Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
General holidays for 2027 published
Every Sunday A Government spokesman said, “As the second day of Lunar New Year in 2027 falls on a Sunday, the fourth day of Lunar New Year will be designated as a general holiday in substitution.” Issued at HKT 11:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Approved Tsz Wan Shan, Diamond Hill and San Po Kong Outline Zoning Plan amended * The Secretariat of the Town Planning Board reserves the right to require the representer to provide identity proof for verification.Issued at HKT 16:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Labour Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Council will hold the OSH INNO Expo on June 2 and 3. The Expo will introduce and showcase innovative solutions, products and technologies in the field of occupational safety and health (OSH), with a view to promoting the application of innovative technologies to further elevate the standards of OSH. The Expo is now open for online registration and interested parties are welcome to participate.
The Expo will mainly consist of two parts, namely an exhibition and a conference. The 2nd OSH Innovation & Technology Award will also be presented at the event. The exhibition will bring together over 100 organisations from Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and overseas to showcase technological breakthroughs and the latest applications in OSH, such as smart systems integrated into personal protective equipment to monitor high-risk operations; wearable exoskeleton devices designed to reduce physical strain on workers; and temperature-controlled vests and heat-stress management platforms that help mitigate the risk of heat stroke.
The Expo will also feature a conference with local, Mainland and international OSH experts to discuss the application and effectiveness of innovative OSH technologies. In addition, the 2nd OSH Innovation & Technology Award Sharing Session and Presentation Ceremony will be held during the event. Shortlisted entries from primary schools, secondary schools and open categories will also be displayed at the Expo.
The Expo will be held at Exhibition Hall 1C, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, from 9am to 6pm on June 2 and 3. The exhibition, conference and awards presentation ceremony are open to the public for free, but preregistration is required. Interested parties may register online (www.oshexpo.hk/osh-inno-expo/registration). For details of the Expo, please visit the event website (www.oshexpo.hk).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2026 (Info Expo), organised by the Education Bureau (EDB), will be held from 10am to 6pm on May 22 (Friday) and 23 (Saturday) at Hall 3G of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
A spokesman for the EDB said today (May 15), “The Info Expo aims to provide the latest information on multiple pathways for senior secondary school students, parents and teachers; and to help students make good preparations for different articulation and career plans. Around 30 post-secondary institutions and organisations will set up exhibition booths to provide information on locally accredited post-secondary programmes (including programmes eligible for various government subsidy schemes, vocational and professional education and training programmes and applied degree programmes) and the Diploma of Applied Education programmes, as well as relevant online platforms such as the Information Portal for Accredited Post-secondary Programmes (iPASS), the Electronic Advance Application System for Post-secondary Programmes (E-APP), the Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education (Concourse) and the Qualifications Framework.”
In addition, Hok Yau Club and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups will offer studies and career guidance services to students at the Info Expo. There will also be talks on multiple pathways, preparation and strategies for articulation to post-secondary education, and experience sharing by post-secondary students. Institution and industry representatives will also provide first-hand information about various programmes and career development.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Correctional officers stopped a 35-year-old male person in custody from attempting to commit suicide by hanging in Stanley Prison today (May 15).
At 0.26am today, a correctional officer found the person in custody attempting to commit suicide by hanging with a bedsheet tied to the window grille bars of his cell. The officer immediately called for reinforcements to rescue and provide first-aid treatment to him. The person in custody was found unconscious at the time and was subsequently sent to a public hospital for further treatment. The case has been reported to the Police.
A spokesman for the Correctional Services Department said, “The department uses all possible measures to prevent persons in custody from attempting suicide or self-harm. These measures include administrative arrangements, improvement of institution facilities, staff training and first-aid services.”
The person in custody was sentenced to imprisonment for the offence of rape in 2025.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, visited the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency (WFSFAA) this afternoon (May 15) to learn about the department’s recent efforts in applying technology and enhancing service quality and efficiency. She also exchanged views with staff representatives from various grades in the department.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Ms Shirley Lam, Mrs Yeung first met with the Head, WFSFAA, Mr Gilford Law, and the directorate staff and received a briefing on the latest developments of the department, as well as various dedicated financial assistance and loan schemes to support children and youths receiving education and encourage household members to stay in active employment.
Mrs Yeung then proceeded to the Counter Service Unit to understand the work of frontline staff in vetting financial assistance and loan applications. During the visit, the staff introduced the department’s Online Counter Appointment System, which allows applicants to make appointments for services, reducing on-site waiting time. It also enables front-line staff to prepare for cases in advance, thereby enhancing processing efficiency.
The WFSFAA staff demonstrated to Mrs Yeung the department’s AI chatbot mascot S. Buddy on-site. Since its launch in 2023, the chatbot has been providing round-the-clock instant enquiry services on the department’s website, handling an average of about 15 000 enquiries per month in the last financial year. In addition to providing information on various application schemes, S. Buddy is the first chatbot on government websites to provide real-time updates of application progress.
Mrs Yeung encouraged the department to make good use of technology, optimise the use of civil service manpower resources and continue to enhance work effectiveness.
In the Loan Management Division, staff introduced the work on processing applications for non-means-tested loan schemes for post-secondary and tertiary students, and arranging repayments. Through continuous enhancement of the Student Finance Office E-link service on the e-service platform “eWFSFAA”, services under student financial assistance schemes are digitised to facilitate applicants’ online submissions of applications as well as financial assistance and loan account management, including uploading supporting documents, checking application progress, viewing loan statements and repayment statuses, and making online repayments. In addition, the WFSFAA has established a data matching mechanism with relevant government departments and tertiary institutions to more effectively verify the authenticity of application materials.
The WFSFAA is currently exploring the use of an in-house developed computer programme to automate certain repetitive and simple workflows. Examples include instructing the loan management system to automatically update repayment records based on autopay repayment failure reports, and assisting in collecting and organising public transport fare information available online to facilitate the calculation of student travel subsidy amounts. These save certain manual data entry work and improve efficiency and service quality.
Before concluding her visit, Mrs Yeung met with staff representatives from various grades in the department to exchange views on matters of concern to them.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
The Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy (HKIOA) under the Office of The Ombudsman today (May 15) held a learning and exchange session on the National 15th Five-Year Plan for investigation and administrative staff of the Office. The session aimed to deepen staff members’ understanding of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and explore how their work can be aligned with and integrated into the Plan.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
IMF commends Hong Kong’s resilient economic growth The Mission notes that Hong Kong’s economy has continued to recover, supported by robust technology-related exports, improving private demand and a rebound in financial market activity.
The Mission reaffirms Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre and a “super connector”, particularly as a leading fundraising hub and a premier offshore Renminbi centre. The Mission also acknowledges that policy initiatives, including the development of the Northern Metropolis, are conducive to the development of innovation and high-value services in Hong Kong, supporting economic growth and structural transformation.
The Mission considers the fiscal stance in 2026 as appropriate given the current economic conditions, while supporting a focus on achieving stronger medium-term consolidation to rebuild fiscal reserves and address rising spending pressures.
The Mission acknowledges that financial sector risks are manageable, supported by strong buffers and robust regulatory oversight. As noted by the Mission, banks remain well capitalised, liquid, and profitable, while the Linked Exchange Rate System (LERS) continues to be an appropriate and credible anchor for macroeconomic and financial stability. The Mission commends the continued efforts to strengthen the monitoring framework for the non-bank financial institution sector, noting that expanded risk assessments and targeted stress testing have improved early-warning capabilities.
The Mission recognises that Hong Kong is well placed to build further on its digital and sustainable finance agenda, supported by effective implementation and robust systemic oversight. The Mission also highlights that the “Fintech 2030” strategy aims to modernise market infrastructure as well as to promote responsible AI innovation and asset tokenisation within a robust regulatory framework.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, “We welcome the Mission’s assessment of Hong Kong’s ongoing economic recovery and its support for the Government’s fiscal policies to drive economic growth and achieve economic diversification.
“The Hong Kong economy expanded robustly in the first quarter of 2026. Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s economic growth outlook is positive, underpinned by strong global demand for AI-related electronics, sustained growth in visitor arrivals and robust cross-boundary financial activities. A favourable business environment and the gradual improvement to consumer sentiment will continue to support domestic demand. We will closely monitor the development of the situation in the Middle East, dynamically assess the economic situation, and react flexibly.
“We note the views in the Concluding Statement on Hong Kong’s commercial real estate (CRE) sector. In the post-epidemic era, the global CRE market has generally faced challenges amid changing office work and consumption patterns. The Government has in recent years introduced a series of market-stabilising policy measures, including suspending the sale of commercial land and encouraging developers to convert suitable vacant office space into student hostels. Currently, Hong Kong’s CRE market has stabilised, with transaction and leasing volumes rising significantly, and prices and rents becoming steady.
“On the pace of fiscal consolidation, the reinforced fiscal consolidation programme is progressing as planned. According to the Medium Range Forecast set out in the 2026-27 Budget, the Operating Account will record surpluses for each of the next five years, with surpluses increasing year by year, reflecting the effectiveness of the Government’s measures to increase revenue and control expenditure. The Capital Account will still record deficits during this period, resulting in a deficit (before issuance and repayment of bonds) in the Consolidated Account, mainly due to the Government’s enhanced infrastructure spending in accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis and proactively creating capacity for Hong Kong’s high-quality development. These investments for the future will bring broader economic benefits and tax revenues to Hong Kong. We will make good use of market forces to finance these infrastructure projects.
“In fact, two major credit rating agencies have recently affirmed Hong Kong’s credit rating and ‘stable’ outlook, reflecting Hong Kong’s considerable resilience underpinned by its sound economic fundamentals, robust public finances, and a well-established financial system.
“The Government will analyse and study the various recommendations put forward by the Mission.”
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “I welcome the Mission’s continued support for the LERS, a key anchor of Hong Kong’s financial system and economy. I am pleased to note the Mission’s recognition of our robust regulatory and supervisory frameworks, underpinned by strong buffers and prudent practices in the banking sector. I also appreciate the Mission’s affirmation of Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre and a “super connector” between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world.”
The Mission visited Hong Kong from March 16 to 27, 2026, with discussions held with HKSAR Government officials, financial regulators and private sector representatives. The Concluding Statement is in the Annex. The relevant full report will be discussed by the IMF Executive Board later this month. Issued at HKT 17:48
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Immigration Department repatriates 35 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to their places of origin The ImmD is very concerned about the abuse of the non-refoulement claim mechanism and is aware that a number of claimants were former foreign domestic helpers. The ImmD has been co-operating with the relevant consulates-general in Hong Kong and will continue such co-operation to step up publicity and education for newly arriving foreign domestic helpers to help them understand that they should not abuse the non-refoulement claim mechanism.
Under the updated removal policy effective from December 7, 2022, the ImmD may generally proceed with the removal of a claimant whose judicial review case has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court, thereby enhancing the efficiency of and efforts in removing unsubstantiated claimants.
The ImmD will continue to explore different feasible solutions to expedite the repatriation of unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants, and will actively co-ordinate with relevant authorities to optimise repatriation routes and the operation process. The ImmD will actively maintain close liaison with governments of major source countries of non-refoulement claimants, airline companies and other government departments to repatriate unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong as soon as practicable through all appropriate measures. Issued at HKT 17:38