Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Unemployment and underemployment statistics for April – June 2026
Comparing April – June 2026 with March – May 2026, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Decreases were mainly seen in the import and export trade sector, food and beverage service activities sector, and real estate sector while increases were mainly seen in the manufacturing sector, and warehousing and support activities for transportation sector. As to the underemployment rate, increases were mainly seen in the warehousing and support activities for transportation sector, construction sector, and professional and business services sector (excluding cleaning and similar activities).
Total employment increased by around 6 800 from 3 639 300 in March – May 2026 to 3 646 100 in April – June 2026. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 5 500 from 3 780 300 to 3 785 800.Issued at HKT 16:30
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Approved Aberdeen & Ap Lei Chau Outline Zoning Plan amended
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Approved Aberdeen & Ap Lei Chau Outline Zoning Plan amended * The Secretariat of the Town Planning Board reserves the right to require the representer to provide identity proof for verification.Issued at HKT 16:00
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Immigration Department carries out in-flight escort repatriation operation repatriating six unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to their place of origin
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Immigration Department (ImmD) carried out an in-flight escort repatriation operation codenamed “Expel” yesterday (July 16), deploying officers to successfully repatriate six unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to Pakistan. The persons removed were all male illegal immigrants. Among them were discharged prisoners who had committed criminal offences and had been sentenced to imprisonment. Since the persons had repeatedly refused to accept repatriation arrangements and vigorously resisted during previous repatriation operations, the ImmD resorted to using an in-flight escort to effect the forced repatriation.
An ImmD spokesman said, “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. As there are currently no direct flights between Hong Kong and Pakistan, repatriating Pakistani claimants need to transit through a connecting airport to Pakistan. To enhance removal efforts, following the in-flight escort repatriation operations codenamed ‘Expel’ in November 2025 and March 2026, the ImmD once again arranged a special chartered flight from Hong Kong to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, then interchanged to a commercial flight to Pakistan to effect the in-flight escort repatriation operation. The ImmD successfully carried out the forced repatriation to remove six unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to their home country in this operation, and handed them over to the relevant government authorities. This has significantly enhanced the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the repatriation process, demonstrating the ImmD’s firm determination to expedite repatriations against unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants.”
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.
The ImmD will continue to explore different feasible solutions to expedite the repatriation of unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants, and will actively co-ordinate with relevant authorities to optimise repatriation routes and the operation process. The ImmD 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.
Territory-wide flag-selling activity cancelled
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Social Welfare Department (SWD) has been informed by Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) Trustees Incorporated that the territory-wide flag-selling activity in public places scheduled to be held tomorrow (July 18) has been cancelled, a spokesman for the SWD said today (July 17).
Details of the charitable fund-raising activities covered by the Public Subscription Permits issued by the SWD, including any updated information, have been published on the GovHK website (www.gov.hk/en/theme/fundraising/search).
For enquiries, please contact Ms Lee of the organisation at 2232 5536/2232 5543.
Red tide sighted
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Red tide sighted
The red tide was spotted by the public on July 15 at the Yim Tin Tsai fish culture zone. The red tide still persists. No associated death of fish has been reported.
A spokesman for the working group said, “The red tide was formed by Scrippsiella acuminata, which is commonly found in Hong Kong waters and non-toxic.”
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) urged mariculturists at Yim Tin Tsai, Yim Tin Tsai (East), Yung Shue Au and Lo Fu Wat fish culture zones to monitor the situation closely and increase aeration where necessary.
Red tide is a natural phenomenon. The AFCD’s proactive phytoplankton monitoring programme will continue to monitor red tide occurrences to minimise the impact on the mariculture industry and the public.
Issued at HKT 14:20
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Enhanced rental grant arrangement for owners of Wang Fuk Court
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Enhanced rental grant arrangement for owners of Wang Fuk Court
The Government announced in December 2025 that the Support Fund will provide each flat owner at Wang Fuk Court with an annual grant of $150,000 from December 22, 2025, to December 21, 2027. The grant will be disbursed on a half-yearly basis, each with a payment of $75,000. When announcing the long-term housing arrangement plan in February this year, the Government decided that if flat owners just sell their titles and receive the acquisition payment, and choose not to participate in the Special Sales Exercise, their rental grants will be provided up to the date on which cash payments for acquisition are credited to their accounts. This was because flat owners could use the sum to make their own long-term housing arrangements.
Under the enhanced measures announced today, regardless of whether flat owners choose to receive cash only; participate in the Special Sales Exercise for purchasing new subsidised sale flats after receiving the payment; or acquire a new subsidised sale flat under the “Flat-for-Flat” arrangement, they are eligible to receive their rental grants until December 21, 2027, even if a suitable flat could not be selected in the event under the Special Sales Exercise. The relevant arrangement is also applicable to flat owners who have not signed the “Letter of Acceptance”.
For owners who choose to participate in the Special Sales Exercise (including those who opt for the cash acquisition and those who choose the “Flat-for-Flat” arrangement), if the occupation date of their chosen unit is after December 21, 2027, the Support Fund will continue to provide rental grants to owners who have not yet moved into their new units. Considering that owners generally require about three months to renovate their new homes, their eligibility for the rental grant will be maintained for three months after the date of the assignment of the new flat that they have purchased. After this period, no further instalments of the rental grant will be made.
Issued at HKT 12:30
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Proposed road works for two footbridges connecting Joint-user Complex in Area 67, Tseung Kwan O with neighbouring developments gazetted
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Proposed road works for two footbridges connecting Joint-user Complex in Area 67, Tseung Kwan O with neighbouring developments gazettedG/F, Harbour Building,
38 Pier Road, Central, Hong KongG/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex,
38 Pui Shing Road, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories3/F and 4/F, Sai Kung Government Offices,
34 Chan Man Street, Sai Kung, New Territories A notice of objection should describe the objector’s interest and the manner in which he or she alleges that he or she will be affected by the works or the use. Objectors are requested to provide contact details to facilitate communication. A notice of objection should be delivered to the Secretary for Transport and Logistics not later than September 15, 2026.
Issued at HKT 12:27
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Tenders invited for site formation and engineering infrastructure works for development of San Tin Technopole Phase 1 Stage 2 (East) Contract 3 (Framework Contract)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Tenders invited for site formation and engineering infrastructure works for development of San Tin Technopole Phase 1 Stage 2 (East) Contract 3 (Framework Contract) The first batch of works to be implemented under Job Requests is scheduled to commence in January 2027. The works under the framework contracts will take about 65 months to complete.
The CEDD has commissioned Arup – Binnies Joint Venture to design and supervise the works. Interested contractors may download the tender forms and other particulars from the e-Tendering System (e-TS). Tenderers must submit tenders in electronic format via the e-TS.
Details of the tender notice are available on the CEDD’s website (www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/tender-notices/contracts/tender-notices/index.htmlIssued at HKT 12:00
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Rental grant arrangement enhanced
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po announced today that flat owners will receive a two-year standard rental grant until December 21, 2027, regardless of the option they select under the Government’s long-term housing arrangement plan. The enhanced measure aims to provide owners with greater flexibility when rebuilding their long-term homes.
Under the updated arrangements, owners qualify for the two-year standard rental grant until December 21, 2027, whether they choose to receive a cash-only payment, participate in the Special Sales Exercise to purchase a new subsidised sale flat after receiving the payment, or acquire a new subsidised sale flat under the “Flat-for-Flat” arrangement. Owners remain eligible for the grant even if they fail to select a suitable unit during the Special Sales Exercise.
The arrangement also covers flat owners who have not yet signed the Letter of Acceptance.
The annual grant of $150,000 is paid in two half-yearly instalments of $75,000.
For owners joining the Special Sales Exercise whose chosen units are completed after December 21, 2027, the Support Fund will extend their rental grants until completion. To allow a standard three-month renovation period, owners will continue to receive the rental grant for three months after the assignment date of their new flat. No further rental grant instalments will be issued after this three-month period expires.
TSC Holds 2026 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, Approves NT$1.3 Cash Dividend and Elects New Board
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
TSC held its 2026 Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting at 10 a.m. today (June 16). According to the meeting report, the company posted revenue of NT$31.63 billion and operating profit of NT$4.70 billion in 2025, exceeding the statutory budget by NT$0.89 billion and NT$2.55 billion, respectively. Shareholders approved a cash dividend of NT$1.3 per share and elected the 37th Board of Directors, including independent directors.
TSC said that despite challenges such as U.S. reciprocal tariffs and a changing domestic market environment, the company adjusted its business strategies and maintained steady growth in both revenue and profitability. As part of its commitment to net-zero emissions, TSC had installed 554.06 MW of solar power capacity by the end of 2025, and deployed 102 EV charging points across its fuel stations. The company has also partnered with public and private organizations to advance forest and soil carbon sequestration projects, while its Huwei and Shanhua sugar mills have obtained renewable energy certificates, with an estimated annual issuance of 8,500 certificates, supporting Taiwan’s green energy transition.
TSC also received wide recognition for its achievements in 2025, earning multiple honors including the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards (TCSA), Taiwan Sustainability Action Awards (TSAA), 11 awards at the Taiwan International Orchid Show, sustainability certification for Liuying Jianshanpi Resort, three ESG for Culture awards for preserving Taiwan’s sugar heritage, and the National Innovation Award for its next-generation vaccine against porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED).
To strengthen long-term competitiveness, TSC continued expanding partnerships across industry, government, academia, and research institutions. During the year, the company signed cooperation agreements with National Chiayi University, National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, Ling Tung University, and the National Central Library to promote talent development. TSC also collaborated with organizations including the Plastics Industry Development Center, the National Atomic Research Institute, Nice Group, the USGBC, and Taiwan Farm Products Co. to advance cross-sector technologies and foster circular economy and green innovation.
Celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, TSC has launched a series of commemorative activities, including the “A Sweet Celebration” employee event, a special anniversary publication, and promotional campaigns. In collaboration with Tainan lifestyle brand Hayashi Department Store, the company also prepared this year’s shareholder gift set, featuring a traditional Gaji Bag filled with locally made specialties, including Guan- miao noodles, TSC brown sugar, canned pork sauce and pineapple, highlighting TSC’s commitment to local culture while celebrating this important milestone with its shareholders.
TSC News Contact Person:
Chang Mu-Jung
Public Relations, Department of Secretariat, TSC
Contact Number: 886-6-337-8819 / 886-920-636-951
Email: a63449@taisugar.com.tw