Month: June 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Themed “Rule of Law Education (ROLE) Stars”, the foundation course of the fourth phase of the ROLE Train-the-Leaders (TTL) Programme organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ) was concluded today (June 27).

     The two-day foundation course was attended by about 120 trainees from district youth committees in the 18 districts, the Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong & Macao, China, and the Rotary International District 3450. A number of trainees said the course content, supplemented by concrete and daily examples, was practical and easy to understand. The course has deepened their understanding on the principles of the rule of law, enabling them to convey correct messages on the rule of law to others through different roles in the community.

     Led by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, the foundation course of the TTL Programme was launched yesterday (June 26). Mr Lam as the speaker briefed the trainees on important topics such as the rule of law and the Hong Kong legal system. Member of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Basic Law Committee under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and Legislative Council Member, Professor Priscilla Leung, also briefed trainees on the legal system of the Chinese Mainland and functions of state institutions such as the NPC.

     On the second day of the TTL Programme, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, together with renowned host and columnist Maggie Chang, equipped trainees with teaching and communication skills in disseminating messages on the rule of law, and shared their insights and practical experiences. Member of the Steering Committee on Rule of Law Education and barrister, Ms Sabrina Ho, and solicitor, Ms Roberta Chan, also took part as speakers to explain topics including Hong Kong’s court proceedings, the legal profession and alternative dispute resolution services. The trainees then participated in an interactive session comprising group discussions and exchanges.

     The certificate presentation ceremony of the TTL Programme was held after the talks, with Mr Lam presenting certificates to trainees who had completed the two-day foundation course.

     Looking ahead, the DoJ will continue to maintain close collaboration with relevant government departments and community stakeholders to promote rule of law education, enhance the public’s understanding and application of proper messages on the rule of law, and instil a law-abiding culture through diverse initiatives, hence working hand in hand with various sectors to uphold the rule of law in society.

     For more details on the TTL Programme and other relevant information, please visit the dedicated website at www.role-ttl.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     To further raise public awareness of water safety, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Hong Kong China Life Saving Society (HKCLSS) jointly organised the annual Water Safety Campaign. The prize presentation ceremony of its slogan and graphic design competitions for primary and secondary school students was held at the Kowloon Park Arcade today (June 27).
 
     Addressing the ceremony, LCSD Assistant Director (Leisure Services) Ms Fung Miu-ling said that the Department has long encouraged the elderly to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. Swimming, as an excellent full-body exercise, has always been popular among senior citizens. She added that the theme of the two competitions this year is to promote the health benefits of swimming for the elderly and also to enhance their awareness of safety practices such as assessing their physical conditions, warming up before swimming, swimming within their abilities and cooling down afterwards.
 
     The response to both competitions was enthusiastic, with more than 1 300 participants in total. The standard of entries was high, fully demonstrating the creativity and artistic talents of the students. The organisers have used the winning slogans (in Chinese) and graphic designs from both sections to produce two posters for the Campaign.
 
     Ms Fung took the opportunity to appeal to members of the public to take heed of water safety advice while enjoying swimming. LCSD staff will closely monitor weather conditions at outdoor public swimming pools and beaches and will make timely arrangements as necessary. Members of the public are advised to check the latest weather forecasts before planning to swim, and to avoid outdoor water sports activities during adverse weather conditions. She noted that when the services at LCSD outdoor water sports facilities are temporarily suspended due to thunderstorms, swimmers should remain calm and follow the advice and instructions of venue staff. They should leave the water immediately and move promptly to indoor or sheltered safe areas, and avoid open spaces to stay away from danger.
 
     The LCSD thanked the HKCLSS for its continued efforts over the years in promoting and organising lifesaving training courses, professional examinations and sports competitions, as well as nurturing lifeguards. These efforts have enabled lifesaving services to be maintained at aquatic venues across the city to keep swimmers safe.
 
     Game stalls were also set up today at the entrance lobby of the Kowloon Park Swimming Pool’s spectator stands to promote water safety. In addition, winning entries of the two aforesaid competitions are now on display at the same location until July 8 and can also be viewed on the LCSD’s webpages at www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/swimhandbook/poster/index.html (graphic design competition) and www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/swimhandbook/slogan/index.html (Chinese slogan competition).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Lightshadow”, a joint operation with the Labour Department codenamed “Rainbow” and joint operations with the Hong Kong Police Force codenamed “Champion” from June 18 to yesterday (June 25). During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD officers raided multiple target locations including restaurants, flats under renovation and warehouses. Twenty-one suspected illegal workers, eight suspected employers and seven overstayers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised 12 men and nine women, aged 25 to 54. Among them, four men were holding recognisance forms which prohibit them from taking any employment. Six men and two women, aged 30 to 77, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested. The arrested overstayers were seven women, aged 33 to 58. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
 
     An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.” 
 
     The spokesman warned, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. As stipulated in section 20(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance, the Chief Executive may make a deportation order against an immigrant, prohibiting the immigrant from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter if the immigrant has been found guilty in Hong Kong of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years.”
 
     The spokesman stressed 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) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
 
     For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 185 185, fax at 2824 1166, email anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit the “Online Reporting of Immigration Offences” form at www.immd.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

At the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, the Civil Engineering & Development Department (CEDD) is breathing new life into facilities along the Tin Shui Wai river channel.

Transformed riverside

For the first phase of this transformation, the project team zeroed in on a stretch of the river between Tin Shui Estate and Tin Wah Estate.

CEDD Architect Chan Man-kong said they centred the design on the junction of the Tin Shui Wai river and Ha Tsuen channel, creating art paintings on the walls and pavement.

“This spot is precisely the starting point of the eastern side of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area and is adjacent to Tin Shui Wai,” noted Mr Chan.

“On the left, is the vibrant town centre of the new development area and the happy smiles of the residents, while on the right is the lively traditional dragon dance celebration.

“Linking these two scenes together is the Tin Sum riverside and floodable open space in the middle. We have also specially incorporated the scenery of Lau Fau Shan and Deep Bay, as well as migratory birds, horseshoe crabs and fiddler crabs.”

Mr Chan added that the mural represents the future of the new development area.

Facility face-lifts

Along the riverbank, two pergolas have been completely reimagined, each redesigned with its own distinct charm and character.

“The pavilion walls are decorated with the logo, colours and patterns of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area,” explained Mr Chan. “And the design of another pavilion takes the common egrets found along the Tin Shui Wai river as the theme, using egret silhouettes with shades of blue to represent the sky and river water, creating an effect with simple patterns and lively colours.”

Turning this vision into reality relied on seamless teamwork and a shared goal across various departments.

In addition to the pavilion beautification, the CEDD was also responsible for feature art paintings and the provision of fitness bikes.

CEDD Engineer Bonnie Kwan noted that the Leisure & Cultural Services Department carried out the riverside landscaping, the Highways Department relayed the paving blocks and beautified the railings, while the Drainage Services Department shortened the fencing, all in an effort to make the overall environment more layered and more welcoming.

Embracing enhancements

Following the completion of the beautification works, the upgraded waterfront has been warmly received. Residents have said the riverside space is now more comfortable and vibrant, encouraging more people to stroll along the promenade and enjoy leisurely activities by the water.

CEDD Chief Engineer Chung Lok-chin said preparations are now underway for the next phase of work, with plans to select outstanding design proposals through a design competition to further enhance the riverside space through small-scale works.

“In the long term, under the planning of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, the western bank of the Tin Shui Wai river channel will be transformed into a 2-km-long riverside promenade,” explained Mr Chung.

“Bridges will be added to improve accessibility between both riversides, and more trees and flowers will be planted to beautify the environment for public use.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The foundation course of the fourth-phase ROLE Train-the-Leaders Programme, themed “Rule of Law Education Stars”, concluded today.

The two-day course was organised by the Department of Justice and attended by about 120 trainees.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam spoke at the event, briefing participants on key topics including the core concepts of the rule of law and the structure of the Hong Kong legal system.

Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan also shared his practical experiences, equipping trainees with effective communication and teaching skills to better disseminate rule of law messages.

Participants described the course content as practical and accessible. They noted that the training deepened their understanding of rule of law principles, enabling them to effectively convey accurate messages within their respective community roles.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today concluded his visit to Xi’an by attending The First Western Commercial Space Conference, meeting Chairman of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Shaanxi Provincial Committee Xu Xinrong.

Speaking at the conference, Mr Chan highlighted Xi’an’s strong scientific research capabilities, robust industrial chain and deep pool of technological talent in the aerospace industry.

He pointed out that for the commercial space industry to thrive, it must successfully secure financing, expand market reach and maintain steady development.

Mr Chan discussed Hong Kong’s unique positioning under the “one country two systems” principle, noting that the city can act as an international interface for the western region’s aerospace industry across capital, research and market perspectives.

In terms of capital, the Financial Secretary said Hong Kong can help technology enterprises with raising funds, valuation, pricing and cross-boundary mergers and acquisitions using internationally recognised rules.

For scientific research, the city’s universities can partner with Xi’an institutions on key technologies, drive the commercialisation of research outcomes and leverage global networks to attract top-tier talent.

Regarding market development, Hong Kong can help Mainland enterprises expand overseas by facilitating standards conversion and product validation.

Mr Chan stressed that Hong Kong will leverage its openness, internationalisation and financial strengths to empower the western region’s aerospace industry and support national aerospace development.

The finance chief departed for Hong Kong this afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (June 26) continued his visit programme in Xi’an.

Mr Chan today called on the Secretary of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee, Mr Zhao Yide, and had an in-depth exchange of views on further strengthening co-operation between Shaanxi and Hong Kong. Mr Chan said that Shaanxi has gathered innovative resources, possesses strong research capabilities, and has complete and thriving industrial chains in areas such as national hard technology research and development, aerospace and aviation, and major equipment manufacturing. Hong Kong, with its advantages as an international financial centre and in high-end professional services under “one country, two systems”, together with its common law system and free port status, is an important hub connecting the Mainland and international markets.

He said that the two places can deepen co-operation in areas such as innovation and research and development, commercialisation of research outcomes, cultivation of innovative enterprises and listing financing, as well as talent exchanges and higher education. This would better connect Shaanxi’s research and industrial strengths with Hong Kong’s financial and internationalisation advantages, achieve resource sharing and mutual empowerment, enable each other’s success, and jointly serve the country’s development of new quality productive forces and high-quality development. He invited Xi’an enterprises to form delegations to visit Hong Kong, exchange and connect with Hong Kong enterprises and the investment community, and explore further co-operation.

In the morning, Mr Chan visited Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), where he met with the President of NPU, Professor Song Baowei, and held a discussion session with innovation and technology enterprises. He then delivered a speech to more than 200 teachers, students and alumni, engaging in in-depth exchanges on promoting hard technology innovation, commercialisation of research outcomes, and deepening co-operation between Xi’an and Hong Kong in scientific research and industrial development.

In his speech, Mr Chan pointed out that NPU students have demonstrated, in different ways, a spirit of craftsmanship in perfecting technologies and products. However, for technology to move from the laboratory to the world, it no longer depends only on whether the product is advanced, but also on whether it can withstand the tests of supply chain restructuring and alignment with international standards.

He said that globalisation is shifting from the previous “efficiency first” model to one that places equal emphasis on “efficiency and resilience”, with supply chain security, self-reliance in core technologies, and cross-boundary regulation becoming key considerations. Against this backdrop, the country is strengthening basic research and original innovation, supporting breakthroughs with long-term accumulated “slow variables”. At the same time, areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced materials and quantum technology are crossing the threshold of industrialisation, forming synergistic development among “technology clusters” and driving the development of new industries, new models and new growth drivers.

Mr Chan pointed out that Xi’an has a profound foundation in hard technology and is an important fertile ground for the accumulation of related technologies, with its achievements being accelerated for civilian application. Hong Kong, with its common law system, free port advantages and international platform, brings together capital, talent and professional services, to help connect technological achievements with international markets, and promote “Xi’an R&D, Hong Kong empowerment, global application”.

He encouraged young people to be professionally strong and broad-minded, and to actively enter the intersection of “finance + technology”. He also encouraged them to base themselves in the country and look to the world, seize opportunities amid changes, enhance their sustainable competitiveness, and grasp the broad opportunities brought about by technological development.

In the afternoon, Mr Chan visited the Xi’an High-tech Industries Development Zone (Xi’an High-tech Zone). As a national-level high-tech industries development zone, the Xi’an High-tech Zone focuses on strategic emerging industries such as electronic information, high-end equipment, new energy and new materials. The Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Mr Peter Yan, and representatives of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and Invest Hong Kong also joined the visit.

Mr Chan and his delegation visited enterprises engaged respectively in advanced energy storage, optoelectronic integration, metal additive manufacturing, and high-end equipment inspection and testing, to learn about their latest progress in frontier technology research and development and industrialisation. Mr Chan then held a discussion session with representatives of 25 enterprises in the Xi’an High-tech Zone, exchanging views on promoting hard technology innovation, facilitating deeper integration among industry, academia, research and application, and expanding co-operation between Hong Kong and Shaanxi in areas such as technology and innovation, finance and professional services.

During the discussion session, a number of enterprises expressed strong interest and willingness to access international capital through Hong Kong and further expand into overseas markets. Mr Chan welcomed them to come to Hong Kong for fundraising and financing, global expansion, and technology research and development and advanced manufacturing. He asked the OASES, the HKIC, HKEX and others to fully connect with them and provide support.

Mr Chan will continue his itinerary in Xi’an tomorrow (June 27) and attend the inaugural Western Commercial Aerospace Conference.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The 23rd Meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPCSC) today (June 26) passed the “Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Authorizing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Exercise Jurisdiction over the Hong Kong Port Area and Related Extended Areas at the Huanggang Port” (the Decision). The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) expresses its sincere gratitude to the Central Authorities for their staunch support in establishing the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area.

A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “The NPCSC’s Decision fully reflects the Central Authorities’ high regard and support for Hong Kong to better integrate into and serve the overall national development. It is of great strategic significance for strengthening the infrastructure connectivity between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, enhancing interactions between the people of, and economic and trade activities between the two places, as well as advancing the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). This is a clear demonstration of the advantages of ‘one country, two systems’.”

The HKSAR Government has been proactively aligning with national development strategies. Working closely with the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, the HKSAR Government has adopted a forward-looking strategy to upgrade the infrastructure of land boundary control points (BCPs) between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, deepen the reform on the mode of boundary clearance, and actively utilise innovation and technology to enhance the convenience of clearance. The Huanggang Port redevelopment project is one of the key initiatives that the HKSAR Government is participating in the implementation of national development strategies. The redeveloped Huanggang Port will be positioned as the most important 24-hour passenger land BCP between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. It will implement the co-location arrangement and the novel “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode to further enhance the passenger clearance experience and efficiency. Clearance time at the new Huanggang Port will be significantly reduced from around 30 minutes at the existing Lok Ma Chau/ Huanggang Port to approximately five minutes. The design flow of the new Huanggang Port will increase to 200 000 passenger trips per day, and could be further increased to about 300 000 upon the future commissioning of the Northern Link Spur Line of the MTR Corporation Limited.

The HKSAR Government expresses its gratitude to the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government for their co-operation and continued support. Having discussed and reached a consensus on matters relating to the scope and area of the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area, as well as clearance mode at the port, the HKSAR Government and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province made submissions to the Central Government regarding the implementation of the co-location arrangement at the Huanggang Port, proposing that it be submitted to the NPCSC for examination.

According to the Decision, the NPCSC has decided as follows:

1. The HKSAR is authorized to exercise, with effect from the day on which the Hong Kong Port Area and Related Extended Areas at the Huanggang Port are commissioned, jurisdiction over the said areas in accordance with the laws of the HKSAR within the period specified in Article 3 of the Decision.

The HKSAR is to administer the Hong Kong Port Area and Related Extended Areas at the Huanggang Port as a closed area.

2. The areas over which the HKSAR is authorized to exercise jurisdiction comprise the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area, the deck of the Shenzhen section of the Lok Ma Chau Bridge connecting the port, the interior of the bridge box girders accessible via the bridge deck, and the surfaces of the connecting roads. The date of commissioning of the relevant areas, and their specific coordinates and area, are to be determined by the State Council. The use of the aforesaid areas is not to be altered within the period specified in Article 3 of the Decision.

3. The HKSAR Government acquires by way of a lease the right to use the Hong Kong Port Area and Related Extended Areas at the Huanggang Port. The term of the lease is to commence on the day on which the relevant areas are commissioned and is to expire on June 30, 2047. On the expiry of the term of the lease, with a decision of the NPCSC, the term of the lease may be renewed.

Upon receiving the determination from the State Council on the commissioning date of the Hong Kong Port Area and Related Extended Areas at the Huanggang Port, as well as the specific coordinates and area of the relevant areas, the HKSAR Government will introduce the relevant bill to the Legislative Council as soon as practicable, so as to take forward the local legislative exercise. The HKSAR Government will continue to work closely with the Guangdong Province and the Shenzhen Municipality to take forward all preparatory works of the opening of the Huanggang Port at full steam, proactively align the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and contribute Hong Kong’s strengths to the high-quality development of the GBA. The HKSAR Government will maintain close communication with the Shenzhen side and will make timely announcements to the public once the official opening date of the Huanggang Port is finalised, with a view to creating a more efficient and convenient clearance experience for members of the public.