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
SCED attends Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Ministerial Meeting in Japan Speaking at a discussion session, Mr Yau shared with participating ministers Hong Kong’s latest efforts in building sustainable and accessible information and communications technology infrastructure, as well as its commitment to a more inclusive and resilient digital future.
Mr Yau said that since the full liberalisation of its telecommunications market in 2003, Hong Kong’s telecommunications sector has become one of the most advanced, open, and dynamic markets globally. Hong Kong leads the world in mobile voice affordability, ranks second globally in mobile broadband affordability and seventh in fixed broadband affordability. Hong Kong’s 5G availability also ranks first in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mr Yau highlighted that Hong Kong’s robust infrastructure provides a strong foundation for sustainable telecommunications development, including future 6G deployment and other cutting-edge services. The 6G Global Summit held in Hong Kong earlier this month, first held in the Asia-Pacific region, also fostered ideas and rallied regional support for 6G development.
Turning to innovation and technology (I&T), Mr Yau said that Hong Kong promulgated the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint in 2022, setting out clear development directions and major strategies including accelerating the development of new digital infrastructure.
He added that artificial intelligence opens up vast new opportunities for global economic development and scientific research. Hong Kong has been pursuing an all-round strategy to develop the AI ecosystem on various fronts, such as the launch of the AI Supercomputing Centre by Cyberport to meet the strong local demand for high-performance computing power.
Mr Yau said that Hong Kong will continue to work hand in hand with fellow members and stakeholders to advance sustainable infrastructure and promote eco-friendly information and communications technology for a connected future.
In addition to attending the APT meeting, Mr Yau also took the opportunity to meet with Japanese political and business leaders during his stay in Tokyo. Mr Yau today paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Japan-Hong Kong Parliamentarian League, Ms Jimi Hanako, a Member of the House of Councillors, to give her an update on Hong Kong’s latest economic and trade developments.
Upon arrival yesterday (May 29), Mr Yau paid a courtesy call on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr Miyaji Takuma. Recognising the close bilateral relations between the two places, Mr Yau updated him on the robust economic developments in Hong Kong on various fronts under the “one country, two systems” principle, and solicited Japan’s support for Hong Kong’s early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Mr Yau also met with representatives of Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives) to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages and investment opportunities.
Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (May 31) after the APT Ministerial Meeting concludes. Issued at HKT 17:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
According to statistics published today (May 30) by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, total deposits with authorized institutions increased by 0.6 per cent in April 2025. Among the total, Hong Kong dollar deposits decreased by 0.7 per cent, while foreign currency deposits increased by 1.6 per cent in April, mainly reflecting fund flows of corporates. In the year to end-April, total deposits and Hong Kong dollar deposits increased by 4.1 per cent and 4.4 per cent respectively. Renminbi deposits in Hong Kong increased by 7.4 per cent in April to RMB1,030.9 billion at the end of April, mainly reflecting fund flows of corporates. The total remittance of renminbi for cross-border trade settlement amounted to RMB1,362.1 billion in April, compared with RMB1,184.0 billion in March. It should be noted that changes in deposits are affected by a wide range of factors, such as interest rate movements and fund-raising activities. It is therefore more appropriate to observe the longer-term trends, and not to over-generalise fluctuations in a single month.
Total loans and advances decreased by 0.2 per cent in April, while increased by 0.5 per cent in the year to end-April. Among the total, loans for use in Hong Kong (including trade finance) and loans for use outside Hong Kong decreased by 0.1 per cent and 0.3 per cent respectively in April. The Hong Kong dollar loan-to-deposit ratio remained virtually unchanged at 72.3 per cent at the end of April, as Hong Kong dollar loans and Hong Kong dollar deposits decreased at a similar pace.
Hong Kong dollar M2 and M3 both decreased by 0.6 per cent in April, while increased by 6.5 per cent and 6.6 per cent respectively when compared to a year ago. The seasonally-adjusted Hong Kong dollar M1 decreased by 1.0 per cent in April, while increased by 5.5 per cent compared to a year ago, reflecting in part investment-related activities. Total M2 and total M3 both increased by 0.7 per cent in April. Compared to a year earlier, total M2 and total M3 both increased by 9.3 per cent.
As monthly monetary statistics are subject to volatilities due to a wide range of transient factors, such as seasonal funding demand as well as business and investment-related activities, caution is required when interpreting the statistics.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP announces two new melioidosis cases So far, seven melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. In 2024, 23 melioidosis cases were recorded. According to literature, melioidosis cases are more common after typhoons or rainstorms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei in soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or rainstorms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or rainstorms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase. The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromising conditions, in order to receive an appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP at www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.htmlIssued at HKT 16:30
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.