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2025
Chief Executive John Lee today held an interdepartmental urgent meeting to assist residents affected by the fire in Tai Po. He was deeply saddened that the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po caused multiple deaths and injuries, including the passing of fire services personnel on duty. He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and injured. Mr Lee is also extremely concerned about the incident and immediately activated the Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre. He was briefed by the Security Bureau and the Fire Services Department and steered the relevant departments to make every effort to carry out firefighting, rescue and cure work. All government departments are fully assisting residents affected by the fire, prioritising the safety and well-being of the public. The Home Affairs Department, District Offices and Social Welfare Department have set up interdepartmental help desks, arranged for residents in need to move to temporary shelters, and provided assistance and mental support to the families of the deceased and injured. The Hospital Authority has also activated the emergency mechanism to make every effort to save and care for the injured. Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung was deeply saddened by the death of fireman Ho Wai-ho, during the fire in Tai Po today. Mr Tang said: “I am profoundly grieved at the passing of Mr Ho, who lost his life in the course of an operation. I offer my deepest condolences to his family members.” He also expressed sympathies to the family members of others who died in the fire and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung and Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung also expressed sadness at the passing of Mr Ho.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders may now visit Algeria without a visa for up to 14 days, the Immigration Department announced today. Noting that Algeria is a member of the Belt & Road Initiative, the department said the visa-free arrangement will bring travel convenience, and strengthen tourism-related, cultural and economic ties between the two places. Including Algeria, 174 countries and territories allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Hong Kong SAR passport holders.
Police’s National Security Department, during an enforcement operation in Kwai Chung yesterday, arrested a 32-year-old local man and a 27-year-old local woman. The pair are suspected of committing the offences of “doing an act with seditious intention” under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, “assisting offenders” and “possession of dangerous drugs”. They are now being detained for further enquiries. An investigation revealed that from October 2020 to October 2025, the man was allegedly involved in repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on his shop's social media platform as well as funding activities endangering national security. Acting on a court warrant, Police also searched the man’s shop in Kwai Chung. Cash and related invoices were seized. Officers also seized a small quantity of suspected cannabis at the suspects’ residence in Kwai Chung.
The Shanghai Foreign-Related Adjudication Talent Training Course, co-organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy and the Shanghai High People’s Court, drew to a close today at the Changning campus of the East China University of Political Science & Law (ECUPL). Secretary for Justice Paul Lam delivered a video speech at a closing ceremony for the three-day course. Shanghai High People’s Court President Jia Yu also gave a speech. The course was tailored to the training needs of the 70 judges who make up the first batch of Shanghai’s “foreign-related adjudication talent pool”. Nearly 30 foreign-related adjudication judges from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui were invited to participate. The content of the course focused on practical difficulties in foreign-related adjudication, including the characteristics of Hong Kong's common law system under the “one country, two systems” principle; that system’s interplay with the Mainland’s codified law; and issues relating to contract law, evidence, judicial reviews, ascertainment of foreign law and drafting of judgments. Various experienced legal professionals from Hong Kong, including members of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Expert Committee, gave lectures, assisting participants in better understanding the basic framework and principles of common law and enhancing their ability to handle cross-border cases. Mr Lam outlined in his speech that under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is the only region in the country practicing common law, and is the only bilingual common law jurisdiction globally that uses both Chinese and English as official languages. He expressed hope that participants on the course gained a deeper understanding of the differences between the common law and civil law systems, in order to strengthen the complementarity of Hong Kong’s common law and Mainland laws. Additionally, a Hong Kong Common Law Day, co-organised by the Training Academy and the ECUPL, was held yesterday at the ECUPL's Songjiang campus. It brought together experts from universities and the judicial and legal practice sectors in Hong Kong and the Mainland, to share their views on the common law, the nurturing of foreign-related talent and the handling of cross-border foreign-related disputes.
In considering whether to issue orders under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) prohibiting the operation of the “Hong Kong Parliament” and the “Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union” in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Secretary for Security today issued written notices to the two organisations. The notices allow them to make representations before such orders are made. The Security Bureau said that pursuant to section 60(1) of the SNSO, if the Secretary for Security reasonably believes that it is necessary for the purposes of safeguarding national security to prohibit the operation of an organisation in the Hong Kong SAR, the Secretary for Security may, by way of an order published in the Government Gazette, prohibit the organisation's operation. Having carefully considered all relevant information, the Secretary for Security takes the preliminary view that there are reasonable grounds to believe that it will be necessary to prohibit the operation of the two organisations in the Hong Kong SAR. As such, the two organisations are allowed to make representations, in accordance with section 60(4) of the SNSO, before a final decision is made. The bureau stated that the two organisations in question aim to subvert state power. Their objectives include promoting “self-determination”, making a “Hong Kong Constitution”, and overthrowing or undermining the basic system or authority of the People's Republic of China or the authority of the Hong Kong SAR. Acts specified as offences in sections 62 to 65 of the SNSO include acting as an officer-bearer or a member of a prohibited organisation; participating in any activity or meeting of a prohibited organisation; inciting any other person to become a member of a prohibited organisation; and giving aid of any kind to or procuring any subscription or aid for a prohibited organisation. Those who commit such offences are liable to a fine of $1,000,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. The bureau reiterated that endangering national security is a very serious offence, and that acts or activities which do so may lead to extremely grave consequences. It said the Hong Kong SAR Government will always resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the Hong Kong National Security Law, the SNSO and other relevant laws designed to safeguard national security in order to prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law. It added that this includes prohibiting the operation of organisations that engage in activities endangering national security in the Hong Kong SAR.
The Fight Crime Committee (FCC) today held the 2025 Fight Crime Conference, where nearly 400 participants exchanged views on topics relating to law and order and crime-fighting strategies in Hong Kong. Officiating at the conference, Chief Executive John Lee noted it was the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the National Security Law, and that the conference making "promoting and safeguarding national security" one of its themes comes at the right time. He pointed out that Hong Kong is at the critical juncture of advancing from stability to prosperity, and that the Government is fully committed to deepening reforms, developing the economy and improving people’s livelihood. With stability being the foundation for development and reform, he stressed that only by strengthening the solid defence in national security can Hong Kong effectively respond to various risks and challenges. The conference also discussed scam prevention, crime fighting and anti-drug abuse. Mr Lee expressed hope that the FCC and the District Fight Crime Committees will continue to assist the Government in promoting crime prevention, contributing to maintaining Hong Kong’s law and order. Chief Secretary and FCC Chairperson Chan Kwok-ki, in his welcome remarks, said he believes that the FCC and District Fight Crime Committees will pool their wisdom to carry out related work more comprehensively, with a view to building Hong Kong into a better and safer home. There were also three plenary sessions at today’s conference, covering national security education in the community, drug abuse and deception, with Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Yip Wan-lung as moderators respectively. Members of the FCC as well as chairpersons and representatives of District Fight Crime Committees were invited to share their experiences. In his closing remarks, Mr Tang said the discussion and sharing were meaningful and relevant opinions will be considered. He stressed that the Government will do its utmost to safeguard national sovereignty, maintain public order and combat crimes, with a view to creating a safe and stable environment for Hong Kong so that society can focus on economic development and improving people’s livelihood. Taking the opportunity of the conference, Mr Lee, Mr Chan and Mr Tang encouraged the public to cast their votes in the Legislative Council General Election on December 7. Other officials attending the event included Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun, Permanent Secretary for Security Patrick Li, Acting Commissioner of Police Kan Kai-yan, Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk, Under Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Clarence Leung, Under Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai, Commissioner of Correctional Services Wong Kwok-hing and Director of Home Affairs Priscilla To.
The AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre and the eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre have been selected to serve, respectively, as the administering body and the technology provider for a sports dispute resolution pilot scheme. The Department of Justice today announced the results of an invitation for joint proposals for the scheme's operation. To be launched by the end of this year, it will operate for a period of two years and provide a dedicated mechanism for resolving sports disputes through mediation and arbitration. The administering body will provide institutional support for mediation and arbitration procedures. This includes compiling specific rules, recruiting and appointing mediators and arbitrators, devising fee structures, and administering proceedings. The technology provider will provide the technological infrastructure and support required for the pilot scheme's operation, with a view to promoting wider use of lawtech and online dispute resolution. The two selected institutions will immediately commence relevant preparation work. The Advisory Committee on Sports Dispute Resolution, comprising representatives from the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau, the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong conducted a review of the proposals received based on a set of published assessment criteria. These covered a wide range of aspects, including organisations' institutional expertise; their corporate governance frameworks; proposed mechanisms for avoiding conflict in handling cases; and their local and regional networks for promoting sports dispute resolution.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today removed its Amber Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for Belgium, France, Indonesia, and the coastal regions of eastern Sabah in Malaysia. The Government explained that from time to time it reviews the situation of the countries covered by the OTA system and makes corresponding adjustments to the OTA level. The latest OTA information is available on the Security Bureau’s OTA webpage. The bureau will also issue updates through the media, the bureau’s mobile app and the OTA webpage. Hong Kong residents who need assistance when travelling outside of Hong Kong can call the Immigration Department’s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868. Alternatively, they can call the 1868 hotline using network data, use the 1868 Chatbot via the department's mobile application, send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or the 1868 WeChat assistance hotline, or submit an online assistance request form. Moreover, before travelling abroad, Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service to register their contact details and itinerary, to allow the department to send them practical information when necessary.
The Transport Department (TD) today said it is collaborating with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in an investigation into a case involving eight people using false documents to apply for the direct issue of a Hong Kong Full Driving Licence. The department said it renders full assistance to the ICAC for the probe and has cancelled the Hong Kong driving licences of the people concerned based on the investigation findings. Reaffirming that every "direct issue" application is rigorously processed and verified to ensure applicants meet the legal requirements, the department noted that it reviews the application process as appropriate to cope with the application demand and operational requirements. Should there be any doubts about the supporting documents submitted by the applicant during the vetting process, the TD will seriously follow up, including approaching the relevant consulate or transport authority for verification to ensure the authenticity of the documents. The application will be rejected if the applicant does not fully meet the application eligibility and requirements, it added. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government stressed that the “direct issue” arrangements in Hong Kong with the recognised countries and places are operated on the principles of mutual recognition and reciprocity, adding that it has zero tolerance against anyone in or outside Hong Kong obtaining a driving licence through fraudulent activities that will jeopardise road safety and the road users’ confidence. According to the Road Traffic Ordinance, any person who makes any false statement for the purpose of obtaining any driving licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5,000 and imprisonment for six months. The TD will strictly monitor the implementation of the "direct issue" arrangements and review the relevant procedures with reference to the corruption prevention advice of the ICAC, and will refer suspected cases to law enforcement agencies for investigation.
Police’s National Security Department took enforcement actions in Eastern District today and arrested a 68-year-old man for “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention” in contravention of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, and “engaging in illegal conduct to incite another person not to vote or to cast invalid vote by activity in public during election period” in contravention of the Elections (Corrupt & Illegal Conduct) Ordinance. Investigations revealed that the man was suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on online social platforms, with content provoking hatred towards the Government, the Judiciary and law enforcement agencies, and to incite others not to vote or to cast an invalid vote in an election. Police conducted searches at his residence with a court warrant and seized some electronic communication devices that had been used to disseminate messages with seditious intention. The arrestee is being detained for further enquiries.