online.

In his welcome remarks, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong has a strong legal foundation and international connectivity and is dedicated to serving as a “super connector” and a capacity building hub to facilitate the legal and economic collaboration across the region and beyond.

This year’s summit coincides with the first anniversary of the launch of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy.

The Department of Justice has specially released the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy Anniversary Booklet 2024-2025, reviewing the achievements and milestones of the academy in promoting international legal exchange and capacity building over the past year. 

Click here for details of the event.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Health Bureau announced today that medical fee waivers and various support measures will be provided to residents affected by the fire incident at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.

All individuals injured in the fire and admitted to public hospitals under the Hospital Authority will receive full fee waivers for all necessary healthcare services, including drugs and medical devices, throughout the entire process of their treatment and rehabilitation.

Additionally, all residents – foreign domestic helpers included – of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court, including Wang Chi House which was not directly affected by the fire incident, will be eligible for full medical fee waivers until December 31, 2026. 

The waivers cover in-patient services, family medicine and specialist out-patient clinics (SOPCs) services including psychiatry SOPCs, accident and emergency services, day hospitals, day procedures, community services and Chinese Medicine Clinics and Training & Research Centres under the authority.

Residents should provide basic personal information, including name, identity card number and residential address, to identify themselves as Wang Fuk Court residents during consultations to facilitate the processing of relevant arrangements.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health will put in place similar fee waiver arrangements to give comprehensive support for the medical needs of residents affected by the fire incident at Wang Fuk Court. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Labour Department said today that according to a preliminary investigation, five construction workers, including three men and two women, of a contractor, passed away in the recent No. 5 alarm fire in Tai Po.

The department is deeply saddened by the passing of the workers and extends its condolences to their families. It also wishes the injured workers a speedy recovery.

At the same time, the department is highly concerned about the fire incident and is conducting a joint investigation with other departments.

It stressed that all contractors in Hong Kong must pay attention to fire risks on construction sites. Specifically, they must particularly enhance the fire safety of scaffolding, ensuring that relevant materials comply with fire safety standards, and that safety measures such as clearing up debris from scaffolding and strictly prohibiting any person from smoking on the sites are strengthened.

If an employee unfortunately sustains an injury or dies at work, the employer will be liable to pay compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance.

The department has been proactively reaching out to the employers concerned, injured employees and family members of the deceased employees to provide assistance, and is closely following up on the cases. It will also assist the family members in applying for emergency relief funds and refer them to the Social Welfare Department for support services.

For enquiries on employees’ compensation, call 2150 6364 (for injury cases) or 2852 3994 (for fatality cases).