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Speech by Acting SJ at Annual Conference of In-House Lawyers 2025 (English only) (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Acting Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at the Annual Conference of In-House Lawyers 2025 today (October 22):

President Tong, (President of the Law Society of Hong Kong, Mr Roden Tong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,  

     Good morning. I am honoured to be here at the Annual Conference of In-House Lawyers 2025. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the In-House Lawyers Committee of the Law Society of Hong Kong for the invitation and for hosting this important event. With participants from diverse industries and jurisdictions, we bring together the brightest minds of the legal profession here today, which will surely enrich our discussions throughout the Conference.

     This year’s theme, “The Future of Lawyers: Innovation, Strategy, and Resilience”, captures a moment of profound significance. It reflects the evolving nature of the legal field, driven by technological advancements, shifting client expectations, and a dynamic global marketplace. These changes present both challenges and opportunities.

     As in-house lawyers, you stand at the forefront of this exciting transformation. Your role extends beyond traditional legal advisors; you are also strategic innovators within your organisations.

     In January, the Department of Justice made a significant move to advance lawtech by establishing the Consultation Group on LawTech Development. Building on their recommendations, we will progressively promote technology in the legal industry through a three-stage approach, with the aim of enhancing the efficiency and quality of professional services and strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international legal services and dispute resolution centre in the Asia-Pacific region.

     Phase one, which has already begun, focuses on raising awareness and education of lawtech within the legal profession by organising roundtables and events, to be accompanied by a roadmap, ethical and security guidelines. To prepare law students for the digital age, we work with stakeholders in legal education to enhance training on lawtech.

     Phase two will engage the legal profession with lawtech products through exhibitions and market surveys. This will help firms find solutions that support their business growth.

Finally, phase three will encourage local and international lawtech enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong, fostering a vibrant lawtech ecosystem. We will also periodically review the legal framework to ensure it supports and regulates new legal technologies effectively.

     Turning to the theme of the Conference, let’s first talk about innovation in legal practice. Technology is now a vital part of legal work. From AI assisting in contract analysis to blockchain enhancing transaction security, the tools at our disposal are transforming how we manage cases. By using these innovations, we can work more efficiently, cut costs, and provide better services. 

     Next, innovation must be strategic. In-house lawyers are not only legal advisors but also key contributors to their organisations’ strategic direction. This means understanding the broader issues and context in which they operate, aligning legal strategies with organisational objectives, and proactively identifying and mitigating legal risks. 

As in-house lawyers, you must rigorously evaluate not only the technological solutions available but also the specific needs of your organisation. Tailoring these innovations to your unique context will ensure that they serve to maximise your professional capabilities.

     Finally, let us talk about resilience – the ability to adapt amid challenges. The legal landscape is filled with uncertainties, from regulatory changes, evolving market dynamics, to emerging competitors. We must cultivate resilience within our teams and organisations by fostering an environment that encourages creativity, and supporting colleagues in developing skills that complement technological advancements. 

     In the Greater China region and beyond, we are witnessing a significant transformation in the legal landscape. The convergence of industries and the rise of cross-border transactions require in-house lawyers to be well-versed in international laws and regulations. This Conference presents an excellent opportunity to connect with peers across different sectors and jurisdictions, exchanging best practices and insights that can enhance our collective capabilities.

     As we move through today’s panel discussions, we will be engaging in interesting discussions on the future of legal practice, the implications of AI, and the ever-evolving landscape of data governance. I encourage all of you to join in, share your thoughts, and challenge the status quo. Together, we can forge a path forward that not only meets today’s challenges but also prepares us for the future. 

     To conclude, ladies and gentlemen, as an in-house lawyer, I am excited to see how each of you will harness innovation, strategy and resilience to enhance your legal practice. Once again, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Law Society of Hong Kong for organising this very special event to bring all these legal talents together. I wish you all a successful, enjoyable and fruitful discussion at the Conference. Thank you very much.  

  

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LCQ9: Imported labour in the catering and hotel-related industries

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

(2) as employers applying for importation of workers under the ESLS are required to undertake local public recruitment exercises and the Labour Department will identify local job-seekers for referrals to these employers for interviews, of the respective numbers of local job-seekers referred by the authorities in respect of the applications concerning the catering and hotel-related industries in each year since the implementation of the ESLS, and among them, the number of job-seekers who have successfully secured employment, and their respective percentages, with a breakdown by job category (e.g. ‍waiters/waitresses, junior cooks and cooks);

(3) as it is required under the ESLS that imported labour are only allowed to work in the positions and perform job duties as specified in a Standard Employment Contract, there are views relaying that some employers in the catering industry have failed to fulfil such requirement by hiring junior imported labour (e.g. junior cooks) at lower wages and requiring them to take up positions at higher levels (e.g. No. 1 Cooks) and perform advanced duties beyond their designated scope of duties, thus affecting employment opportunities for local workers, of the targeted measures put in place by the authorities to combat such non-compliant acts;
The reply to the Member’s question is as follows:
(2) As at September 2025, the LD made 1 257 and 441 job referrals under the ESLS for the food and beverage services industry, and the accommodation services industry respectively during the local recruitment exercises conducted by employers.107 and 33 job seekers respectively received employment offers from the employers. A breakdown of the number of job referrals by job title is at Annex 3. 
The LD has launched investigation into all complaints received, including conducting inspections and gathering evidence at workplaces of imported workers, meeting with employers and employees individually and verifying relevant employment records. As the staff responsible for investigating complaints also undertake other duties, the manpower involved in investigation work cannot be separately identified. 
The Labour and Welfare Bureau has just commenced the mid-term update of the Manpower Projection and will accord priority to data analysis for industries with a higher proportion of imported labour, with a view to providing the relevant part of analytical results in advance for reference in reviewing the ESLS and supporting the Government’s medium- to long-term planning. 

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LCQ7: Prevention of employee overexertion at work

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Lam Chun-sing and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (October 22):
 
Question:
 
     Regarding the prevention of employee overexertion at work, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) as there are views pointing out that at present, the Government has not drawn up any definition for “overexertion at work”, and when an employee is suspected to have died suddenly due to overexertion at work, such cases are often classified as “fatalities at work not caused by accidents or occupational diseases”, of the number of such cases recorded by the Labour Department (LD) in each of the past 10 ‍years and this year to date, with a breakdown by the deceased’s (a) sex, (b) age, (c) industry, (d) occupation, (e) average maximum working hours per month during any period of continuous employment (i.e. two or more consecutive months) in the six months prior to death (set out by (i) less than 256 hours, (ii) 256 to 279 hours, (iii) 280 to 299 hours, (iv) 300 to 319 hours, (v) 320 to 339 hours and (vi) 340 hours or more), (f) total working hours in the month prior to death (set out by (i) 276 hours or less, (ii) 277 to 299 hours, (iii) ‍300 ‍to 319 hours, (iv) 320 to 339 hours and (v) 340 hours or more), and (g) cause of death (e.g. heart disease and brain disease), together with their respective percentages;
 
(2) in respect of the cases mentioned in (1), of the number of those in which the authorities have provided assistance to or conducted follow-up actions for claims lodged by the families of deceased employees against the relevant employers; the up-to-date number of cases in which the handling has been completed, with a breakdown by claim status (including deceased employees’ families who have (i) withdrawn their claims for compensation, (ii) reached settlement agreements with the employers, and (iii) filed their claims in court against the employers), together with their respective percentages; the average amount of compensation involved in these claims and the respective numbers of successful and unsuccessful claims; the average amount of compensation awarded in successful cases;

(3) given that in its reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on November 30, 2016, the Government indicated that under the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance (Cap. 509), employers must, so far as reasonably practicable, ensure the safety and health at work of their employees, which includes ensuring that their employees are given appropriate rest breaks, of the criteria on which the authorities base their determination as to whether an employee has been given appropriate rest breaks; whether any of the employers involved in the cases mentioned in (1) have been found to have contravened the relevant requirements under Cap. 509; if so, of the details, including the number of cases in which prosecutions were instituted and the number of convicted cases, and the average penalties imposed in convicted cases;
 
(4) given that some studies have shown a high incidence of fatalities during work relating to cerebro-cardiovascular diseases among security guards and construction workers, the Labour Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Council launched a three-year Heart Caring Campaign in June 2022 to provide on-site health risk assessments and related services to employees in the construction and property management industries, so as to enable frontline workers in these industries to identify risks associated with cerebro-cardiovascular diseases at an early stage, of the numbers of participating organisations and beneficiary workers under the Campaign, with a breakdown by industry (i.e. construction and property management industries);
 
(5) given that in 2018, the Government decided to draw up sector-specific working hours guidelines for 11 sectors through the industry-based tripartite committees of the LD, setting out suggested working hours arrangements and overtime compensation arrangements for employers’ reference and adoption, of the latest progress in the development of these guidelines; and
 
(6) whether it will consider, with reference to the practices of neighbouring regions, drawing up a definition for overexertion at work and requiring employers to fulfil relevant statutory compensation obligations where an employee is injured or dies under circumstances falling within such definition, so as to provide greater protection for workers or their family members; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? 
President,
 
     The reply to the Hon Lam Chun-sing’s question is as follows:
 
(1) Over the past 10 years, the number of cases of fatalities at work received by the Labour Department (LD) each year that were not caused by work accidents or occupational diseases ranged from 98 to 182. According to the LD’s statistics on occupational fatalities, cases died of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) during work accounted for the vast majority of fatalities at work which are not caused by accidents. A breakdown of these cases by sex, age, industry, occupation or work nature, and cause of death, together with their respective percentages is provided in Annex I. The LD does not keep statistics of such cases by the total working hours of the cases in the month prior to their death, or the average maximum monthly working hours for two or more consecutive months prior to their death.
 
(2) As at September 2025, the LD had concluded the processing of 1 397 cases of the 1 439 cases mentioned in Part (1) and was following up on the remaining 42 cases. The average claim amount of each concluded case was around $890,000. Among the concluded cases, five received compensation from employers after LD’s processing, and 1 374 cases were not pursued by family members (FMs) or FMs had reached direct settlements with the employers, etc. FMs of the remaining 18 cases had lodged their claims at court. Among these 18 cases, the LD noted that 17 cases had been concluded, all with settlements reached at court. 
     In addition, the LD has issued the Guide on Rest Breaks to encourage stakeholders of different industries, through a risk-based and consultative approach and having regard to their own circumstances, to work out reasonable and practicable rest break arrangements that are mutually agreed by employees and employers. 
     The existing Employees’ Compensation Ordinance (ECO) of Hong Kong has stipulated that even if the disease suffered by an employee is not a specified occupational disease, the employee or his/her FMs may still claim compensation from the employer in respect of the disease in accordance with the ECO if the disease is substantiated to be a personal injury or death by accident arising out of and in the course of employment.

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LCQ13: Enhancing boundary-crossing experience for travellers

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LCQ13: Enhancing boundary-crossing experience for travellers 
Question:
 
     It is learnt that the Mainland and Hong Kong have all along endeavoured to enhance the boundary-crossing experience for travellers. However, some members of the public have relayed that, due to the high volume of passengers crossing the border, quite a number of travellers still have to queue up to go through immigration clearance at some land boundary control points (BCPs) just before they close. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) as some members of the public have relayed that the Lok Ma Chau Control Point, which is open 24 hours a day, often experiences heavy passenger flow after most land BCPs close late at night, whether the authorities have considered extending the operating hours of other land BCPs; if so, of the detailed plan for adjusting the operating hours of various land BCPs; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(2) whether there is currently any mechanism in place at various land BCPs for exercising discretion to extend the operating hours in order to cope with situations where a large number of travellers are waiting to cross the border before the BCPs close; if so, how many times has the relevant mechanism been activated in the past three years; if not, the reasons for that, and whether it will discuss with the Mainland the relevant mechanism to address the situation;
 
(3) whether a notification mechanism had been formulated with the Mainland authorities to mutually notify each other of the number of travellers going through departure clearance at certain time periods (e.g. every half an hour) before the BCPs close to ensure that there is sufficient time for travellers for immigration clearance; if so, how many times has the relevant mechanism been activated in the past three years; if not, the reasons for that, and whether it will discuss setting up of such a mechanism with the Mainland;
 
(4) in the past three years, of (i) the number of cases in which inbound travellers arriving in Hong Kong via land BCPs in the Mainland had to seek assistance from the Immigration Department because the BCPs in Hong Kong were closed, and (ii) the number of cases in which outbound travellers via various land BCPs in Hong Kong had to turn back immediately because the BCPs in the Mainland were closed; and
 
(5) in the past three years, of the respective numbers of outbound and inbound passengers at various land BCPs in Hong Kong during the hour before their closure, as well as the average waiting time for immigration clearance (including the use of the automated clearance system (e-Channel) service); whether there is any significant difference in the average waiting time for immigration clearance between the aforementioned period and other periods; if so, whether it will, on the basis of the relevant data, consider discussing or studying with the Mainland authorities the extension of the clearance time?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     With the increasing cross-boundary passenger flows between Guangdong and Hong Kong, exchanges at the community level have also intensified. In view of the growing demand for clearance services, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been closely monitoring the operation of the boundary control points (BCPs) and proactively enhancing the clearance capacity to facilitate the two-way flow of people between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
 
     The reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hak-kan is as follows:
 
(1) The opening hours of land BCPs are determined through consultation between the HKSAR Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government, and are subject to the approval of the Central Authorities.
 
     At present, Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang (LMC/HG) Port is the only BCP between Shenzhen and Hong Kong providing round-the-clock passenger clearance services. According to the statistics of the Immigration Department (ImmD), the current service capacity of LMC/HG Port is able to meet the demand for cross-boundary travels during late-night hours, fulfilling the ImmD’s performance pledge to clear 98 per cent of Hong Kong residents within a 15-minute waiting time and 95 per cent of visitors within a 30-minute waiting time.
 
     The governments of both sides would also make special arrangements to meet the demand for clearance services and facilitate cross-boundary passenger flows during festive periods. For instance, on New Year’s Eve last year, the passenger clearance services at the Lo Wu Control Point, which usually close at midnight, were extended until 2am the following day, while the passenger and passenger vehicle clearance services at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point, which usually close at midnight, operated overnight.
 
     In addition, to cope with the increase in cross‑boundary passenger flows during festive periods or large‑scale events, the departments at BCPs will pre-assess the cross-boundary passenger traffic and make corresponding arrangements, including arranging officers of other sections to work at BCPs during peak hours to enhance services. The Transport Department will also co-ordinate in advance with the MTR Corporation Limited, as well as local and cross-boundary public transport operators, to increase service frequency based on the estimated passenger traffic. Besides, the departments at BCPs have been maintaining close liaison with relevant Mainland authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanisms for various land BCPs to take timely actions where necessary, including flexibly deploying manpower to operate additional clearance counters, channels and private car kiosks, and converting some of the goods vehicle kiosks into private car kiosks having regard to actual needs, to ensure smooth operations of BCPs.
 
     The extension of operating hours of clearance services involves the operation of the ports on both the Mainland and Hong Kong sides, and careful consideration has to be given to a host of factors, including the actual needs, effective utilisation of resources of both places, manpower arrangements and ancillary transport services. On the basis of the 24-hour passenger clearance services currently provided at the LMC/HG Port and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, we will continue to closely monitor the demand for passenger clearance services and, having regard to actual needs, liaise with relevant Mainland authorities on extending the operating hours of the passenger clearance services at respective BCPs when necessary.
 
(2) to (4) Relevant departments of Hong Kong and the Mainland at BCPs would maintain close liaison through the established real-time notification mechanisms to monitor the real-time situations at land BCPs and ensure smooth clearance and crowd management.
 
     As aforementioned, the opening hours of land BCPs are subject to the approval of the Central Authorities. In cases where BCPs of both places are nearing closing time and there are still a large number of passengers queuing up for clearance, relevant departments of both places will liaise closely and immediately exchange information, including the number of passengers who have completed departure clearance at BCPs. The ImmD would exercise flexibility and operate extra clearance counters and channels when necessary, with a view to ensuring the completion of arrival clearance for all inbound passengers who have completed departure clearance at the Mainland ports before the closure of BCPs. There will hence not be any instances where passengers, having completed departure clearance at the Mainland ports, are unable to complete arrival clearance due to the closure of BCPs in Hong Kong. We understand that the Mainland port authorities adopt a similar arrangement.
 
(5) Generally speaking, evening hours are not peak periods for boundary crossings at BCPs. However, it is observed that quite some passengers choose to cross the boundary shortly before the closing time of BCPs. As aforementioned, the departments at BCPs will flexibly deploy manpower and operate extra clearance counters and channels to ensure the completion of arrival clearance for all passengers who have completed departure clearance at the Mainland ports before the closure of BCPs.
 
     In the past three years, all land BCPs under the ImmD have met the ImmD’s target to clear 98 per cent of Hong Kong residents within a 15-minute waiting time and 95 per cent of visitors within a 30-minute waiting time.
 
     The departments at BCPs will continue to take various measures, including flexible deployment of manpower, optimisation of workflow and effective use of information technology, so as to enhance the clearance efficiency and the level of clearance facilitation at BCPs to cope with the increasing demand for clearance services.
Issued at HKT 11:00

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Forum de l’eau 2025 : Bâtir ensemble la réglementation de demain

Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie

Le gouvernement organise le Forum de l’eau 2025 le 6 novembre au Centre culturel Tjibaou. Événement fédérateur, il réunit l’ensemble des acteurs de l’eau et le grand public afin de mettre en œuvre de façon concertée la loi du pays sur le domaine public de l’eau et la protection de la ressource, adoptée en juin 2025.

En 2022, le dernier Forum de l’eau préparait les bases de la loi de pays sur le domaine public de l’eau, et ouvrait un large processus de concertation.

Une édition 2025 consacrée à la mise en oeuvre partagée de la loi du pays sur le domaine public de l’eau et la protection de la ressource

Le 26 juin 2025, le Congrès a adopté une loi du pays déterminante, consacrée à la délimitation du domaine public de l’eau et à la préservation de cette ressource vitale. Ce texte traduit une volonté forte de mieux connaître, mieux protéger et mieux gérer le domaine public de l’eau. Il propose :

  • une définition claire du domaine public de l’eau en reconnaissant l’eau comme un bien commun, dont la gestion doit être guidée par l’intérêt général et en précisant ce qui relève ou non du domaine public de l’eau ;
  • une protection renforcée de la ressource, notamment par la mise en place de périmètres de protection autour des points de prélèvement d’eau potable, la comptabilisation des usages, la mise en place de servitudes, la définition de normes de rejets ;
  • une gestion collective de la ressource afin de favoriser la gestion locale et concertée de l’eau au plus près des populations et des problématiques du terrain ;
  • une régularisation des ouvrages via un régime transitoire.

L’arrêté d’application de cette loi du pays fait actuellement l’objet d’une consultation publique : https://davar.gouv.nc/consultations-publiques/avant-projet-darrete-dapplication-de-la-loi-du-pays-relative-au-domaine

« Notre ambition est d’avoir un retour le plus large possible au travers de cette consultation publique. Elle permet à tous les Calédoniens de s’exprimer sur ce sujet crucial qui nous concerne absolument tous », a indiqué Jérémie Katidjo Monnier, membre du gouvernement chargé de la politique de l’eau.

C’est pour mettre en œuvre ce texte essentiel que le Forum de l’eau 2025 est organisé le 6 novembre au Centre culturel Tjibaou. Il sera l’occasion de :

  • présenter les avancées depuis le dernier Forum en 2022 ;
  • présenter et expliquer  l’arrêté d’application de la nouvelle loi du pays relative au domaine public de l’eau ;
  • établir la feuille de route de la politique de l’eau partagée pour 2026.

Forum 2025 : une démarche partagée

Pour mener à bien ces travaux, des ateliers préparatoires sont organisés à Koné et à Nouméa. Collectivités, associations, représentants coutumiers, agriculteurs, entreprises et citoyens sont invités à s’associer à la démarche afin d’enrichir cette réglementation.

« La volonté du gouvernement est de travailler avec tous les Calédoniens sur l’application de cette loi de pays, grâce à des outils administratifs qui seront construits sur la base de ce dialogue riche et de l’expérience des acteurs de terrain», a ajouté le membre du gouvernement.

Les ateliers s’ouvriront le mardi 21 octobre à Koné, et continueront les 28 et 29 octobre à Nouméa. Le Forum se tiendra le 6 novembre au Centre culturel Tjibaou. Les thématiques abordées seront les suivantes :

  • Prélèvements et rejets : la réglementation établit un cadre précis pour l’instruction des demandes d’autorisation de prélèvement ainsi que pour les rejets d’eaux usées ou pluviales. Ces ateliers permettront de simuler l’application de ce cadre afin d’identifier les obstacles et les leviers potentiels pour la mise en œuvre des bonnes pratiques.
  • Travaux et aménagements : l’entretien et l’aménagement des cours d’eau, les ouvrages de franchissement, les travaux souterrains, ainsi que les seuils et barrages, font partie de la nouvelle réglementation. Ces sujets seront approfondis et mis en regard avec des cas concrets
  • Servitudes et périmètres de protection : la protection de la ressource en eau s’appuie sur des servitudes, qui peuvent influencer l’occupation des sols. Cet atelier sera dédié à la délimitation du domaine public et de ses servitudes, ainsi qu’à leurs conséquences pour tous les usagers.

« Ce sont des ateliers assez techniques mais tout le monde est bienvenu. Nous allons essayer de simuler de façon ludique l’application de cette loi, avec les acteurs de l’eau, en s’appuyant sur des projets bien concrets. Cela nous permettra de mettre en œuvre ce texte de la façon la plus opérationnelle possible », a précisé Geoffrey Wotling, chef du service de l’eau à la direction des Affaires vétérinaires, alimentaires et rurales (DAVAR).

 

Pour s’inscrire à la journée du Forum et aux ateliers préparatoires, un formulaire est à remplir à l’adresse suivante : https://eau.nc/politique-de-leau-partagee/forum-de-leau-2025

Pour plus d’information sur la réglementation ou sur la politique de l’eau partagée consulter le site du gouvernement consacré à cette thématique : https://eau.nc/

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Incoming passengers jailed for possessing and importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and for importing alternative smoking products (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Two incoming male passengers were sentenced to six weeks and 10 months’ imprisonment by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts and the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts respectively today (October 21) for importing and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes, failing to declare them to Customs officers, as well as for importing alternative smoking products, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO). One of them was also fined $1,000.

Customs officers intercepted a 62-year-old incoming male passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on October 11 and seized 1 781 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $7,300 and a duty potential of about $5,900 from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today in contravention of the DCO.

Also, Customs officers intercepted a 37-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on August 25. About 33 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes and about 140 000 alternative smoking products, with a total estimated market value of about $573,000 and a duty potential of about $111,000, were seized from his personal baggage. He was subsequently arrested. The man was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today in contravention of the DCO and IEO.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

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Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency leads industry delegation to shine at 19th Hangzhou Cultural & Creative Industry Expo (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led industry members to participate in the 19th Hangzhou Cultural & Creative Industry Expo (HCIE) which started October 17 and concluded yesterday (October 20). A Hong Kong Pavilion themed “Hong Kong is So Chic” was set up, which showcased an array of exquisite design works and creative lifestyle representations. Through hosting a series of activities, it also enhanced the industry’s exposure on the Chinese Mainland, fostering opportunities for market expansion and collaboration. The Hong Kong Pavilion was well received by visitors, with over 50 000 attendees recorded during the four-day expo period, reflecting the appeal of Hong Kong’s cultural and creative forces.

     The design of the Hong Kong Pavilion focused on Hong Kong’s vibrant cityscape, charaterised by the organised chaos from the city’s narrow lanes and alleys, imparting an ambience of serenity. It showcased works from renowned Hong Kong brands and creators alongside creations from emerging designers and brands. Their designs represented the East-meets-West cultural fusion of Hong Kong, highlighting the diversity and unique charm of the city’s cultural contours.

The Hong Kong Pavilion comprised the Art Toy Zone, the Fashion and Apparel Zone, the Hong Kong Brands Zone, and the Film and Comics Zone, exhibiting films, comics, art toys, fashion, jewellery, and lifestyle products from 13 local designers and brands, with an aim of showcasing the latest achievements in Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries. The Hong Kong Pavilion also hosted a variety of engaging activities during the expo, including music and dance performances, demonstrations of filigree craft and Hong Kong-style tea pulling, sharing and autograph sessions, all showcasing the soft power of Hong Kong’s pop culture.

Following the enthusiastic response received by the Hong Kong Pavilion at the 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in May this year, the HCIE once again provided a platform for Hong Kong’s cultural and creative power to shine. As pledged in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address”, CCIDA proactively assists Hong Kong cultural and creative designers in producing more cultural and creative products with Chinese and Hong Kong cultural features, and will continue to strengthen support for local original works to enter the Mainland and international markets.

              

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10 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation at a newly built/inhabited housing estate at Tung Chung District codenamed “Contribute” for two consecutive days on October 20 and today (October 21) to combat the influx of illegal renovation workers.
 
     ImmD investigators recently noticed that some Mainland renovation companies were using online social media platforms to offer one-stop renovation services at a lower price. Meanwhile, some offenders might attempt to reduce their service costs and gain profit from hiring illegal workers to conduct renovation works in Hong Kong.
 
     ImmD immediately conducted an operation at a newly built/inhabited housing estate. Immigration officers raided over 150 target locations. A total of seven suspected illegal workers and three suspected employers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised seven men, aged 36 to 54. Two men and a woman, aged 43 to 54, suspected of employing the illegal workers, were also arrested. Investigations into the suspected employers are ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
 
     At the same time, ImmD officers and a promotional vehicle have been deployed to distribute “Don’t Employ Illegal Workers” leaflets and convey the message to occupants and property management staff in housing estates.
 
     An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”

     The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
 
     According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
 
     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
 
     For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit “Online Reporting of Immigration Offences” form at www.immd.gov.hk.

     

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Import of poultry meat and products from areas in US, Poland, Denmark and Italy suspended

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 21) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Calhoun County of the State of Iowa in the United States (US), the WÄ™gorzewo District of the WarmiÅ„sko-Mazurskie Region in Poland, Slagelse Municipality in Denmark and the Province of Alessandria of the Piemonte Region in Italy, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 24 650 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 1.61 million poultry eggs from the US; about 1 730 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Poland; about 210 tonnes of frozen poultry meat, and about 150 000 poultry eggs from Denmark; and about 60 tonnes of frozen poultry meat, and about 10 000 poultry eggs from Italy in the first six months of this year. 

     “The CFS has contacted the American, Polish, Danish and Italian authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

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Civil Service College organises fifth seminar in Executive Series on Brokering North and South: China in a Multipolar World (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Civil Service College (CSC) launched the Executive Series on Brokering North and South: China in a Multipolar World. The fifth seminar in the series, on the topic of “Upholding Principles and Innovation in Chinese Arts and Culture and International Communication”, was delivered by Vice President of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Professor Gao Shiming, and chaired by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the China Institute of Fudan University, Mr Eric Li, at the CSC today (October 21).

     Addressing the seminar, the Head of the CSC, Mr Oscar Kwok, said that Hong Kong is rooted in profound traditional Chinese culture while also being deeply influenced by Western culture, developing a cultural perspective that blends the East and the West. It is especially evident in the realm of popular culture, such as film and music, where Hong Kong has made unique contributions and has served as an important window for the world to appreciate the diverse charms of both Hong Kong and Chinese culture. Hong Kong thus serves as a “cultural interpreter” in strengthening international cultural exchange. Hong Kong attracts outstanding talent from around the world, boasts world-class arts and cultural infrastructure, and stands as one of the world’s leading arts trading centres. As an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, Hong Kong should fully leverage its advantages to promote innovative development in arts and culture while advancing mutual learning among civilisations.

     About 140 civil servants in directorate, senior, and middle ranks from 39 bureaux/departments attended the seminar in person or online today.

     The Executive Series on Brokering North and South: China in a Multipolar World invites renowned scholars and leaders from the Mainland and overseas as guest speakers to inspire civil servants to reflect on the influence of China, as a major player in a multipolar world, on the global community amid the rise of the Global South and profound changes in the international landscape, and to explore how Hong Kong, as a city where East meets West, should leverage its strengths in its unique role in connecting the country with the world. It covers subjects pertaining to the rise of the Global South and international order, upholding principles and innovation in arts and culture and international communication, and a holistic approach to national security and global initiatives, among others.