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LCQ19: Capitalist system and way of life in Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Lam San-keung and a written reply by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, in the Legislative Council today (March 26):

Question:

     Article 5 of the Basic Law provides that Hong Kong’s “previous capitalist system and way of life shall remain unchanged for 50 years”. The President of the State has also repeatedly praised that “one country, two systems” is a good policy which “must be adhered to in the long run”. Moreover, there are views that the Extension of Government Leases Ordinance (Cap. 648), which came into force in July last year, ensures that the vast majority of land in Hong Kong will have the leases automatically extended for a term of 50 ‍years upon their expiry in 2047. However, it is learnt that the international community and global investors have all along been worried that there is a “2047 time limit” for Hong Kong’s capitalist system. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of the efforts made to allay the concerns of the international community about the 2047 time limit, and how to strengthen the relevant publicity work in the future?

Reply:

President,

     The reply to the Hon Lam San-keung’s question is as follows:

     At the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland in 2022, President Xi Jinping said that, “‘One country, two systems’ has been tested repeatedly in practice. It serves the fundamental interests of not only Hong Kong, but also those of our country and the nation, so there is no reason for us to change such a good policy, and we must adhere to it in the long run.” President Xi reiterated in his report to the 20th National Congress that “the policy of ‘one country, two systems’ is a great innovation of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It has proven to be the best institutional arrangement for ensuring sustained prosperity and stability in Hong Kong after its return to the motherland. The policy must be adhered to over the long term.” These fully demonstrate to the world the Central Authorities’ firm commitment to the principle of “one country, two systems”, which will not be altered, nor shaken. Further, it is essential to ensure that “one country, two systems” is fully and faithfully implemented in Hong Kong without being bent or distorted, and will always advance in the right direction. To make it clear to the world that it is our country’s enduring policy to implement “one country, two systems” resolutely, fully and faithfully, and to showcase the historic and significant achievements made under “one country, two systems” since its implementation, the HKSAR Government will continue to spare no effort in external promotion and telling the good stories of “one country, two systems” and Hong Kong. This includes widely promoting the successful implementation of “one country, two systems” and Hong Kong’s various strengths and opportunities through overseas visits by senior officials in meeting with dignitaries, the business sector, the media and Chinese groups, and through different activities organised by the overseas Economic and Trade Offices, such as meetings with local governments and organisations, media interviews and seminars. We will also actively encourage different organisations to host major international events in Hong Kong, bringing people from all over the world and all walks of life to witness the rapid development of Hong Kong and our remarkable achievements in the implementation of “one country, two systems”.

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Temporary suspension of LCSD’s Mobile Library 3, 9 and 11 services

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Mobile Libraries 3, 9 and 11 will suspend services during designated periods in April for maintenance, a spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 26).

     Mobile Library 11 will suspend services from April 2 to 15. The affected service points are Sun Chui Estate and Kwong Yuen Estate in Sha Tin; Kwai Shing West Estate, Kwai Shing East Estate and Lai Yiu Estate in Kwai Chung; Tin Wah Estate in Tin Shui Wai; Wan Tau Tong Estate and Tai Yuen Estate in Tai Po; Cheung Ching Estate and Easeful Court in Tsing Yi; and Po Tin Estate in Tuen Mun. For enquiries about Mobile Library 11 services, please call 2479 1055.

     Mobile Library 3 will suspend services from April 7 to 12. The affected service points are Shan King Estate, Siu Hong Court, Sam Shing Estate and Fu Tai Estate in Tuen Mun; Kingswood Country Club and Tin Ching Estate in Tin Shui Wai; and Fairview Park in Yuen Long. For enquiries about Mobile Library 3 services, please call 2450 1857.

     Mobile Library 9 will suspend services from April 7 to 17. The affected service points are South Horizons in Ap Lei Chau, Sheung Wan Cultural Square, Tin Wan Estate in Aberdeen, Oi Tung Estate in Aldrich Bay, Tai Hong Street in Lei King Wan and Heng Fa Chuen in Chai Wan. For enquiries about Mobile Library 9 services, please call 2505 4690.

     Readers are welcome to use other public libraries during the service suspension periods. They may also renew library materials by telephoning 2698 0002 or 2827 2833, or via www.hkpl.gov.hk.

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LCQ15: Illegal stay and employment of foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

 Following is a question by Dr the Hon Ngan Man-yu and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (March 26):
 
Question:
 
Under the laws of Hong Kong, a foreign domestic helper (FDH) whose contract is terminated prematurely is permitted to remain in Hong Kong for 14 days after the termination of the contract or the remainder of the permitted stay, whichever is earlier. However, my office has recently received a number of requests for assistance involving FDHs who, after being dismissed, were suspected of making false accusations against their employers of maltreating them or child abuse, etc., in order to apply to the Immigration Department (ImmD) for extension of stay in Hong Kong as visitors and take up illegal employment. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) at present under what circumstances may FDHs’ applications for extension of the limit of their stay in Hong Kong as visitors be accepted by the ImmD after they have been dismissed by their employers; of the relevant procedures, requirements, and restrictions and validity period of their visas (e.g. whether they are allowed to work with their visas and whether they can re-enter Hong Kong after leaving);
 
(2) of the number of applications received by the ImmD for extension of the limit of stay in Hong Kong as visitors in the past three years, together with a breakdown by the type of applicants, reasons for extension of stay, and the outcome of the applications (including the number of approved and rejected cases); and among them the number of such cases involving FDHs;
 
(3) of the number of law enforcement operations conducted by the departments concerned in the past three years to combat illegal workers, and the respective results of such law enforcement operations; the number of illegal workers found during the law enforcement operations who were FDHs and those who had extended their stay in Hong Kong as visitors, and the respective results of such law enforcement operations; and
 
(4) whether the Government has considered stepping up cooperation with other departments to further combat the situation of FDHs overstaying in Hong Kong and engaging in illegal employment, and reviewed the existing mechanism for FDHs to extend the limit of their stay in Hong Kong as visitors and considered revising the related policies, so as to prevent FDHs from engaging in illegal activities by abusing the mechanism; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
Having consulted the Labour Department (LD) and the Immigration Department (ImmD), my reply is as follows:
 
(1) In accordance with the prevailing foreign domestic helper (FDH) policy of the Government, an FDH shall leave Hong Kong upon completion of employment contract or within two weeks from the date of contract termination, whichever is the earlier. The main purpose of this “two-week rule” is to allow sufficient time for FDHs to prepare for their departure, during which they are not allowed to take up any employment, whether paid or unpaid.
 
FDHs will only be allowed to extend their stay in Hong Kong as visitors in exceptional circumstances. Such exceptional circumstances include where an FDH has to attend a tribunal hearing because of labour or monetary disputes, and where an FDH has to stay in Hong Kong to assist in criminal investigations, etc. In this connection, the FDH is required to submit an application for extension of stay to the ImmD. He/She must provide supporting documents (e.g. documents issued by the LD or the Labour Tribunal to prove that his/her labour dispute case has been accepted or is being processed) before the application will be considered. The duration of extension of stay granted will be determined based on the relevant purpose of stay and individual circumstances. The ImmD will continue to exercise stringent gate-keeping and thoroughly examine every application from FDHs for extension of stay in Hong Kong as visitors.
 
After leaving Hong Kong, these FDHs may re-enter Hong Kong as visitors, no different from other visitors.
 
Under the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115), any person (including FDH) who takes up any employment, whether paid or unpaid, in contravention of the condition of stay during his/her stay in Hong Kong as a visitor shall be guilty of an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment.
 
(2) The statistics on the number of applications received by the ImmD for extension of stay in Hong Kong as visitors in the past three years are tabulated below:
 

Year 2022 2023 2024
Number of applications
(applications involving FDHs)		 684 096
(7 673)		 334 861
(5 506)		 303 385
(7 625)
Number of approved applications
(applications involving FDHs)		 635 104
(4 710)		 314 240
(3 898)		 278 537
(6 153)
Number of rejected applications
(applications involving FDHs)		 9 216
(2 690)		 4 339
(1 445)		 2 808
(1 235)

Note 1: Applications processed in a year may not totally be those received in the same year.
 
Note 2: The figures only reflect the number of applications but not the actual number of applicants. An applicant may apply for extension of stay more than once.
 
The ImmD does not maintain other statistical breakdowns mentioned in the question.
 
(3) and (4) As mentioned above, under the prevailing policy, FDHs will be allowed to extend their stay in Hong Kong as visitors only under exceptional circumstances, and during the extended stay, they are not allowed to take up any employment. We will keep reviewing the relevant policy to ensure its continued effectiveness.
 
The Government has been adopting a multi-pronged strategy, including increase in penalty, strict law enforcement, and conducting publicity and education, so as to combat illegal employment (including FDHs taking up illegal employment during their stay in Hong Kong as visitors). Details are as follows:
 
(i) Increase in penalty
 
It is a serious offence to engage in illegal employment. Illegal workers, employers as well as aiders and abettors of illegal employment will be liable to prosecution in accordance with the Immigration Ordinance. The Government amended the Immigration Ordinance in 2021 by increasing the penalty on employers of illegal workers so as to reflect the gravity of the offence. Under the amended 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 ten years’ imprisonment. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
 
(ii) Strict law enforcement
 
Various law enforcement agencies (LEAs) (including the ImmD, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the LD) have been proactively collecting intelligence and conducting joint operations to raid premises suspected of having illegal employment activities in order to combat the employment of illegal workers.
 
To specifically tackle FDHs in breach of condition of stay and the relevant employers’ violations, the ImmD will timely conduct various special operations to raid the black spots of illegal employment according to intelligence. Apart from prosecuting FDHs in breach of condition of stay, the ImmD will also take law enforcement actions against intermediaries or agents that aid and abet these FDHs.
 
According to the ImmD’s record, the number of law enforcement operations against illegal workers (including joint operations with other departments including the HKPF, etc.) in the past three years is tabulated below:
 

Year Number of operations
2022 15 759
2023 17 248
2024 17 906
2025 (as at February) 2 863

Besides, when conducting regular workplace inspections to enforce labour laws, the LD will check employees’ proof of identity and records of employees kept by employers under the power conferred by Part IVB of the Immigration Ordinance to deter employers from employing illegal workers. Cases of suspected illegal employment detected will be referred to relevant LEAs for follow-up. The number of referrals by the LD in the past three years is as follows:
 

Year Number of suspected illegal employment cases referred to relevant LEAs
2022 99
2023 123
2024 137
2025 (as at end of February) 25

The numbers of FDHs arrested, prosecuted and convicted for illegal employment in the past three years are tabulated below:
 

Year FDHs^
Arrested Prosecuted Convicted
2022 318 242 224
2023 415 343 318
2024 326 267 216
2025
(as at February)		 47 35 23

^ Refers to FDHs or overstaying former FDHs at the time of arrest
 
Note: Persons prosecuted/convicted may not be arrested/prosecuted in the same year.
 
(iii) Publicity and education
 
In addition to sparing no effort to take law enforcement actions, the Government has all along been co-operating, and will continue to actively co-operate, with the relevant Consulates-General in Hong Kong to step up publicity and education for newly arrived FDHs about the fact that illegal employment in Hong Kong is a serious offence liable to imprisonment. The LD also promulgated the revised Code of Practice for Employment Agencies in May 2024, requiring employment agencies to thoroughly brief FDH job seekers on FDH-related immigration regulations.
 
The ImmD does not maintain other statistical breakdowns mentioned in the question.

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Red flags lowered at Deep Water Bay Beach and Repulse Bay Beach

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 26) that the red flags at Deep Water Bay Beach and Repulse Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island, have been lowered.

The red flags were hoisted earlier because of emergency repair works on the sewer carried out near the beaches. 

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LCQ8: United States’ imposition of additional duty on products of Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Tommy Cheung and a written reply by the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, in the Legislative Council today (March 26):
 
Question:
 
     The United States (US) Government has imposed additional duties on products from China, and Hong Kong products are likewise subject to such additional duties. As at the fourth of this month, a cumulative 20 per cent duty has been imposed on Hong Kong products. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the Government’s progress in filing a complaint regarding the matter with the World Trade Organization to defend Hong Kong’s legitimate rights; whether it has estimated how long it will take to process the complaint;
 
(2) whether the Government will consider working with the country to take countermeasures, including imposing additional duties on certain US products and placing some US enterprises on the export control list; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(3) how the Government assesses the impacts of the additional duties on the exports of Hong Kong products, and of the proactive corresponding measures to minimise the negative impacts and identify new opportunities?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The United States (US)’s imposition of additional tariffs on products of Hong Kong undermines the rule-based multilateral trading system, is grossly inconsistent with the relevant World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and ignores Hong Kong’s status as a separate customs territory as stipulated in Article 116 of the Basic Law and recognised by the WTO. As announced earlier, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will file a complaint against the US’s measure in accordance with the WTO dispute settlement mechanism. We are now mapping out the strategy and taking forward the relevant work progressively. Generally speaking, the time required for handling individual WTO dispute cases would depend on different factors such as the complexity of the case, the progress and outcome of the consultations between the disputing parties involved, etc. With reference to previous cases, the time required is generally measured in years, and there is no specific time limit.
 
     The US’s additional 20 per cent tariffs on Hong Kong products would inevitably affect export of Hong Kong products to the US, particularly in the short term. That said, the domestic exports value of Hong Kong products to the US is relatively small in terms of Hong Kong’s total trade value. In 2024, the domestic exports value of relevant products to the US was about HK$5.9 billion, accounting for about 0.1 per cent of Hong Kong’s total exports value and about 0.06 per cent of Hong Kong’s total trade value. Given the foregoing, it is estimated that the US’s tariff measures on Hong Kong products would have a limited impact on Hong Kong’s overall merchandise trade. On the other hand, Hong Kong enterprises have responded to market changes through various arrangements, such as reintegrating supply chains, and exploring different emerging markets as well as different means including e-commerce in recent years. It is expected that the above measures would offset, to a certain extent, the possible impact brought about by the US tariffs.
 
     As the founding member of the WTO, Hong Kong has been a staunch supporter of a rule-based multilateral trading system, and commended by WTO members on various occasions for our continued adoption of free and open trade policies. We are one of the most open economies welcoming trade and investments, and have never imposed any tariffs on imported goods. Notwithstanding this, to tackle unfair trade practices targeting Hong Kong and in light of the evolving international trade landscape, the HKSAR Government has been actively expanding the economic and trade network and exploring development opportunities in markets with potential, especially emerging markets. At the same time, in order to help the trade cope with the various challenges (including the impact of the US’s tariffs), the HKSAR Government has been providing assistance to the trade, including keeping them abreast of the latest developments through disseminating relevant trade information to the trade via different channels and implementing various funding schemes to assist the trade in enhancing their competitiveness and exploring diversified markets.
 
     The HKSAR Government will continue with the relevant work. In the meantime, we will closely monitor the situation with a view to considering further follow-up.

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Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit 2025 reinforces city’s role as global family office hub, driving innovation, collaboration and lasting legacies (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit 2025 reinforces city’s role as global family office hub, driving innovation, collaboration and lasting legacies  
     Co-organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the third edition of the Summit delivered an influential platform for collaboration and innovation and drew global decision-makers from regions including the Mainland, Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Hong Kong to engage in interactive discussions exploring how wealth can drive social progress and sustainable impact.
 
     As a flagship event of the Wealth and Investment Mega Event Week during Hong Kong Super March, the WGHK was opened by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan. He said, “Family offices play a vital role in preserving family wealth, creating lasting influences through philanthropy worldwide and leading impact investment. As an international financial centre, we have a robust network of world-class financial service professionals and offer an extensive array of investment opportunities. In this city, international foundations, charities and non-governmental organisations come together to form a vibrant philanthropy network. We are also investing heavily to propel Hong Kong’s development in innovation and technology like green tech and AI, benefiting the future of humanity. All these, together with the quality lifestyle in Hong Kong, the convergence of Eastern and Western cultures, the dazzling array of mega events, make Hong Kong the ideal place for family offices to thrive and realise their ambitions.”
 
     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, stated that the well-received event reaffirmed Hong Kong’s stature as a pre-eminent global hub for family offices. He said, “This vibrant city – a beacon of opportunity, a super connector between East and West, and a thriving hub for over 2 700 single family offices – is where your vision, your capital, and your passion can flourish. Together, we stand on the cusp of a new era, one where wealth is not just preserved but harnessed as a force for good, transcending borders and generations. I invite you to join us in a shared mission: to build, to learn, and to give. These three pillars will define our collaboration, inspiring you to leverage Hong Kong’s unique ecosystem to create a lasting impact.”
 
     The Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, said, “Hong Kong is Asia’s leading global hub for wealth management, innovation, and sustainable investment. The WGHK again proved to be an exceptional platform for thought leadership, uniting global family offices to exchange ideas and drive positive change while leveraging the city’s robust financial infrastructure and connectivity. At InvestHK, we are dedicated to supporting global investors in unlocking new opportunities and making a lasting impact in Asia and beyond.”
 
     The WGHK featured a distinguished lineup of international speakers who shared insights on the transformative power of wealth. Through insightful sharing of speakers on three sub-themes at panel discussions, participants delved into the evolving landscape of art, culture and luxury, the strategic delivery of impact philanthropy, and the expanding role of technology and artificial intelligence in driving sustainable wealth creation. There was also a fireside chat discussing on the theme “Crafting Success Across Continents and Industries”.
 
     Many speakers today rated Hong Kong highly as an idea place for setting up family offices.
 
     Founder of ADLEGACY, Mr Horst Bente, said, “Hong Kong has always been a special place for our family. The expansion of the company in the ’60s and ’70s to Asia came through Hong Kong. My parents and I were here when I was a little boy, so we’ve spent a lot of time in this city. To me, Hong Kong has always been the gateway to Asia. Investors are here, money is here, and obviously the talent is here. Hong Kong has a dynamic energy, brand-new facilities, and a genuine enthusiasm for sports. We want to be part of that and help create something that doesn’t exist here yet.”
 
     The Vice Chairman of Swarovski International Holding, Mr Robert Buchbauer, said, “When I look at Hong Kong, I see a city that offers stability, predictability, and an environment that is business-friendly – key elements for any family office seeking a solid foundation for long-term growth. People in Hong Kong want to do business, and that entrepreneurial spirit hasn’t changed. It’s what makes Hong Kong so dynamic and a perfect place for legacy-focused companies like ours to explore new partnerships and paths for growth.”
 
     The Co-founder and Chairman of Alibaba Group, Mr Joe Tsai, said, “I first discovered Hong Kong in the 1980s, and it struck me as a truly international city with an unmatched entrepreneurial energy. Even through challenging times, Hong Kong’s free-market DNA, vibrant financial markets, and supportive tax environment stand out – making it, in my view, one of the best places for businesses and family offices to thrive.”
 
     The Summit concluded with a Gala Dinner, uniting family offices and industry leaders from around the world for an evening of connections and insight-sharing. Set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions about family legacies and opportunities, and appreciated the city’s energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration.
Issued at HKT 20:00

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Housing Authority to pass on rates concession to tenants

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Housing Authority to pass on rates concession to tenants 
     The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) will pass on the rates concession for the first quarter of 2025-26, as set out in the Budget Speech of the Financial Secretary in February this year, to its domestic and non-domestic tenants, starting from April 2025. 
 
     “Following approval by the Subsidised Housing Committee of the HA, the apportioned amount of rates concession will be passed on to domestic tenants on a monthly basis over a three-month period from April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025, by offsetting an equivalent amount of the monthly rent payable by them, subject to a ceiling of $500 for each rateable property,” a spokesman for the HA said today (March 26). For tenancies that do not cover the entire month, the transfer of the rates concession will be made on a pro-rata basis.
 
     “The rates concession passing-on arrangement will apply to all domestic lettings including interim housing licensees,” the spokesman said.
 
“Similarly, the Commercial Properties Committee (CPC) of the HA approved that the rates concession for the first quarter of 2025-26 for the HA’s non-domestic properties (excluding car parks) will also be passed on to the non-domestic tenants/licensees on a ‘no loss, no gain’ principle. Their monthly rates from April to June 2025 will be waived subject to a ceiling of $500 for each rateable non-domestic property,” the spokesman said.
 
     Also, for the HA’s 18 single-operator markets, namely Ching Long, Choi Fook, Chun Yeung, Hoi Tat, Hung Fuk, Kwai Chung, Lei Muk Shue, Mun Tung, On Tai, Pak Tin, Queens Hill, Shek Mun, Shui Chuen O, Tin Yan, Yan Tin, Ying Tung, Kai Chuen and Ping Yan, the operators will also pass on the rates concession to their licensees in full.
 
     “Given the small amount of rates concession to individual car park users and the significant administrative costs involved for its distribution to these users, the CPC endorsed the exclusion of car parks from this exercise in line with the arrangements for passing on the rates concession in previous exercises. The rates concession for car parks received by the HA will be invested in enhancing the HA’s car park facilities, such as installation of electric vehicle charging facilities at suitable sites, replacement of energy-efficient lighting to promote environmental protection and upgrading of security systems,” the spokesman said. 
  
The maximum total amount of rates concession to be passed on to domestic and non-domestic tenants/licensees by the HA is estimated to be about $397 million and $4.5 million respectively. They will be individually notified of the detailed arrangements by the Housing Department.
Issued at HKT 14:30

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LCQ9: New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ9: New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme 
Question:
 
     The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address enhancements to the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) to further strengthen Hong Kong’s status as an international asset and wealth management centre. The enhancement measures have taken effect from the 1st of this month. Regarding the implementation of New CIES, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the respective numbers of applications received and approved by the authorities since the launch of New CIES;
 
(2) whether the authorities have compiled statistics on the types of approved investment of the integrated financial assets of the applicants since the launch of New CIES, together with a breakdown in table form by total investment amount (in descending order);
 
(3) as the scope of investment of New CIES has been extended to cover single residential properties with a transaction price of no less than $50 million since October 16 last year, whether the authorities have compiled statistics on the number of transactions involving the sale and purchase of such residential properties since that date;
 
(4) from the implementation of New CIES to the effective date of the enhancement measures, whether the authorities have compiled statistics on the total number of applicants or their dependants who have set up family offices in Hong Kong during this period; if so, of the details; and
 
(5) whether the authorities have plans on when to review the effectiveness of the enhancement measures, and further enhance New CIES where necessary, for example, by lowering the threshold for the permissible investment in single residential properties of no less than $50 million to no less than $30 million, so that the attractiveness of New CIES can be enhanced?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     The New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) opened for application from March 2024, with the aim to further enrich the talent pool and attract new capital to Hong Kong. In consultation with Invest Hong Kong and the Immigration Department (ImmD), the reply to various parts of the question is as follows:
 
     Since the launch of the New CIES to end-February 2025, the New CIES has received 918 applications, approved 868 applications for Net Asset Assessment and 386 applications for Assessment on Investment Requirements. The ImmD granted “approval-in-principle” for 756 applications, enabling the applicants to enter Hong Kong as visitors to make the committed investment, and granted “formal approval” for 341 applications. If all applications received are approved, it is estimated that they will bring more than HK$27 billion to Hong Kong.
 
     Under the New CIES, applicants must invest a minimum of HK$30 million in the permissible investment assets, including investing a minimum of HK$27 million in the permissible financial assets and/or real estate (subject to a cap of HK$10 million), and placing HK$3 million into a new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme Investment Portfolio (CIES Investment Portfolio). Among the 386 approved applications for Assessment on Investment Requirements as of end-February 2025, no applicant has made investment in residential real estate under the New CIES. Excluding the sum for investing in the CIES Investment Portfolio, the approved investment distribution is as follows:
 

 (HK$ Million)     Except for the applicants’ investment in Hong Kong under the New CIES, the Government does not maintain the data on the investments made by applicants in Hong Kong (including residential real estate) outside the New CIES. Furthermore, before the enhancement measures took effect, it was not required for the applicant and his/her dependents to declare family office setups in Hong Kong, hence the Government does not maintain data on family offices established in Hong Kong by the applicant or his/her dependents.
 
     To enhance the attractiveness of the New CIES and developmental strengths of Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management industry, with effect from October 16, 2024, applicants under the New CIES are allowed to invest in residential properties, provided that the transaction price of a single property is HK$50 million or above. The total investment amount in real estate (the aggregate of all residential and non-residential properties) which is counted toward fulfilling the minimum investment threshold is subject to an aggregate cap of HK$10 million. The Government also announced a series of enhancement measures to the New CIES in January 2025. Effective on March 1, 2025, the measures include:
 
(a) relaxing the requirements on the fulfillment of net asset requirement (NAR): An applicant under the New CIES is only required to demonstrate that he/she has net assets or net equity to which he/she is absolutely beneficially entitled with a market value of not less than HK$30 million net throughout six months (two years before the enhancement) preceding the application. Net assets or net equity jointly owned with the applicant’s family member(s) can also be taken into consideration for the calculation of the NAR for the respective portion which is absolutely beneficially entitled to the applicant; and
 
(b) allowing the holding of permissible investment assets through a Family-owned Investment Holding Vehicle (FIHV) or a Family-owned Special Purpose Entity (FSPE) under an FIHV: Investments made through an eligible private company wholly owned by an applicant can be counted towards the applicant’s eligible investment in the New CIES. An eligible private company refers to a holding company incorporated or registered in Hong Kong which is wholly owned by an applicant in the form of an FIHV or an FSPE under an FIHV managed by an eligible single family office as defined in Section 2 of Schedule 16E to the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112). The enhancement will create synergy between the New CIES and establishment of family offices in Hong Kong.
 
     The Government will continuously review the operation of the New CIES and suitably evaluate its effectiveness.
Issued at HKT 14:15

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LCQ16: Pilot Rehabilitation Programme for Employees Injured at Work

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ16: Pilot Rehabilitation Programme for Employees Injured at Work 
Question:
 
     The Government launched a three-year Pilot Rehabilitation Programme for Employees Injured at Work (the Pilot Programme) on September 23, 2022, to facilitate injured workers’ early recovery and return to work. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of the current staff establishment and strength of the Work Injury Rehabilitation Office (WIRO), which is responsible for implementing the Pilot Programme, as well as the average number of cases followed up by each of its case manager;
 
(2) of (i) the number of reported work injury cases received by the Labour Department (LD) in each of the past three years and this year to date and, among them, (ii) the number of cases identified as eligible for participating in the Pilot Programme (and its percentage), and (iii) the number of cases participating in the Pilot Programme (and its percentage in the total number of cases eligible for participating in the Pilot Programme), and set out in Table 1 a‍ breakdown by (a) construction industry, (b) catering and hotel industry (the industry covered since May last year), and (c) ‍transportation and logistics industry (the industry covered since May last year);

Table 1

Case category(3) in respect of the cases participating in the Pilot Programme mentioned in (2)(iii), of (i) the types of work injury sustained by the injured workers involved, and (ii) the time taken between they agreed to participate in the Pilot Programme and received their first medical consultation from the case doctors, together with a breakdown by industry (i.e. (i) construction industry, (ii) catering and hotel industry, and (iii) transportation and logistics industry);

(4) given that in the reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on the Estimates of Expenditure 2024-2025, the Government has indicated that the authorities will (a) ‍analyse and compare the data of the participants of the Pilot Programme against (b) the data of the injured employees who sustain similar work injuries but have not participated in the Pilot Programme, so as to assess the effectiveness of the Pilot Programme, of the respective numbers and ratios of cases ‍in which the employees referred to in the aforesaid (a) and (b) have ‍recovered after treatment, as well as the respective average time‍ taken for recovery, together with a breakdown by industry (i.e.‍ (i)‍ construction industry, (ii) catering and hotel industry, and (iii)‍ transportation and logistics industry);

Return-to-work status(6) of the respective numbers and nature of enquiries and complaints received by the authorities about the Pilot Programme since its implementation; and
 
(7) whether it will consider extending the Pilot Programme to cover more industries, including those with higher risks of work injury such as the manufacturing and retail industries, as well as extending or regularising the Pilot Programme, so as to benefit more injured workers in need; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,

    The Labour Department (LD) launched the Pilot Rehabilitation Programme for Employees Injured at Work (Pilot Programme) in September 2022. The Pilot Programme adopts a case management approach to provide timely and coordinated private out-patient rehabilitation treatment services for participating injured employees to facilitate their early recovery and return to work. Starting from May 9, 2024, the industry coverage of the Pilot Programme has been expanded to the catering and hotel industry and the transportation and logistics industry in addition to the original construction industry, with the aim of benefiting more injured employees.  
(2) and (3) According to the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance (ECO), an employer must notify the Commissioner for Labour of any work accident within 14 days after the accident occurs or after it comes to his knowledge. The LD and the WIRO will, based on the reported work injury cases, preliminarily identify injured employees who are suitable for the Pilot Programme, proactively invite them to participate in the Pilot Programme and arrange interviews to ascertain their eligibility for and willingness to participate in the Pilot Programme. Thereafter, the case manager will schedule an appointment for the employee to meet with the case doctor. Once the case doctor ascertains after clinical assessment that the employee’s injury is suitable for treatment under the Pilot Programme, the relevant rehabilitation treatment will begin immediately. The injuries of the participants mainly involve contusion/bruise, sprain/strain and fracture, etc., accounting for about 80 per cent of all cases.

 ^@@(19%)(21%)(27%)(43%)(42%)(35%)(45%)(47%)* Numbers of non-fatal employees’ compensation claims involving incapacitation of employees for more than three days as a result of work injuries reported under the ECO and received by the LD
^ The Pilot Programme was launched on September 23, 2022.
@ The Pilot Programme was expanded to the catering and hotel industry and the transportation and logistics industry on May 9, 2024.

Table 2

Time from preliminary identification to first medical consultation(Rate)(4) The LD has conducted a preliminary evaluation on the first two years of operation of the Pilot Programme (i.e. from September 2022 to September 2024), and compared the data of the injured construction employees participating in the Pilot Programme against that of the injured construction employees who sustained similar work injuries but did not participate in the Programme. The findings show that the participants had a higher rate (75 per cent vs 62 per cent) of reaching maximum medical improvement (i.e. recovered) upon treatment during the evaluation period and the median time required for recovery was also shorter (123 days vs 192 ‍days), which met the objective of the Pilot Programme. Besides, the majority of participants were satisfied with the case management and rehabilitation treatment services provided under the Pilot Programme. Since many cases in the catering and hotel industry and the transportation and logistics industry are still being followed up, the LD will analyse the participants from these two industries in the future evaluation.

(5) Under the Pilot Programme, if participants have not returned to work within two months after recovery, the case manager will obtain updates on their return-to-work (RTW) status in the subsequent three months. As at February 2025, a total of 1 354 employees’ injuries have reached maximum medical improvement upon treatment (i.e. recovered). Their RTW status is as follows:
 

Return-to-work status(Rate)(43%)(51%)(57%)(46%)(Rate)(9%)(3%)(7%)(8%)(Rate)(12%)(34%)(26%)(17%)(Rate)(28%)(7%)(9%)(21%)(Rate)(9%)(6%)(1%)(7%) 
(6) As at February 2025, the WIRO received 232 enquiries mainly seeking information on the Pilot Programme’s content and eligibility for participation. There were also three complaints that mainly concerned the performance of individual rehabilitation professional or case manager.Issued at HKT 13:30

NNNN

Posted on

Appeal for information on missing woman in Tseung Kwan O (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Police today (March 26) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Tseung Kwan O.

     Tung Kit-yu, aged 22, went missing after she left her residence on Kai King Road on March 23 night. Her family made a report to Police yesterday (March 25).

     She is about 1.65 metres tall, 55 kilograms in weight and of medium build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a brown checkered jacket, khaki trousers, black sneakers and carrying a light-coloured recycle bag.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0331 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.