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2026
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today met Mainland officials in Shanghai and Hangzhou. Mr Lam and his delegation, comprising about 40 representatives from the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association, and local and international law firms, visited Shanghai yesterday and today before travelling onwards to Hangzhou. This morning, Mr Lam met Vice President of the Shanghai High People's Court Wang Guangxian. They discussed their respective experiences of judicial practice and ways to strengthen talent training. He then met Shanghai Vice Mayor Lu Shan to learn about developments in the city and to highlight the unique advantages stemming from Hong Kong's robust common-law system and its being connected both to the Mainland and the world under the "one country, two systems" principle. He said this can provide Shanghai enterprises with support, through legal and other professional services, in their overseas expansion. Arriving in Hangzhou this afternoon, Mr Lam met Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province Yang Qingjiu to discuss strengthening co-operation and exchanges between Zhejiang and Hong Kong. Mr Lam's itinerary in Shanghai began yesterday with a visit to the headquarters of an Internet and technology company. He then visited the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Justice to meet Secretary of the CPC and Director-General of the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Justice Gu Quan. They exchanged views on strengthening professional co-operation in the legal, arbitration and mediation sectors, and on training for foreign-related legal professionals. Together with his delegation, the justice chief also attended a roundtable meeting and networking dinner for Shanghai and Hong Kong lawyers and enterprises. He promoted Hong Kong's strengths as an international financial centre and international legal hub in being able to leverage its common law system and legal and dispute resolution services to assist Mainland enterprises in "going global".
The Acting Chief Executive-in-Council (CE-in-C) today ordered the Registrar of Companies to strike off three companies relating to Apple Daily from the Companies Register and these companies have been dissolved. The CE-in-C invoked the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Companies (Winding Up & Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance to strike off the three companies - Apple Daily Limited, Apple Daily Printing Limited and AD Internet Limited. The registrar has thereupon struck the three companies off the Companies Register and published a notice in the gazette. The companies have been dissolved. In the case, Lai Chee-ying and the three companies relating to Apple Daily were prosecuted with a total of three charges of offences endangering national security. The court convicted Lai Chee-ying and the three companies relating to Apple Daily of all charges and handed down sentences on February 9. Amongst others, the three companies relating to Apple Daily were each sentenced to a fine of $3,004,500. The court pointed out that without the facilitation from the three companies relating to Apple Daily, two of the charges in this case could not have occurred, and that there were no valid mitigating factors in respect of the three companies. HKNSL Article 31 stipulates that the operation of an incorporated or unincorporated body such as a company or an organisation shall be suspended or its licence or business permit shall be revoked if the body has been punished for committing an offence under that law. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said it is necessary to revoke the registration of the three companies relating to Apple Daily, and prohibit the operation or continued operation of the three companies in the Hong Kong SAR, in order to effectively safeguard national security. The Secretary for Security issued written notices to the three companies relating to Apple Daily respectively on February 11, affording them an opportunity to make representations regarding the intention of the Secretary for Security to make recommendation to the CE-in-C. Replies were received from the directors of the three companies on February 25, confirming that there were no representations from those companies. Taking into account all the relevant circumstances of the case, including the conviction and severity of the offences committed by the three companies relating to Apple Daily and the recommendation by the Secretary for Security, the Acting CE-in-C today ordered the Registrar of Companies to strike the three companies relating to Apple Daily off the Companies Register. The three companies have been dissolved and become prohibited organisations. Any person who engages in the acts specified in the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance commits an offence, including acting as an office-bearer or a member of a prohibited organisation; and giving aid of any kind to a prohibited organisation, and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $1 million and imprisonment for 14 years. The Government appeals to members of the public not to participate in any activities of prohibited organisations or have any connection with them.
The Government today announced that the Chief Executive, in conjunction with the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region made the 2026 Implementation Rules for Amending the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the National Security Law. Exercising the power conferred under Article 43 of the law, the Chief Executive and the Committee introduced amendments to refine the enforcement of measures related to safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The amendments were published in the Gazette and took effect today. Under Article 43, law enforcement authorities investigating national security offences may apply measures used for serious crimes under existing laws, as well as specific measures stipulated in the article. The article also authorises the Chief Executive in conjunction with the Committee for Safeguarding National Security, to make implementation rules for such measures. The original rules were first enacted on July 7, 2020. The Government stated that the amendments published today draw on the experience gained safeguarding national security and will help enhance the city’s enforcement capabilities. Citing a complex and volatile geopolitical climate, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it must remain vigilant and fulfill its constitutional duty to continuously improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security. The Government stressed that the amendment rules conform with both the Basic Law and the National Security Law. It noted that the amendments incorporate judicial oversight to ensure that while national security threats are effectively prevented and punished, the lawful rights and interests of individuals and organisations are fully protected. The Government assured that the amendment rules will not affect the lives of the public or the normal operation of organisations, as the offences are clearly defined. A joint meeting of the Legislative Council’s Panel on Administration of Justice & Legal Services and the Panel on Security has been proposed for tomorrow. Representatives from the Security Bureau and the Department of Justice will brief lawmakers on the amendments.
In view of the continued deterioration of the situation in the Middle East regions, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today raised the Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Iran and Israel to black, and issued amber alerts for the following Middle East countries: Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Due to the highly unpredictable security situation in Iran and Israel, the Hong Kong SAR Government advises Hong Kong residents to avoid all travel to Iran and Israel. Those already there should attend to their personal safety and leave or relocate to relatively safe regions immediately. Hong Kong residents who intend to visit Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE or are already there should exercise caution, attend to their personal safety, pay attention to local announcements on the latest situation and notices on consular services from the local Chinese Embassies/Consulates-General. Moreover, while Kuwait is currently not covered by the OTA System, the Security Bureau has updated the OTA webpage regarding supplementary information for Kuwait with a view to reminding residents to exercise caution and attend to personal safety. Any updates will be issued through the media, the bureau's mobile app and the OTA webpage. Hong Kong residents who need assistance can call the 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the department's mobile application. They can also message the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline, submit the online assistance request form or contact the local Chinese Embassies. The information provided allows the Immigration Department to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means when necessary.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will lead a legal services delegation departing tomorrow on a visit to Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing. The trip is intended to strengthen exchanges between the legal sectors in Hong Kong and the Mainland, and to promote co-operation in legal and dispute resolution services. The delegation comprises about 40 representatives from the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Bar Association, and local and international law firms. In Shanghai, Mr Lam will lead the delegation in attending a roundtable meeting for Shanghai and Hong Kong lawyers and enterprises, and visit Shanghai’s judicial departments and institutions. During their stay in Hangzhou, the delegation will hold exchange sessions with representatives of the Zhejiang legal community, and visit a local "foreign-related" legal organisation. Moving on to Nanjing, Mr Lam will attend an unveiling ceremony for a legal and business integration service platform between Jiangsu and Hong Kong. During his visit to the Mainland, he will meet various local leaders. Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on March 26. During his absence, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary.
The Immigration Department announced today that starting next Monday, Personal Documentation Submission Kiosks will provide expanded self-service options for Hong Kong identity card and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport replacements. The kiosks are located at the Immigration Headquarters in Tseung Kwan O. From next Monday, the kiosks will accept replacement applications for lost identity cards from eligible persons aged 18 or above. No prior appointment is required. The service will also extend to eligible Hong Kong SAR passport applicants aged 18 or above seeking replacements due to loss, damage, defacement or unavailability. These applicants may also use the kiosks without a booking. Call 2824 6111 for enquiries.
Invest Hong Kong announced the launch of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global's thematic website today. The website offers one-stop information and professional support for Mainland enterprises seeking to expand into overseas markets via Hong Kong and aims to assist them in making effective use of the city's various international advantages in planning and implementing their go-global strategies and exploring new opportunities. It also consolidates key information for Mainland enterprises going global, including the GoGlobal Task Force's member list and support services; promotional events held by the Task Force on the Mainland and in Hong Kong; success stories of Mainland enterprises going global via Hong Kong; practical resources; and the first phase of the cross-sector professional services platform launched on the same day by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. As one of the new measures announced in the 2026-27 Budget, the platform brings together service providers from Hong Kong in eight major sectors – finance, legal, accounting, branding and marketing, logistics, communication technology, infrastructure and real estate, and testing and certification. The platform will match Mainland enterprises with suitable Hong Kong service providers, offering one-stop professional support for their global expansion. The list of service providers on the platform incorporates professional opinions from the Expert Committee on Professional Services for Going Global led by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, relevant members of the GoGlobal Task Force, professional bodies and industry organisations. It will be regularly updated as needed. Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau said that the cross-bureau, cross-departmental and cross-organisation GoGlobal Task Force, launched in October last year, serves as a one-stop platform and the best partner for Mainland enterprises to go global. “We encourage Mainland enterprises to make good use of Hong Kong's international advantages in finance, trade, professional services, innovation and technology, and talent to assist them in expanding their business in the global market,” Mr Yau said. Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan remarked that the Department of Justice (DoJ) earlier released the inaugural edition of the “Collection of Success Stories: Hong Kong's Professional Services Supporting Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global” (bilingual in Chinese and English), which is available on the DoJ website. The DoJ will prepare a list of Hong Kong legal professional services providers with detailed classifications of practice areas and publish the list on the GoGlobal Task Force's thematic website, leveraging its one-stop service platform advantages to provide enterprises with comprehensive and accurate information.
Chief Executive John Lee today expressed sorrow over the passing of Sir Anthony Mason, a former non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal, and extended his deepest condolences to Sir Anthony's family. Sir Anthony was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2013 in recognition of his contributions to Hong Kong. He served as a non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal from 1997 to 2015. Mr Lee said that Sir Anthony brought profound wisdom and illustrious experience in his contributions to nurturing the Court of Final Appeal’s development from its earliest days, and that he adjudicated a wide range of high-profile cases, serving the court with dedication and excellence. The Chief Executive highlighted Sir Anthony was highly esteemed and respected in the judicial and legal sectors, and consistently supported – both during his tenure and after his retirement – Hong Kong’s appointment of judges from common law jurisdictions as non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal under the Basic Law. He added that Sir Anthony was instrumental in establishing the Court of Final Appeal’s reputation and furthering its prestige in Hong Kong and other common law jurisdictions. “Sir Anthony also steadfastly supported legal education in Hong Kong, having lectured to numerous students, teachers and legal professionals of Hong Kong throughout the years. He constantly inspired the younger generation with his wit and intellect and made eminent contributions to Hong Kong's legal sector.” Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, also expressed deep sadness over Sir Anthony’s passing. “He sat on many of the court’s most significant constitutional cases during its formative years and authored some of its most important judgments. Beyond constitutional law, he also contributed substantially to the court’s jurisprudence in other important areas of law, leaving a lasting imprint on its early development.”
The Security Bureau's Narcotics Division and the Action Committee Against Narcotics today launched a large-scale anti-drug publicity event targeting etomidate, and premiered a new anti-drug publicity video featuring renowned artiste Aaron Kwok. At the “Listen to Me: Let’s Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!” event, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung introduced the concept of the new round of the Government’s anti-drug publicity campaign. Mr Tang said the Government has taken the fight against the temptation of etomidate to a new phase by adopting a bright, stylish and positive image in the new campaign which encourages members of the public to proactively choose a healthy lifestyle and stay away from drugs. Joining the anti-drug publicity as the Honorary Anti-drug Commissioner, Mr Kwok remarked that it is worrying to see young people, either out of ignorance or greed, abusing etomidate or taking part in its trafficking, adding that he feels the call of duty and responds to it by wielding his influence among the public, so that anti-drug messages can be brought to everyone. At today’s event, Action Committee Against Narcotics Sub-committee on Preventive Education & Publicity Chairman Wilfred Ng announced the major public-education initiatives to be launched by the Narcotics Division for 2026. These include a roving anti-drug game booth to be set up at shopping malls and schools starting next month, and a family yoga event to be held in April and May across the city. Furthermore, the Government launched new TV and radio Announcements in the Public Interest starring Mr Kwok, depicting scenarios in which young people are lured via social media into taking or trafficking etomidate, and highlighting the drug’s impact on a person's physical and mental health. Advertisements and publicity materials bearing the slogans “Etomidate: Not once not ever” and “Listen to Me: Let’s Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!” will be displayed at major public transport facilities, large outdoor billboards, and at the entrances of cross-harbour tunnels, cinemas, housing estates, schools, and government premises. They will also be pushed to citizens via popular mobile applications and websites. Members of the public may report etomidate-related crimes by calling the etomidate reporting hotline at 6629 2966, texting the same number on WhatsApp, or sending messages via WeChat account “eto-report”.
All eight of the Security Bureau’s disciplined and auxiliary services will hold open days on weekends from late March to mid-April, dovetailing with National Security Education Day on April 15. The open days will be held at the services’ training schools, museums, headquarters or divisional premises. They are targeted at deepening public understanding of the services and their work and achievements in safeguarding national security. Activities and attractions will include flag-raising ceremonies, Chinese-style foot drills, rescue demonstrations, flight simulation experiences, demonstrations of virtual reality training systems, displays of firearms and equipment, working dog demonstrations and game booths. From tomorrow, interested parties can register for free tickets via the disciplined services’ websites. Tickets are not required for the Police Force, Civil Aid Service and Auxiliary Medical Service open days. Click here for details.