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2026
Hong Kong's overall ranking in the Rule of Law Index 2026 remains strong, placing 6th in East Asia and the Pacific, and 24th out of 143 countries and jurisdictions globally. In a statement responding to the annual World Justice Project Rule of Law Index released today, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government noted that the city’s scores in most aspects are similar to those of last year. The statement also remarked that the city’s overall ranking continues to be ahead of some Western countries which often unreasonably criticise the rule of law and human rights situation in Hong Kong. Hong Kong continues to maintain its position within the top 10 globally in respect of "Absence of Corruption" and "Order and Security", with the global ranking in relation to "Order and Security" rising to 7th. The Hong Kong SAR Government said the rankings demonstrate that the successive implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR has provided better protection for the security of the city and maintained it as an excellent environment for business and investment. The statement noted that Hong Kong has long been renowned as one of the safest cities in the world and consistently ranked as one of the least corrupt places in the world. The city has also achieved remarkable results in fighting against graft and promoting integrity, as well as preventing and combating crimes. All these have injected strong stability into Hong Kong, fully demonstrating that security is a clear advantage for Hong Kong's development, the Hong Kong SAR Government highlighted. In respect of "Constraints on Government Powers" and "Civil Justice", Hong Kong's rankings are the same as last year. The city's rankings in the aspects of "Open Government" and "Regulatory Enforcement" remain almost unchanged, while its rankings slightly drop in the aspects of "Fundamental Rights" and "Criminal Justice". The statement pointed out that, under the protection of the "one country, two systems" principle and the Basic Law, Hong Kong has a robust legal framework for the protection of human rights and an open judicial system. It also noted that the civil and criminal legal frameworks in Hong Kong align with international standards and keep up with the times, fully safeguarding the rights of concerned parties. Meanwhile, the Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law and is free from any interference. Under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance, parties may initiate legal proceedings and seek judicial remedies in accordance with the law, and are protected by a solid legal aid system. The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that it will continue to steadfastly safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the law, and enhance its publicity and explanatory work through various channels to tell the good story of Hong Kong's rule of law to the international community. It also stated that a robust rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's continuous high-quality development under the "one country, two systems" principle and a core advantage that underpins its position as an international legal hub. As the only bilingual common law jurisdiction in the world using Chinese and English, Hong Kong will give full play to its unique advantages to contribute to the upholding of the impartial and reasonable international rule of law and order, with its dispute-resolution rules and mechanisms aligned with international standards. The Hong Kong SAR Government said it will continue to comprehensively uphold the rule of law in the city, safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests under the rule of law, promote the rule of law education, and contribute to the cultivation of foreign-related legal talent.
The Government today announced it has issued an Amber Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for France in response to the latest protest situation in the country. Hong Kong residents are reminded to avoid non-essential travel to affected protest areas there. The Amber OTA indicates signs of threat. Due to persistent demonstrations across many places in France, resulting in clashes and damage, the Government advises residents intending to visit or already in the country to monitor the situation, exercise caution and attend to personal safety. Residents should also pay attention to local announcements on the latest situation and avoid large gatherings of people. Those outside Hong Kong who need assistance can call the Immigration Department’s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, make a network data call, or use the 1868 Chatbot via the department’s mobile app. Alternatively, they can message the 1868 WhatsApp or 1868 WeChat assistance hotlines, submit an online assistance request form, or contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulates-General in France. Residents are also encouraged to register their itinerary and contact details via the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service to receive timely updates and practical information from the Immigration Department.
I am delighted to join you today, to celebrate the first anniversary of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). A year ago today, I officiated at the International Organization for Mediation's Inauguration Ceremony, together with members of IOMed's Governing Council and representatives of the contracting states. Today, we are here to congratulate the IOMed on its welcome progress under the leadership of Secretary-General Prof Teresa Cheng. The response, internationally, has been equally encouraging. Over this past year, the number of signatory states to the IOMed Convention has increased from the original 33 to 48, while the number of contracting states has more than doubled, from eight to 18. Just a few months after its inauguration, the IOMed settled an international commercial dispute. More good news: the mediator was an experienced maritime lawyer from Hong Kong. I am pleased to add that the IOMed has already handled multiple cases, and global interest is growing, with more potential cases in the pipeline. In-person and online training for IOMed member states was held in Hong Kong in May and June, respectively. More in-person training for IOMed member states, in both state-to-state mediation and investor-state mediation, will take place next month. And the first IOMed Forum, under the theme "Mediation for Peace and Prosperity - the New Frontier", will be held this December in Hong Kong. In short, IOMed is fast emerging as a trusted intergovernmental body, committed to resolving international disputes through mediation. And doing so based on mutual respect and understanding. The IOMed is a vital platform for promoting global peace and prosperity. And the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to support the IOMed, in-keeping with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong, after all, is the world's only Chinese‑English, bilingual common law jurisdiction. And our status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre is internationally recognised. In last month's Policy Address, I set out a set of initiatives to support and collaborate with the IOMed, promoting Hong Kong as a global hub for mediation. Building on the Government's "Mediate First" policy, we will include IOMed mediation as a dispute resolution option in government contracts and agreements to which Hong Kong is a party. I also welcome the IOMed's involvement in settling disputes in emerging industries. And we are considering the establishment of a special panel of mediators in commodity trading. I hope, too, to see our talented young professionals contribute to international peace and co-operation. And I look forward to working with the IOMed in creating opportunities for young people in its wide-ranging affairs. Ladies and gentlemen, IOMed's headquarters was converted from our historic Old Wan Chai Police Station. Its design theme was rooted in a proverb borrowed from Chinese porcelain, and I quote "一色入窯，萬彩出窯", which I will translate as "Entering the kiln as one, emerging as a kaleidoscope of colours". That reflects the value of international mediation, in which parties begin with a dispute and, ideally, leave with diverse solutions and new opportunities. Mediation embodies respect, mutual trust, fairness and harmony. And I am confident that the International Organization for Mediation will continue to serve, and shine, as a beacon of hope for the world. Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) 1st Anniversary Celebration on October 20.
The Department of Health is investigating a case involving a registered Chinese medicine practitioner (CMP) who allegedly issued sick leave certificates without conducting patient consultations. In response to media reports, the department today confirmed it has referred the matter to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK) and the Hong Kong Police Force for investigation and follow-up. The department emphasised that CMPs must adhere to the “Reference Guide on Issuance of Sick Leave Certificate and Certificate of Attendance by Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners”. Such documents should only be issued where justified, based on the practitioner’s professional judgment and the individual circumstances of each patient. If a CMP engages in conduct that falls short of expected professional standards, the CMCHK will handle the matter in accordance with relevant statutory regulations. The department noted that in previous cases, CMPs who issued misleading or false sick leave certificates were found guilty of professional misconduct and removed from the register following CMCHK disciplinary inquiries. Members of the public who are dissatisfied with the practice or conduct of a CMP are urged to lodge a written complaint with the Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will depart for Brunei this afternoon to attend the 16th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference and related events. Mr Lam will attend the conference as a member of the Chinese delegation and will speak on the theme of protecting children in the digital age at a plenary session. He will discuss with the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) enhancing international co-operation with a view to protecting children from the threat of cybercrime. Technological innovations offer diverse opportunities for children's development, but also expose them to multiple unprecedented risks, including safety concerns such as non-consensual sharing of intimate images and deepfakes. As cybercrimes targeting children transcend geographical boundaries, close cross-border co-operation is indispensable. Mr Lam will introduce Hong Kong's existing legal framework in protecting children from cybercrimes, and the city’s policy direction and initiatives in response to the emerging risks. During his trip in Brunei, Mr Lam will also attend bilateral meetings between the Chinese delegation and member states of ASEAN to deepen exchange and collaboration. Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on October 23 upon conclusion of his visit. Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary during his absence.
The Security Bureau said that inbound passenger flow at Huanggang Port began to build up from 2pm today. About 9,401 passengers arrived in Hong Kong via Huanggang Port between 2pm and 4pm, representing an increase of 366% compared with the same period previously at the Huanggang Port/Lok Ma Chau Control Point. All clearance channels at the arrival hall on L4 have been opened. To further expedite passenger flow, the Immigration Department (ImmD) will implement crowd diversion and control measures on L4 and L2 with the Police depending on actual passenger flow. If passenger flow continues to increase, the Police will make necessary arrangements for passengers who have completed immigration clearance to wait for public transport in designated queuing areas in a safe and orderly manner. The public may have to wait briefly in the queuing areas before boarding public transport to leave the port. The Government reminded passengers to check the latest immigration information of various boundary control points, including Huanggang Port, on the "Easy Boundary" platform. To cope with today's inbound peak, the Transport Department has arranged about 120 franchised buses, 40 green minibuses and 130 cross-boundary coaches for service and standby support. During peak hours, the service of franchised buses can be enhanced to every two to three minutes, while the frequency of green minibuses and cross-boundary coaches can be increased to every three to four minutes. Franchised bus operators have also operated individual special short-haul services to expedite the dispersal of inbound passengers and speed up bus turnaround. Meanwhile, service ambassadors and staff of public transport operators were stationed at the L2 hall and the public transport interchange to assist passengers in choosing suitable transport modes according to their destinations and in boarding in an orderly manner. Police officers have also been deployed on-site to help maintain order. The Security Bureau said it will continue to work with other relevant departments to monitor the situation at the port and the passenger flow in real time, flexibly deploy manpower and adopt corresponding contingency measures as necessary to ensure the smooth operation of various clearance arrangements and public transport services. It urged the public to plan their journeys in advance, choose suitable boundary control points and avoid making their journeys during peak periods.
The Security Bureau said that outbound passenger flow at Huanggang Port has increased significantly since around 11am this morning, prompting the Immigration Department (ImmD) to immediately open all clearance channels and counters at the departure hall on L5 to expedite passenger flow. Around 19,000 passengers departed for the Mainland via Huanggang Port between noon and 2pm, representing an increase of 835% compared with the same period previously at the Huanggang Port/Lok Ma Chau Control Point. During the peak hour between 1pm and 2pm, as many as 9,728 outbound passenger trips were recorded within one hour, representing an increase of 899% compared with the same period in the past at the Huanggang Port/Lok Ma Chau Control Point. Faced with this sudden surge in passengers, authorities activated various contingency plans promptly and overall operations remained generally smooth. The ImmD implemented crowd diversion and control measures on L2 and L5 in collaboration with Police. For passengers entering Huanggang Port during peak hours, the waiting time for crowd diversion arrangements on L2 was about 30 to 45 minutes, while the waiting time inside the departure hall on L5 was maintained within 30 minutes. The ImmD has disseminated the latest waiting time information via the “Easy Boundary” platform, and advised members of the public and travellers to plan their journeys in advance and consider using other boundary control points for departure. The outbound peak gradually subsided from around 2pm. Crowd diversion and control measures on L2 were lifted at 2.10pm, and the waiting time at the departure hall on L5 had dropped to under 15 minutes by 2.40pm.
The International Organizations (Privileges & Immunities) (The International Criminal Police Organization-INTERPOL) (231st Executive Committee Session and 94th General Assembly Session) Order was published in the Government Gazette today. The General Assembly (GA) is the highest governing body of INTERPOL, meeting annually to allow representatives from member countries to discuss international policing issues and foster global collaboration. The 94th GA will be held in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3. The Executive Committee, chaired by the President of INTERPOL, is the governing body in charge of supervising the execution of the GA's decisions, as well as the administration and work of the INTERPOL General Secretariat. The 231st Executive Committee Session will take place in Hong Kong on November 29. The Central People's Government and INTERPOL previously signed an agreement to grant privileges and immunities to INTERPOL and its connected personnel for the duration of the two meetings, which are being hosted by China in Hong Kong. Made by the Chief Executive in Council under the International Organizations (Privileges & Immunities) Ordinance, the order implements the privileges and immunities provided under that agreement. The order will be tabled before the Legislative Council on October 21 for negative vetting and will come into operation on the same day. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government stated that it will spare no effort in ensuring the successful delivery of both meetings, showcasing the achievements of the "one country, two systems" framework to the world, and telling the good stories of the country, Hong Kong and the Police Force.
Three items of subsidiary legislation relating to the implementation of the “Arrangement on Mutual Service of Judicial Documents in Civil & Commercial Proceedings between the Mainland & the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” were published in the Government Gazette today. The three items are as follows: Rules of the High Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2026; Rules of the District Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2026; and Matrimonial Causes (Amendment) Rules 2026. All three will come into operation on March 30. The Department of Justice and the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) signed the new arrangement on April 20 this year, with a view to enhancing the mechanism for mutual use of judicial documents in civil and commercial matters between the Mainland and Hong Kong. The new arrangement also aims to further promote the alignment of mechanisms and rules between the legal systems of the two places. The subsidiary legislation seeks to implement the new arrangement in Hong Kong, while the SPC will promulgate a judicial interpretation of the new arrangement in the Mainland. The Hong Kong SAR Government and SPC have agreed that the arrangement will come into force on March 30, replacing an existing arrangement that has been in place for over 27 years. The subsidiary legislation will be tabled at the Legislative Council on October 21 for negative vetting.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today attended the 2026 Hainan Free Trade Port Legal Week in Hainan. Mr Lam promoted Hong Kong’s strengths in professional services and sought to deepen co-operation in legal and dispute resolution between Hong Kong and Hainan, focusing on the idea of leveraging “connection of the two ports” as a means of contributing to the country’s high-quality development. Speaking at the opening ceremony, he remarked that Hong Kong and Hainan maintain close relations, supported by strong personal ties and business connections. During the period of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, Hainan will aim to strengthen its foreign-related rule of law and position the Hainan Free Trade Port as a preferred destination for resolving international commercial disputes. Mr Lam outlined that for its part Hong Kong will deepen its development as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre, leverage its strengths in professional services to assist Mainland enterprises in “going global”, and develop as an international hub for pooling high-calibre talent. He stressed that Hong Kong’s talent pool can help to serve Hainan’s needs and support the province in optimising its rule of law-governed business environment. The justice chief also highlighted that Hainan has a key role to play in developing commercial aerospace as a strategic emerging industry, adding that Hong Kong can provide tailored legal and professional services to support the commercialisation of aerospace development. He urged aerospace enterprises from Hainan and across the country to adopt Hong Kong law in their contracts and choose the city as a venue for diversified dispute resolution. At the ceremony, Mr Lam and Director-General of Hainan’s Department of Justice Qiu Lijun signed a co-operation arrangement to strengthen ties between the two places. The agreement covers legal services co-operation, foreign-related legal talent training, and mutual exchanges between Hong Kong and Hainan. Mr Lam subsequently attended an exchange session focused on advancing the arrangement’s implementation and met other leaders from the Hainan Department of Justice and representatives of the Hainan Lawyers Association.