Category: MIL-OSI

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LCQ1: Developing Hong Kong into an aircraft parts processing and trading centre

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ1: Developing Hong Kong into an aircraft parts processing and trading centre 
Question:
 
     It is expressly pointed out in the 2026-2027 Budget that the Government will promote the development of Hong Kong into the first aircraft parts processing and trading centre in Asia, and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) is also prepared to provide professional services such as aircraft dismantling and parts recycling to further enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether the Government and AA will set up a task force to conduct dedicated studies on ways to develop Hong Kong into an aircraft parts processing and trading centre in Asia, so as to formulate appropriate complementary policy measures, and, in the course of formulating such measures, whether considerations will be given to setting aside sites near the airport for use as hangars or centres for handling spare parts;
 
(2) whether discussions have been held with the relevant Mainland authorities to explore the possibility of striving to build Hong Kong into the hub for maintenance and repair of China’s domestically-produced aircrafts, with a view to supporting China’s domestically-produced aircrafts in “going global”; if not, whether it will expeditiously initiate such discussions; and
 
(3) of the strategies and measures put in place by the authorities to proactively encourage and attract more companies engaged in trading of aircraft parts and components and the related transactions to establish their bases in Hong Kong, and to actively promote greater participation of local companies, so as to develop a comprehensive and mature ecosystem for aircraft parts dismantling and trading?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The “National 15th Five-Year Plan” published by the country in March this year explicitly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international aviation hub. The Chief Executive announced in last year’s Policy Address the introduction of a leading European aeronautic services company to operate in Hong Kong, providing professional services such as aircraft dismantling and parts recycling. This year’s Budget further reaffirmed our goal to develop Hong Kong into the first aircraft parts processing and trading centre in Asia.
 
     Aircraft dismantling and parts recycling is a specialised aviation business encompassing various aspects, including aircraft parts maintenance, inspection, certification, value-added services and logistics. Against the backdrop of a rising number of retired aircraft and delays in the delivery of new commercial aircraft globally, the aircraft dismantling and parts recycling market in the region is poised for significant growth as most components of retired aircraft can be reused after refurbishment.
 
     In addition, we further enhanced the existing tax incentives related to aircraft leasing through the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Aircraft Leasing Tax Concessions) Ordinance 2024. These incentives facilitate the development of leasing business for specific aircraft parts such as engines, thereby generating synergy with aircraft dismantling and parts recycling business to form a complementary value chain.
 
     My reply to the various matters in the question is as follow:
 
(1) and (3) The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (Government) and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) have maintained close contact with local and overseas industry players to keep abreast of market developments in aircraft parts processing and trading businesses. The AA has, from time to time, received enquiries from relevant companies, including aircraft leasing companies, aircraft maintenance companies and aircraft parts trading and investment companies. In addition, the AA has recently met with local and overseas industry institutions and organisations to understand the supply chain landscape and industry needs. These industry insights facilitate further study and formulation of appropriate policy measures, and support actively efforts to promote, co-ordinate and participate in ecosystem design, land use arrangements, investment promotion and industry channel co-ordination.
 
     Hong Kong’s unique advantage in bridging the Chinese Mainland and overseas civil aviation regulatory regimes is conducive to developing aircraft parts processing and trading businesses. Coupled with its traditional advantages, such as its status as a free port, efficient logistics and robust legal system, Hong Kong can expand its professional role in aircraft parts certification, thereby bringing together relevant market participants to form a mature ecosystem of aircraft parts dismantling and trading.
 
     On attracting investment, the Financial Secretary has established the Steering Committee on Preferential Policies for Attracting Industries and Investment (Steering Committee) to lead relevant policy bureaux, departments and public organisations in formulating packages of preferential policies including land grants, land premiums, financial subsidies and tax incentives to attract high-value-added industries and high-potential enterprises to set up in Hong Kong. The Steering Committee will customise preferential policy packages for relevant enterprises taking into account the enterprise’s industry and its technology level, as well as the potential economic contributions and employment opportunities it can bring to Hong Kong. Invest Hong Kong will use the policy packages flexibly during negotiations with enterprises on settlement details, then report to the Financial Secretary for approval.
 
     Meanwhile, the AA will continue to engage and proactively reach out to various industry stakeholders to promote and brief them on relevant developments. The Government will also assist companies interested in operating relevant businesses in Hong Kong, with a view to expanding the scale of industry in Hong Kong and fostering an ecosystem with a complete value chain.
 
(2) Leveraging Hong Kong’s distinctive position of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world, we has been capitalising on our strengths in terms of geographical location, flight connectivity, free trade and logistics infrastructure etc.
 
     Hong Kong attaches great importance to the development of home-developed aircraft. The Civil Aviation Department has maintained close co-operation with the Civil Aviation Administration of China to actively participate in the research and certification processes of home-developed aircraft. Hong Kong has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to position the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as a base for commercial flights of home-developed aircraft outside the Chinese Mainland. It also encourages the industry to proactively explore ways to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths as an international aviation hub to support sustainable development of home-developed aircraft through platforms and co-operative arrangements established by Hong Kong and the country.
 
     In terms of aircraft maintenance, HKIA has sufficient capacity to support ground handling and maintenance services for home-developed aircraft. There are around 40 maintenance professionals from local maintenance organisations who are qualified to provide service for the C919 aircraft.
 
     In terms of co-operative arrangements, in April this year, the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao authorities updated the Cooperation Arrangement on Joint Maintenance Management. Building on the existing mutual recognition of aircraft maintenance and training organisations as well as maintenance personnel licenses, the scope of mutual recognition has been extended from aircraft maintenance and training organisations located in the three places to cover relevant overseas organisations approved by the authorities of three regions, with a view to strengthening maintenance capabilities across the three regions and promoting sharing of manpower training resources.
 
     With more flights operated by the C919 aircraft to and from Hong Kong, Hong Kong will continue to enhance its maintenance capabilities and manpower training, providing comprehensive technical and manpower support to facilitate home-developed aircraft’s entry into the international market. We are committed to serving the country’s needs with Hong Kong’s strengths, thereby propelling the country’s civil aviation industry toward new milestones.
Issued at HKT 12:10

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LCQ17: Supporting the elderly in using eHealth

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ17: Supporting the elderly in using eHealth 

Function     The Government has been actively promoting and facilitating citizens’ registration with and use of eHealth, with special arrangements made through various online and offline channels to assist the elderly and other persons in need. At present, Hong Kong residents can register with eHealth online and use “iAM Smart” for identity verification to set up their eHealth accounts. Citizens can also register in person at 63 registration centres under the HA or the Department of Health (DH), or set up their eHealth accounts at designated post offices in 18 districts across Hong Kong. We have also deployed mobile registration teams to visit hospitals and clinics under the HA or the DH to assist citizens in registering with and using eHealth.

     To support elderly persons who have limited mobility or are less accustomed to using online services, we have partnered with various units to help them download the eHealth App and understand the relevant functions. Among others, we collaborated with the District Services and Community Care Teams across 18 districts under the Home Affairs Department to set up “e+Support Stations” at community events and conduct home visits. We also provided technical support and training through the “Smart Silver” Digital Inclusion Programme for Elders under the Digital Policy Office (DPO). Furthermore, we plan to launch the eHealth+ Intergeneration Inclusion Pilot Scheme this year in collaboration with non-governmental organisations, secondary schools, and elderly centres, under which students will serve as mentors to teach the elderly how to use the eHealth App.Issued at HKT 12:20

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London ETO supports Hong Kong artisans at London Craft Week

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

London ETO supports Hong Kong artisans at London Craft Week       
     This exhibition showcases a collection of craft works through a fresh and contemporary lens, bringing together the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional artisans and the innovative ideas of emerging designers, demonstrating the creative synergy generated through cross-generation collaboration.
      
     The Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, welcomed the opportunity to support Crafts on Peel in showcasing its work once again at London Craft Week. She remarked, “The exhibition offers a compelling fusion of time-honoured traditions and forward-looking innovation, vividly reflecting the creative spirit of Hong Kong.”
      
     The “Creative Cross-Pollination: The Future of Crafts” exhibition is being held at the Royal Society of Sculptors (108 Old Brompton Rd, London SW7 3RA) from May 11 to 17 (London time). 
Issued at HKT 6:05

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LCQ9: Measures to optimise initial public offering market

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by the Hon Robert Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (May 13):
 
Question:
 
     There are views that although the initial public offering (IPO) market has been buoyant recently, the success rate in subscribing for IPO shares by retail investors remains on the low side, and that there is room for further improvement in the pricing and allocation mechanisms for new listings. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) given that the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) implemented in August 2025 a series of optimisation measures regarding IPO price discovery and open market, which included adjusting the clawback allocation to the public subscription tranche, whether the authorities are aware if the HKEX has conducted a comparative analysis of the post-listing share price volatility and performance, as well as the proportion of IPO shares allocated to retail investors before and after the implementation of the new requirements; if not, of the reasons for that;
 
(2) whether the authorities will urge the HKEX to review the effectiveness of the optimised clawback mechanism for IPO shares, and study the introduction of an open competitive bidding mechanism for IPO shares to allow all investors (except cornerstone investors) to participate in bidding before the listing of IPO shares, so as to enhance the fairness of IPO allocation; if not, of the reasons for that;
 
(3) in reply to my question on November 15, 2023, the authorities indicated that the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) had advised the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants to provide guidelines to its members on the accounting method of IPO subscription and the computation of liquid capital where necessary; whether the authorities have since co-ordinated with the SFC and accounting professional bodies to provide clear and uniform guidance to the industry; if so, of the progress of the relevant work; and
 
(4) whether it knows if the relevant regulatory bodies will, by comparing the regulatory regimes of other markets, review Practice Note 21 of the Listing Rules concerning the due diligence performed by sponsors and avoid overly stringent regulations, so as to reduce unnecessary due diligence work, thereby lowering the listing costs of enterprises; if not, of the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     With Hong Kong being a major global listing platform, the Government has been driving the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) to enhance Hong Kong’s listing regime continuously, with a view to maintaining international competitiveness and attracting more quality enterprises to list in Hong Kong.
 
     In consultation with the SFC and the HKEX, the reply to the four parts of the question is as follows:
 
(1) and (2) To strengthen the robustness of the pricing and allocation mechanism for new shares, the HKEX implemented the enhanced initial public offering (IPO) allocation and pricing mechanism in August 2025 following market consultation. Notably, the HKEX requires issuers to allocate at least 40 per cent of the initial allocation of offer shares to the bookbuilding placing tranche at IPO, while issuers may select the allocation mechanism for the public subscription tranche (i.e. Mechanism A or Mechanism B (Note 1)) according to their needs. The arrangement aims to increase the participation of price-setting investors, thereby improving the price discovery process and ensuring that the regime aligns with international market standards, while accommodating the business characteristics and funding needs of different issuers as well as market conditions to attract more quality companies to list in the capital market in Hong Kong. In addition, the proportion of institutional investors in market trading has risen significantly in recent years as compared with the 1990s when the clawback mechanism was introduced. Taking into account the evolving investor composition participating in the market, the new arrangement also balances the demand of different types of local and international investors in subscribing for IPO shares.
 
     Since the implementation of the new requirements in August 2025, as at end April 2026, more than 80 out of the 109 IPOs recorded share prices that either rose or remained unchanged on the first trading day, representing close to 80 per cent of the total which is higher than around 70 per cent prior to the implementation of the new requirements. Apart from 12 cases adopting the bespoke mechanism applicable to Specialist Technology Companies (Note 2), two adopted Mechanism A (with final allocation to the public subscription tranche at 35 per cent), while 95 adopted Mechanism B (with an initial allocation of 10 per cent to the public subscription tranche, and final allocation ranging between 10 per cent and 15 per cent (Note 3)). As issuers may determine the allocation mechanism for public subscription having regard to their business circumstances, industry characteristics and prevailing market conditions under the new mechanism, the arrangements for individual issuers’ IPOs vary. The overall allocation ratio at different times is therefore not directly comparable.
 
     In implementing the enhanced IPO pricing and allocation mechanism, the HKEX has taken into account the needs of different investors (including those in the public subscription tranche). The new mechanism strikes a reasonable balance between ensuring meaningful participation by price-setting investors in IPOs and maintaining retail investor involvement, including ensuring a bookbuilding placing tranche of a meaningful size that helps enhance price discovery to benefit all investors participating in IPOs. As the participation of independent institutional investors can contribute to more robust price discovery, we note that major global markets generally adopt the bookbuilding placing mechanism for IPOs and public offerings conducted by way of open bidding are very limited. The Government, together with the SFC and the HKEX, will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the new requirements as well as the effectiveness of the relevant pricing and allocation mechanisms, and will keep track of international market developments and local market needs to ensure the healthy development of the local market.
 
(3) Regarding the accounting treatment of IPO subscriptions and calculation of liquid capital, the Government has co-ordinated the SFC and the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) to actively engage with the securities industry to understand brokers’ arrangements in relation to IPO subscription business, including workflow, funding preparation and financial calculations. Notably, the SFC raised issues concerning accounting treatment of IPO subscriptions with its Securities Regulatory Advisory Panel at a meeting with the HKICPA in October 2023, and acknowledged that licensed corporations have different operating models resulting in variations in accounting treatment. The SFC issued a circular in November 2023 reminding licensed corporations to record all assets and liabilities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in a manner that reflects the actual transactions and arrangements, and to calculate liquid capital based on such records in compliance with the Securities and Futures (Financial Resources) Rules (the Rules).
 
     The SFC subsequently issued another circular on IPO matters in March 2025, introducing the requirement of collecting a minimum of 10 per cent upfront subscription deposits. Generally speaking, when a licensed corporation provides IPO financing to clients and collects the minimum upfront subscription deposits in accordance with the circular, the receivable arising from such financing may be included as liquid assets under section 21(5) of the Rules.
 
     If individual licensed corporations and their accountants or auditors have any questions regarding the calculation of liquid capital or other relevant provisions in the circular, the SFC may communicate and follow up on their specific circumstances.
 
(4) As an international equity market, both market facilitation and quality are equally important. In respect of listing applications, the primary role of sponsors is to ensure that listing applicants comply with the Listing Rules and other applicable laws and regulatory requirements, and that listing documents provide sufficient details and information to enable investors to fully understand the listing applicants’ business, financial position, profitability and associated risks. The gatekeeping role of sponsors in the listing process is crucial to maintaining the quality of Hong Kong’s market and investor confidence in the IPO market. Under the requirements of the Hong Kong laws, only licensed corporations that are licensed by the SFC to carry out Type 6 regulated activity (advising on corporate finance) and meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Sponsor Guidelines may act as listing sponsors.
 
     To gain a thorough understanding of listing applicants and ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements, sponsors should adopt reasonable due diligence procedures in respect of listing applications. In conducting due diligence inquiries, sponsors must have regard to paragraph 17 of the Code of Conduct for Persons Licensed by or Registered with the SFC (the Code of Conduct) and the Practice Note 21 of the Listing Rules (the Practice Note). The Code of Conduct provides guidance that sponsors should exercise reasonable judgement, having regard to all relevant facts and circumstances, on the nature and scope of due diligence based on the facts and circumstances. To this end, the HKEX sets out its expectations of sponsors’ general due diligence practices in the Practice Note. However, as each listing applicant is unique, sponsors must determine the appropriate scope and extent of due diligence for each case.
 
     In fact, with the significant increase in new listing applications in 2025, the SFC and the HKEX have observed a decline in the quality of draft listing documents. Accordingly, they issued a joint letter to relevant sponsors in December 2025 highlighting matters requiring attention (including the quality of listing application documents and sponsors’ resources). The SFC subsequently issued a circular in January 2026 expressing concern over serious deficiencies in certain listing documents and sub-standard conduct by some sponsors. The SFC is currently reviewing the documents and information submitted by sponsors pursuant to the circular, and has commenced thematic inspections of sponsors.
 
     The SFC and the HKEX will continue to closely review sponsors’ work and the quality of listing applications, and will take appropriate regulatory action where necessary to uphold Hong Kong’s reputation as a leading international fundraising centre.
 
Note 1: Under Mechanism A, issuers will set the initial allocation ratio to the public subscription tranche at 5 per cent. If over-subscription for the public tranche reaches 15 times or above, the allocation ratio is 15 per cent; if over-subscription for the public tranche reaches 50 times or above, the allocation ratio is 25 per cent; if over-subscription is 100 times or above, the allocation ratio is 35 per cent. Under Mechanism B, issuers pre-select an allocation percentage to the public subscription tranche with a minimum of 10 per cent (and a maximum of 60 per cent) of the offer shares, but without a clawback mechanism.
 
Note 2: Under the bespoke mechanism for Specialist Technology Companies, the initial allocation ratio to the public subscription tranche is 5 per cent. If over-subscription for the public tranche reaches 10 times or above, the allocation ratio is 10 per cent; if over-subscription reaches 50 times or above, the allocation ratio is 20 per cent.
 
Note 3: Final allocation percentages are calculated based on the total number of shares initially on offer.

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SCST concludes visit to Bordeaux

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, concluded her visit to Bordeaux, France, during which she reinforced Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s premier events capital, and as a key partner in wine trading and tourism.

     On May 12 (Bordeaux time), Miss Law met with representatives of the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industries to learn about the latest developments of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, an exclusive alliance of 11 renowned international cities and wine regions. The two sides exchanged views on best practices for organising international events and wine tourism in the new era. Miss Law reiterated that Hong Kong remains a unique East-meet-West centre, enabling the city to be the hub and the bridge for winemakers to reach the burgeoning markets of the Chinese Mainland and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

     Miss Law also visited the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (MADD) in Bordeaux’s historic district. Much like Tai Kwun in Hong Kong, MADD is housed in two historic monuments, an 18th-century mansion and a 19th-century former municipal prison, providing visitors with a unique experience. MADD is one of the few French museums to devote its entire programme to decorative arts, crafts, and design.

     Miss Law will depart for Hong Kong on the morning of May 13 (Bordeaux time).

     

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Toll waiver for commercial vehicles to take effect from May 17 for two months

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Inter-departmental Task Force on Monitoring Fuel Supply today (May 13) announced that the Government will waive 50 per cent of the toll for all commercial vehicles (including buses, goods vehicles, light buses and taxis as registered under records of the Transport Department (TD)) using all government tolled tunnels and the Tsing Sha Control Area from 0.00am on May 17 (Sunday), excluding private cars and motor cycles/motor tricycles. The temporary measure will last for two months until 11.59pm on July 16 (Thursday). The Government will publish relevant notices in the Gazette on May 15.

     The Task Force said that the targeted temporary measure aims to alleviate the operating costs of various types of commercial vehicles, and assist drivers and operators in coping with the pressure arising from rising fuel prices.

     The TD has steered the toll service provider to adjust the HKeToll system to ensure smooth implementation. Commercial vehicle owners are not required to submit any application; they only need to pay the reduced amount as displayed in the system. The payment methods and time limits designated by existing legislation remain unchanged. In addition, taxi passengers are reminded that they must continue to pay the statutory tolls in full during the waiver period.

     Commercial vehicle drivers can obtain the waiver details via the HKeToll and HKeMobility mobile apps, toll information displays, variable message signs on major trunk roads, tunnel radio break-in messages and letters issued by the TD to the trades concerned. During this period, placards will be displayed in taxi compartments to remind passengers to pay tolls in full.

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LCQ11: Strengthening regulatory oversight of employment agencies for foreign domestic helpers

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ11: Strengthening regulatory oversight of employment agencies for foreign domestic helpers 
Question:
 
     It is reported that according to the latest announcement by the Consumer Council (the Council), the Council has received a total of 391 complaints against employment agencies (EAs) for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) since 2023, including cases where FDHs failed to report for duty as scheduled and instances where their competence did not meet expectations. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the following information regarding EAs in each of the past three years (set out in a table): 

(i) the number of complaints received against EAs and the year-on-year rates of change (broken down by nature of complaint); and  
President,
 
     The Labour Department (LD) enforces Part XII of the Employment Ordinance (EO), the Employment Agency Regulations and the Code of Practice for Employment Agencies (CoP), and regulates employment agencies (EAs) in Hong Kong through license administration, inspections, complaint investigation and prosecution, so as to protect the rights of job seekers and employers.
 
     The reply to the Member’s question is set out below:

Complaint items(+13.6%)(+12.0%)(-27.9%)(+51.6%)(-0.7%)(+39.3%)(-11.8%)(+1.5%)(-5.2%)(+27.3%)

 (+175%)(-54.5%) 
(2) and (3) EAs are required to operate in accordance with the law and abide by the CoP issued by the LD. The CoP sets out the legislative requirements that EAs must observe and the standards which the Commissioner for Labour expects EAs to meet, such as maintaining transparency in business operations, drawing up written service agreements with job seekers and employers, providing payment receipts, and avoiding involvement in the financial affairs of job seekers, etc. If the licensee of an EA, or a related person of or an individual employed by the licensee fails to comply with the CoP, the LD may refuse to issue or renew a licence, or may revoke the licence of the EA under EO.
 
     To further enhance the professionalism and service quality of EAs, the LD promulgated the revised CoP in May 2024, introducing additional requirements expected of EAs by the Commissioner for Labour, which include that EAs must specify in the written service agreements drawn up with job seekers and employers the scope of services, the fees charged on each service item, payment arrangements, etc, and clearly state whether the EAs will provide a refund or arrangements for replacement of foreign domestic helpers (FDH) in case the EAs’ services are not delivered in full or if the FDHs prematurely terminate the employment contracts. These revisions enhance the transparency of service fees charged by EAs and strengthen the protection of the rights of employers as customers. In the course of revising the CoP, relevant organisations (including the Consumer Council) had been consulted.
 
     The CoP requires EAs, when providing services to job seekers and employers, to exercise due diligence in verifying the information provided by both parties, and ensure that any information provided to both sides is consistent with the facts known to the EAs. When charging service fees to employers, EAs must make sure that the job applicants referred to employers meet the qualifications and other requirements listed by the employers. In addition, EAs should exercise professional judgment in selecting any business partners within and outside Hong Kong, and consider the reliability of information on job seekers provided by their business partner(s) located outside Hong Kong, including but not limited to the job seekers’ academic qualifications, skills, training received, etc.
 
     Job seekers and employers should compare the services and fees offered by different EAs and choose the EAs that suit their needs. They should carefully read and understand relevant terms before signing the service agreements. If unreasonable terms are spotted in the service agreements, they should refuse to sign and, where necessary, seek assistance from the Customs and Excise Department, the Consumer Council or the LD.

(4) To enhance transparency of the past records of EAs, the LD’s Employment Agencies Portal not only uploads information on EAs with valid licences, but also publishes records of EAs that have been convicted of overcharging commissions or unlicensed operation, have had their licences revoked or renewal refused, and have been issued written warnings. This facilitates the public in making informed decisions when engaging EA services, avoiding impairment of their rights.
 
     The LD has also established regular liaison mechanism with the consulates-general of major FDH-sending countries in Hong Kong to strengthen collaboration and exchange of information on unscrupulous EAs with a view to ensuring the rights of employers and FDHs are fully protected. If malpractices by organisations outside Hong Kong in arranging FDHs to take up employment in Hong Kong are identified, the LD will reflect the matter to relevant governments concerned through the liaison mechanism and request appropriate follow-up actions.Issued at HKT 11:35

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LCQ18: Handling nuisance cases involving residents of public rental housing

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Leung Man-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, in the Legislative Council today (May 13):
 
Question:

     Under the existing policy, residents of public rental housing (PRH) are not permitted to install closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) outside their flats or in public corridors. Offenders are liable to a warning or point allotment under the Marking Scheme for Estate Management Enforcement. However, it is learnt that quite a number of residents have installed recording devices outside their flats or in public corridors without authorization in order to ensure security or prevent nuisance caused by neighbours. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     Public rental housing (PRH) residents are required to comply with the terms of the tenancy agreement as well as the policies set by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA). Otherwise, their tenancy may be terminated. According to the terms of the PRH tenancy agreement, tenants are prohibited from causing any disturbance or nuisance inside or outside the rented flat to other residents. Should a PRH tenant breach the tenancy agreement by causing nuisance to others, the Housing Department (HD) will take tenancy control actions against the offending tenant in accordance with the terms of the PRH tenancy agreement or the Marking Scheme for Estate Management Enforcement in Public Housing Estates (the Marking Scheme). Serious cases will result in termination of the tenancy and recovery of the flat.
 
     In response to the question raised by the Hon Leung Man-kwong, our reply is as follows:

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LCQ15: Enhancing quarantine arrangements for pets returning from the Mainland after travel

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by the Hon Dominic Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 13):

Question:

     It is learnt that in recent years, many Hong Kong people travel to and from the Mainland with their pets. There are views suggesting that although the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has shortened the quarantine period for cats and dogs upon their arrival in Hong Kong from the previous 120 days to 30 days since June 3 last year, the procedures remain cumbersome with a relatively long waiting time. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will further enhance the current procedures for applying for a Special/Import Permit for animals, for example, by streamlining the application process and introducing an electronic payment function, so as to shorten the time for vetting and approval; if so, of the details and timetable; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) whether it has compiled any statistics on the respective numbers of applications and approvals for Import Permits required for Hong Kong people to bring cats and dogs back to Hong Kong after travelling to the Mainland with them in each of the past five years and the average number of days taken for vetting and approval; and

(3) whether AFCD has any plans to introduce targeted measures, such as setting up a “fast-track quarantine channel for the entry of pets brought by Hong Kong people” at designated boundary control points, so as to facilitate the quarantine procedures for pets brought back to Hong Kong by Hong Kong people after travelling to the Mainland with them; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:      

President,

     Rabies is a contagious disease that causes fatality to mammals (including humans) and no specific treatment is available at present, patients generally die once clinical signs appear, and nearly 60 000 people die of rabies globally every year. To protect public health, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) regulates the import of live animals under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations (Cap. 139A) and the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A). Under effective control measures, Hong Kong has long been widely recognised as a rabies-free place by other places.

     The reply to the question from the Hon Dominic Lee is as follows:

(1) To import dogs and cats from the Mainland into Hong Kong, an Import Permit must be applied from the AFCD, and the animals must undergo quarantine upon arrival. Applicants may submit their permit applications online, by email, by post or in person, and may choose to apply to either the AFCD or the Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for the use of quarantine facilities. From June 2025, the AFCD has enhanced quarantine arrangements for dogs and cats imported from the Mainland, significantly reducing the quarantine period from 120 days to 30 days. The AFCD and the SPCA have also increased the number of quarantine facilities for dogs and cats to reduce waiting times.

Once the AFCD has verified the required application documents and confirmed the applicant has reserved quarantine facilities, an Import Permit will be issued within five working days free of charge. Quarantine fees are payable only after the dogs and cats have arrived in Hong Kong from the Mainland, and can be settled via Faster Payment System (FPS) and other electronic payment methods, by cheque or in cash. 

(2) The number of Import Permits issued for dogs and cats imported into Hong Kong from the Mainland over the past five years is set out at Annex. The AFCD does not maintain the breakdown of Hong Kong residents who applied for Import Permit to Hong Kong after bringing dogs and cats to the Mainland.

(3) As dogs and cats may come into contact with animals infected with rabies whilst staying in the Mainland or overseas places, they must be imported in accordance with the quarantine requirements specified for the risk level of that region upon return to Hong Kong. As the incubation period for rabies can last up to several months, to ensure public health and safety, it is not appropriate to replace quarantine with “fast-track quarantine”. The AFCD will continue to liaise with the Mainland authorities and, taking into account actual operational situations, risk assessment and stakeholder opinion, timely review whether the quarantine arrangements for imported cats and dogs could be further optimised.