Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Financial results for month ended April 30, 2025
April 30, 2025 HK$ millionrepayment of Government Bondsissuance of Government Bondsrepayment of Government BondsGovernment Debts as at April 30, 2025 (Note 3) HK$306,963 million Debts Guaranteed by Government as at April 30, 2025 (Note 4) HK$126,268 million
TABLE 2. FISCAL RESERVES
April 30, 2025 HK$ millionrepayment of Government BondsNotes:
1. This Account consolidates the General Revenue Account and the following eight Funds: Capital Works Reserve Fund, Capital Investment Fund, Civil Service Pension Reserve Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, Innovation and Technology Fund, Land Fund, Loan Fund and Lotteries Fund. It excludes the Bond Fund, the balance of which is not part of the fiscal reserves. The Bond Fund balance as at April 30, 2025, was HK$218,575 million.Issued at HKT 16:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Six landlords of subdivided units (SDUs), who contravened Part IVA of the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance (Cap. 7) (the Ordinance), pleaded guilty and were fined a total of $44,600 today (May 30) at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts. Since the Ordinance came into force, the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) has continuously strengthened enforcement actions and has prosecuted a total of 1 056 cases to date. Among the 713 cases dealt with by the court, all were successfully convicted, which involved a total of 619 SDU landlords with fines ranging from $400 to $34,800, amounting to a total of $1,765,910. In addition, 343 cases are pending hearing.
The offences of these six landlords include (1) failing to submit a Notice of Tenancy (Form AR2) to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation within 60 days after the term of the regulated tenancy commenced; (2) failing to produce copies of the bills and provide an account in writing when requiring the tenant to pay for the reimbursement of the apportioned water and/or electricity charges; and (3) requesting the tenant to pay money other than the types permitted under the Ordinance (including requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance). One of the landlords committed 26 offences under (2) and (3) and was fined $24,600.
The RVD earlier discovered that the landlords failed to comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance. Upon an in-depth investigation and evidence collection, the RVD prosecuted against the landlords.
A spokesman for the RVD reiterated that SDU landlords must comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance, including prohibiting landlords from doing any act calculated to interfere with the peace or comfort of members of the tenant’s household, with the intention of causing the tenant to give up occupation of the SDU; or requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance, and also reminded tenants of their rights under the Ordinance, including a four-year (i.e. two years plus two years) security of tenure. He also stressed that the RVD will continue to take resolute enforcement action against any contraventions of the Ordinance. Apart from following up on reported cases, the RVD has been adopting a multipronged approach to proactively identify, investigate and follow up on cases concerning landlords who are suspected of contravening the Ordinance. In particular, the RVD has been requiring landlords of regulated tenancies to provide information and reference documents of their tenancies for checking whether they have complied with the requirements of the Ordinance. If a landlord, without reasonable excuse, refuses to provide the relevant information or neglects the RVD’s request, the landlord commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine at level 3 ($10,000) and to imprisonment for three months. Depending on the actual circumstances, and having regard to the information and evidence collected, the RVD will take appropriate actions on individual cases, including instigating prosecution against suspected contraventions of the Ordinance. In addition, the RVD has started a new round of publicity and education work to enhance public awareness about the key offences and penalties, emphasising that the RVD proactively checks whether landlords have committed the offences under the Ordinance.
To help curb illegal acts as soon as possible, members of the public should report to the RVD promptly any suspected cases of contravening the relevant requirements. Reporting can be made through the telephone hotline (2150 8303), by email (enquiries@rvd.gov.hk), by fax (2116 4920), by post (15/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon), or in person (visiting the Tenancy Services Section office of the RVD at Room 3816-22, 38/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, and please call 2150 8303 to make an appointment). Furthermore, the RVD has provided a form (Form AR4) (www.rvd.gov.hk/doc/en/forms/ar4.pdf) on its website to facilitate SDU tenants’ reporting to the RVD.
The RVD reminds that pursuant to the Ordinance, a regulated cycle of regulated tenancies is to comprise two consecutive regulated tenancies (i.e. the first-term tenancy and second-term tenancy) for an SDU, and the term of each regulated tenancy is two years. A tenant of a first-term tenancy for an SDU is entitled to be granted a second-term tenancy of the regulated cycle, thus enjoying a total of four years of security of tenure. The RVD has been issuing letters enclosing relevant information to the landlords and tenants concerned of regulated tenancies in batches, according to the expiry time of their first-term tenancies, to assist them in understanding the important matters pertaining to the second-term tenancy, and to remind them about the procedures that need to be followed about two months prior to the commencement of the purported second-term tenancy as well as their respective obligations and rights under the Ordinance. These landlords and tenants may also visit the dedicated page for the second-term tenancy on the RVD’s website (www.rvd.gov.hk/en/tenancy_matters/second_term_tenancy.html) for the relevant information, including a concise guide, brochures, tutorial videos and frequently asked questions. The landlords and tenants concerned are also advised to familiarise themselves with the relevant statutory requirements and maintain close communication regarding the second-term tenancy for handling the matters properly and in a timely manner according to the Ordinance.
For enquiries related to regulated tenancies, please call the telephone hotline (2150 8303) or visit the RVD’s webpage (www.rvd.gov.hk/en/our_services/part_iva.html) for the relevant information.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Arrangements for admission of professionals of specified skilled trades announced The Technical Professional List covers eight specified skilled trades, namely new industrialisation technicians, nurses, aircraft maintenance technicians, marine services technicians (for local vessels), information technology technicians, lift/escalator technicians, building information modeling coordinators and electrical technicians. Applicants are to meet the requirements on qualifications, work experience, professional skills (e.g. registration or license to practice), etc, of the specific skilled trade as listed on the List. In addition, according to the prevailing requirements under the GEP and the ASMTP, the relevant professionals are required to have secured an employment offer from a local enterprise before application, and the remuneration package should be commensurate with the market level for similar jobs.
Depending on the skilled trade and the applicant’s qualifications, the first entry visa will be valid for 24 or 36 months. When applying for visa renewal, a technical professional must continue to be employed in the same skilled trade in Hong Kong. If his/her visa renewal application is approved, an extension of stay of not more than 36 months, or in accordance with the validity period of his/her employment contract (whichever is shorter), may be granted.
A Government spokesperson said, “According to the 2023 Manpower Projection published last year, Hong Kong is expected to face an overall manpower shortage of 180 000 by 2028, over one-third of which will be skilled technical workers. As such, the 2024 Policy Address announced that a new channel would be introduced to attract young and experienced non-degree professionals to join skilled trades facing acute manpower shortage. The Technical Professional List was compiled by relevant bureaux and departments after careful consideration and in consultation with stakeholders of various industries and sectors. The eight skilled trades identified are all critical to sustaining Hong Kong’s city operation, facing acute manpower shortage at least in the next five years, and in need of manpower that cannot be replenished by local training in good time.”
“The new channel targets mid-level qualified and experienced non-degree technical professionals of specified trades and attracts them to settle in Hong Kong in the long run. This is distinct from and does not overlap with the existing Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme and sector-specific labour importation schemes. The new arrangement will be on a pilot basis for three years, subject to a review after the first year. Meanwhile, the Government will continue its commitment to training for local workers,” the spokesman added.
Under the employment-tied GEP and the ASMTP, employers may apply to employ outside talent, normally with a bachelor’s degree or higher qualifications, to fill job vacancies that could not be readily taken up by locals. For vacancies falling under the professions in the Talent List, the enterprises are not required to conduct a market availability test to prove difficulties in local recruitment before making applications. Employers submitting applications in future through the new technical professional stream under the two schemes will also enjoy such exemption from conducting a market availability test.
Details of the skilled trades of the Technical Professional List, the respective description of tasks and qualification requirements have been uploaded to the website of the Immigration Department (ImmD) (www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/TPStream.htmlIssued at HKT 15:45
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to Advisory Committee on Agriculture and FisheriesMr Anthony Lam Sai-hoMs Cheuk Fung-ting Ms Katie Chick Hiu-lai Mr Chu Kam-ming Mr Chung Ka-yau Mr Fung Kin-chung Ms Tendy Lam Pui-tung Mr John Lau Hon-kit Ms Lau Kam-fung Dr Lau Kin-wai Mr Noah Law Yiu-wing Ms Lee Man-sa Mr Leung Ming-kin Mr Ling Man-sum Mr James Ling Wai-hon Ms Merlinda Ng Man-ling Mr Poon Cheuk-man Dr Yan Wa-tat Professor Yen Hui-ling Legislative Council Member representing the Agriculture and Fisheries Constituency (Ex-officio Member) Representative of the Environment and Ecology Bureau Representative of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department Issued at HKT 15:45
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Civil Service College holds talk on “China on the International Stage: Its Role and Experience in Participating in International Organisations” Issued at HKT 19:02
The Government announced today a new arrangement to allow outside individuals to apply for entry into Hong Kong to join eight skilled trades facing acute manpower shortages.
The arrangement, which will come into force on June 30, involves the introduction of a new channel under the General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP).
Applicants are required to be non-degree professionals aged between 18 and 40 and meet the relevant qualifications specified in the Technical Professional List.
The arrangement will be piloted for three years. Numbers will be capped at 10,000, including 3,000 for each skilled trade.
The Technical Professional List covers eight specified skilled trades: new industrialisation technicians; nurses; aircraft maintenance technicians; marine services technicians for local vessels; information technology technicians; lift/escalator technicians; building information modeling co-ordinators; and electrical technicians.
The Government said the skilled trades identified are all critical to sustaining Hong Kong’s operations as a city, but that they all face acute manpower shortages for at least the next five years as the workforce cannot be replenished locally through training in that time.
Additionally, the new channel targets mid-level qualified and experienced non-degree technical professionals in specified trades, with a goal to attract them to settle in Hong Kong in the long run. This is distinct from and does not overlap with the existing Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme and sector-specific labour importation schemes.
The new arrangement will be on a pilot basis for three years, subject to a review after the first year.
According to prevailing requirements under the GEP and the ASMTP, professionals availing themselves of the new arrangement are required to have secured an employment offer from a local enterprise before applying, while the remuneration involved should be commensurate with the market level for similar jobs.
Depending on the trade involved and the applicant’s qualifications, the first entry visa will be valid for 24 or 36 months. When applying for visa renewal, a technical professional must continue to be employed in the same skilled trade in Hong Kong.
The value of residential mortgage loans approved in April was $25.3 billion, a 2.4% increase compared with March, the Monetary Authority announced today.
Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions decreased 7.5% to $9.3 billion, while financing secondary market transactions increased 17.6% to $13.7 billion.
Loans for refinancing decreased 23.5% to $2.3 billion.
Mortgage loans drawn down during April amounted to $17.1 billion, a 7.7% rise from March.
The number of mortgage applications in April dropped 7.8% month-on-month to 7,795.
The outstanding value of mortgage loans increased 0.2% to $1.8819 trillion at end-April.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Temporary closure of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre and some facilities
Facilities(area near the promenade in Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park (Note)) After the NG, NGD and NSOG conclude, the facilities will need to be restored and will gradually reopen for public use in the first quarter of 2026.
During the closure period, members of the public may consider using similar leisure and sports facilities at Hong Kong Park Sports Centre, Shek Tong Tsui Sports Centre, Sheung Wan Sports Centre and Smithfield Sports Centre. Issued at HKT 18:07
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HA pools resources to strengthen nursing education and cultivate next generation of nursing talent The HA Nursing School will co-ordinate various nursing training programmes. Students will be able to share the teaching resources and facilities currently available at the four nursing schools, which will help provide a more diversified teaching and training model as well as more flexible clinical placement arrangements. It will also leverage the unique strengths of each school to design programmes and subjects that suit their own characteristics, providing students and teaching staff with more comprehensive training and development opportunities.
Speaking at today’s inauguration ceremony of the HA Nursing School, the Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to nursing education. He said, “The HA attaches great importance to the professional training and development of nurses. I believe that the HA Nursing School will lead our nursing training programmes to a new level through curriculum innovation and enhanced teaching quality to cultivate competent, compassionate, and patient-centred healthcare professionals who can meet the evolving healthcare needs.”
The Head of the HA Academy, Dr David Sun, said, “We anticipate four major advantages following the integration of the HA’s nursing schools. We will be able to facilitate flexible management and allocation of teaching resources to prepare for providing more nursing education opportunities, offering more continuous learning opportunities for both aspiring nurses and existing nursing staff. The integration will help streamline administrative work by reducing duplicative or unnecessary procedures while further enhancing teaching standards. It will also promote exchanges and collaboration with universities, specialty colleges, the Nursing Council of Hong Kong, and nursing schools worldwide. Furthermore, this will provide students and teaching staff with more diverse opportunities for learning, exchanges, and broadening horizons as well as a more enriching campus life.”
The same day, the HA also held a graduation ceremony for the Professional Diploma in Nursing (PDN) Programme 2025. About 300 graduates from the HA Nursing School completed their 3.5-year training and qualified as registered nurses, ready to join the healthcare workforce.
In his address, the Chief Manager (Nursing) of the HA, Dr Danny Tong, encouraged the graduates to uphold the spirit of people-centred care. He said, “The HA has always been dedicated to nurturing nursing talents. We value not only clinical expertise but also the fostering of their core nursing values. Remember to stay true to your aspirations and serve the community with empathy, professionalism and dedication.”
Three outstanding graduates, Mr Lo Ming Laam (CMC), Miss Zoe Chan (QEH) and Mr Leung Kin Lok (TMH), shared that their learning experiences at the HA Nursing School had been very rewarding. They pointed that the Programme emphasised both theoretical knowledge and practical application, which deepened their understanding of holistic care. They pledged on behalf of all graduates to apply their knowledge and provide high-quality nursing services to patients and the community.
The HA’s 3.5-year full time PDN Programme is currently open for enrollment, offering 300 places. On completion of the PDN Programme, graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse (General) under the Nursing Council of Hong Kong. The deadline for applications is August 8. For details, please visit the HA’s website www.ha.org.hk/visitor/ha_visitor_index.asp?Content_ID=251613&Lang=ENG&Dimension=100Issued at HKT 17:47
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Contribute”, “Rally” and “Twilight”, on May 26, 28, and yesterday (May 29) respectively. A total of 15 suspected illegal workers and three suspected employers were arrested.
During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD Task Force officers raided 294 target locations including a construction site, residential buildings and restaurants. Fifteen suspected illegal workers and three suspected employers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised 10 men and five women, aged 26 to 67. Among them, seven men and three women were holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment. In addition, two men and two women were also suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. Three men, aged 29 to 59, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested.
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. Under the prevailing laws, it is an offence to use or possess a forged Hong Kong identity card or a Hong Kong identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to 10 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 ImmD 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 or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.