Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Immigration Department repatriates 113 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to their places of origin
The ImmD has been committed to promptly removing unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong to maintain effective immigration control and safeguard the public interest. Under the updated removal policy effective from December 7, 2022, the ImmD may generally proceed with the removal of a claimant whose judicial review case has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court, thereby enhancing the efficiency of and efforts in removing unsubstantiated claimants.
Depending on circumstances and needs, the ImmD will remain committed to expediting the removal process and will actively maintain close liaison with governments of major source countries of non-refoulement claimants, airline companies and other government departments to repatriate unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong as soon as practicable through all appropriate measures.
Issued at HKT 15:02
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Over 10 groups to perform at “Dance with Love and Compassion” Inclusive Performance on January 25 (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Over 10 groups to perform at “Dance with Love and Compassion” Inclusive Performance on January 25
This event’s performers include professional dancers, inclusive dance troupes, special school students and parents, primary school students and the elderly. There will also be interactive dancing sessions with audience members to promote harmony between disabled and non-disabled individuals. Meanwhile, the award-winning China Hong Kong Para Dance Sport Association will perform a mesmerising wheelchair dance. This association recently won three gold and three silver medals at the mass participation para dance sport event of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympics Games. Another highlight is a modern dance performance by the Dancing Heart Troupe of St. James’ Settlement, the first local professional dance group comprising individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Other line-ups include the Caritas Lok Hang Workshop “Dansalogue”, Haven of Hope Tseung Kwan O and Sai Kung District Support Centre “Angels’ Blessing”, the Hong Chi Morninglight School in Tuen Mun, the Hong Kong PHAB Association Stanley Shek O Neighbourhood Elderly Centre, the Hong Kong Red Cross John F. Kennedy Centre, the Li Sing Tai Hang School Show Choir, Mary Rose School, the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council Wong Tai Sin Wellness Support Centre, and the Parents’ Association of Pre-school Handicapped Children, among others.
The Dance for All Community Care Inclusive Dance Scheme was launched in 2024. Based at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and with veteran local dance artist Andy Wong as Artistic Advisor, the Scheme includes a series of inclusive performances featuring disabled persons as performers. Additionally, a year-long dance training programme is being offered by a professional dance group to students from two special schools, namely the Jockey Club Hong Chi School and the Caritas Lok Kan School. Upon completion of the training, participants will stage a finale performance at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Please visit www.abo.gov.hk/en/scheme/idc2425
To show care for senior citizens, people with different abilities, and other communities in need, the LCSD has introduced the Community Care Series, which offers a vast range of recreational, sports, and cultural activities and facilities. More details can be found on its webpage at: www.lcsd.gov.hk/edutainment/en/for_care/index.htmlIssued at HKT 12:00
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HKMA publishes Project CargoX Recommendation Report (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKMA publishes Project CargoX Recommendation Report Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Howard Lee said, “Project CargoX marks a pivotal step in modernising Hong Kong’s trade finance ecosystem by integrating advanced digital solutions, optimising cargo and trade data connectivity through our next-generation Commercial Data Interchange infrastructure, and strengthening international links. The recommendations of the CargoX Expert Panel provide a strategic blueprint and actionable roadmap to position Hong Kong as a trusted, data-driven hub for global digital trade. I extend my sincere thanks to the CargoX Expert Panel members, drawn from a rich diversity of experiences spanning both public and private sectors, for their exceptional insights that have shaped this transformative initiative.”
The full report is available on the HKMA websiteIssued at HKT 7:00
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Inclusive dance event to be held
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Leisure & Cultural Services Department will present the Dance with Love & Compassion Inclusive Performance on Sunday January 25 at 3pm at the Cultural Centre Piazza, featuring some 180 performers.
The free event will showcase professional dancers, inclusive dance troupes, special school students and parents, primary students and seniors. Interactive audience sessions will also be held to promote harmony with people with disabilities.
The China Hong Kong Para Dance Sport Association will also perform a wheelchair dance. The association won three gold and three silver medals at mass participation para dance sport event at the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympics Games.
Another highlight is a performance by the Dancing Heart Troupe of St. James’ Settlement, the first local professional dance group for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The event is part of the Dance for All Community Care Inclusive Dance Scheme launched in 2024. Based at the Cultural Centre with veteran dancer Andy Wong as artistic advisor, the scheme includes a series of inclusive performances featuring people with disabilities.
Speech by CE at “Love – A Spring of Hope” Music Prayer Service for Blessing of Hong Kong (with photos/video)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at “Love – A Spring of Hope” Music Prayer Service for the Blessing of Hong Kong today (January 18):
Cardinal Stephen Chow (Bishop of Hong Kong), Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Pro-Prefect of the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelization),
Welcome, everyone, to Central, as we gather for the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong’s “Love – A Spring of Hope” Music Prayer Service for the Blessing of Hong Kong. Through dance, drama and music, let us convey a message of hope, peace and unity to our society.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong. Over the years, the Diocese has walked alongside Hong Kong society through every season, from post-war reconstruction to economic growth and transformation. It has remained a steady and positive presence in the community. Through their work in education, healthcare, and social services, the Church’s sisters and brothers have put faith into positive action, bringing hope and comfort to countless individuals and families.
As the largest school sponsoring body in Hong Kong, the Catholic Diocese has nurtured generations of well-rounded individuals. Its hospitals and clinics provide professional and compassionate care to the sick, safeguarding our citizens’ health.
The Diocese also delivers a wide range of social services, caring for the vulnerable, supporting those in need, looking after the elderly and strengthening families. In doing so, it transcends boundaries of faith, ethnicity and social background, embodying the principle of “love your neighbour as yourself”, reflecting the inclusive and compassionate spirit of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is at a critical juncture of advancing from stability to prosperity, with vibrant economic development and cohesion. It’s essential that we unite across the community to seize opportunities and thrive together. I’m confident that the Diocese will continue to create positivity for the community, working hand in hand with the Government and the people of Hong Kong to foster a harmonious society – together.
In closing, I wish the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong continued success as it builds on its legacy, serving society with compassion and spreading hope through faith. May today’s service inspire us to join in “Blessing Hong Kong”, praying for our beloved home to grow ever warmer, more united, more harmonious, more prosperous, and more secure. Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the speech.)
Princess Margaret Hospital announces a suspected indecent assault incident involving staff
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) made the following statement today (January 17) regarding a suspected indecent assault incident involving a staff member:
A phlebotomist was suspected to have been indecently assaulted while working in a medicine and geriatrics ward this morning and immediately reported the incident to the Police. A 61-year-old male patient was subsequently arrested by the Police in the ward.
The PMH is highly concerned about the incident. The hospital strongly condemns the suspected indecent act against its staff member, resolutely adopts a zero-tolerance attitude towards this incident, and will follow up seriously while fully co-operating with the Police investigation. The hospital has expressed sympathy and provided support to the staff member concerned.
Customs YES organises Shenzhen Qianhai Youth Entrepreneurship Exploration Day (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Customs YES organised the Customs YES X QMN Shenzhen Qianhai Youth Entrepreneurship Exploration Day in collaboration with the partnering organisation Quality Management Network (QMN) today (January 17). Led by the Assistant Commissioner (Administration and Human Resource Development) of Customs and Excise, Ms Phoebe Wong, a delegation of 51 youth from Customs YES and QMN visited innovation and technology (I&T) companies and a start-up incubation base in Qianhai, Shenzhen, to gain insights into the latest developments in the low-altitude economy and explore youth entrepreneurship opportunities in the Greater Bay Area.
The delegation first visited a Drone Education Experience Centre in Shenzhen to learn about the latest developments in aerial photography technology, including its applications in power system inspection and emergency rescue. In addition, under the guidance of professional instructors, the participants took part in a robotics competition and experienced drone operation.
The delegation then visited the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub, where they learned about various facilitation measures supporting Hong Kong and Macao youth in pursuing entrepreneurship and career development on the Chinese Mainland. The participants also interacted with representatives of Hong Kong I&T start-up enterprises based at the hub to learn more about the latest developments in the low-altitude economy, and visited the Hong Kong Youth Short-Term Apartments which offers one-stop accommodation services for Hong Kong youth.
Customs YES will continue to organise various exchange activities to deepen youth’s understanding on the latest developments in the country and Hong Kong’s opportunities and contributions along the course.
EPD highly concerned over industrial accident at yard waste recycling centre
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is highly concerned over an industrial accident that occurred yesterday (January 16) at the yard waste recycling centre, Y·PARK in Tuen Mun, and extends its sympathies to the injured worker and his family members.
At around 2pm yesterday, a worker sustained injury when his left palm was severed while attempting to clear stuck debris at an operating wood chipping machine. He remained conscious and was sent to Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment. The EPD immediately deployed staff to the hospital after the incident to understand the condition of the injured and provide his family members with appropriate assistance.
The EPD notified the Labour Department and the Police in the first instance. Staff from the Labour Department conducted on-site inspection and issued a suspension notice to the contractor, requiring suspension of operation of the concerned machinery until all improvement measures have been implemented. The EPD requested the contractor to fully co-operate with the Labour Department in its investigation, and demanded an incident report from the contractor within three days.
The safety of its facilities remains the top priority of the EPD, with close monitoring of contractors’ operation in place. On the contractor’s front, daily regular on-site inspections on occupational safety conditions and safety training for employees and its subcontractors are part of their requirements.
FS to attend World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Switzerland
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FS to attend World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Switzerland
During the Annual Meeting, Mr Chan will attend, speak and join discussions at several keynote meetings, luncheons and dinners. He will also meet with political, business and financial leaders to brief them on the latest situation in Hong Kong as well as the city’s new opportunities.
Mr Chan will leave Davos on January 23 (Davos time) and arrive in Hong Kong on January 24 morning. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will act as the Financial Secretary.
Issued at HKT 10:00
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Man holding charged with murder, cruelty to animals and theft
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Man holding charged with murder, cruelty to animals and theft
The man was arrested yesterday (January 16) in suspected connection with a murder case happened in Sau Mau Ping, in which a 35-year-old woman died.
The case will be mentioned at Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts on January 19 morning.
Active investigation by the Regional Crime Unit of Kowloon East is under way.
Issued at HKT 23:45
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