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2025
The search and rescue team deployed by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to the quake-stricken areas of Myanmar to assist in the search and rescue work, returned to Hong Kong last night after completing its mission. Chief Executive John Lee welcomed the team at Hong Kong International Airport. In his speech, Mr Lee said that the search and rescue team members overcame numerous difficulties and raced against time through their professional training, determined will and immense courage, fully demonstrating professionalism in fearlessly braving challenges and caring for those in distress. Upon completion of the operation in Mantalay, Myanmar, the China and the Hong Kong SAR search and rescue teams arrived in Beijing yesterday afternoon. Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung welcomed the teams at Beijing Capital International Airport then flew to Hong Kong together with the Hong Kong SAR search and rescue team last night. The Hong Kong SAR search and rescue team departed for Myanmar on March 29 to conduct search and rescue work in Mantalay - one of the worst-hit areas. The team conducted joint operations with the China search and rescue teams for days and successfully rescued one survivor. In addition, the Hong Kong SAR team found two bodies under the debris. The 51-strong Hong Kong SAR search and rescue team comprised firemen, ambulancemen and fire services workshops personnel, as well as officers from the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department and the Hospital Authority.
The Immigration Department has been voted the winner of the 2025 Skytrax Award for Best Airport Immigration Service in the World Passenger Survey commissioned by Skytrax, an international specialist research agent of the air transport industry. This is the fifth time for the department to receive the award after winning it in 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2020. On April 9, Director of Immigration Benson Kwok attended the prize presentation ceremony held in Madrid, Spain. Mr Kwok stated that the department was honoured to receive the prestigious Skytrax Award for Best Airport Immigration Service for the fifth time, which affirms its commitment to delivering the highest quality of immigration clearance services. The department expressed gratitude to Skytrax and international travellers for their recognition, as well as to its frontline staff for their professionalism and dedication. Mr Kwok added that the department will continue striving for excellence by leveraging innovative technologies to introduce more facilitation measures and deliver the best immigration services to passengers, with a view to reinforcing Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub while actively supporting the city's overall development. Also during his visit in Spain, he paid a courtesy call to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Spain and met Chargé d'Affaires ad interim and Minister of the Embassy Qu Xun. Additionally, Mr Kwok visited the Spanish Ministry of the Interior where he held discussions with the Director-General of International Relations Elena Garzón Otamendi. Moreover, he took the time to introduce Hong Kong's talent admission schemes, visa services and immigration facilitation measures while meeting representatives of several local media outlets.
The Correctional Services Department today held a national security education student forum and premiered two national security education microfilms that it produced. The two microfilms, Momentary Glory and Unfailing Love, adapted from real cases, feature stories of teenagers who were incited to commit illegal acts which endanger national security and paid a heavy price. Through the productions, the department hopes to raise public awareness of safeguarding national security, enhance citizens’ ability to think critically and discerningly, and raise their awareness of abiding by the law. The microfilms will be uploaded to various official media platforms of the Correctional Services Department and the Education Bureau on April 15 - National Security Education Day. Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk said that the Correctional Services Department has gone beyond the prison walls to promote community crime prevention education. Such education helps nurture young people to love the country and Hong Kong, be law-abiding citizens, and have a positive mindset, he elaborated. Mr Cheuk also expressed hope that students, through Momentary Glory, could understand that they should think twice and not commit crimes, in order to avoid lifelong regrets. Today’s forum also featured a video clip of the individual on which one of the microfilms was based. In the video, he shared how he repented, as well as his feelings after being misled into committing illegal acts and ultimately being sentenced to imprisonment. There was also an interactive session in the forum, allowing students to express their views and think from multiple perspectives. Moreover, the department arranged for rehabilitated individuals to talk about the cost for committing crimes, and their rehabilitation experiences, with a view to reminding students to refrain from engaging in illegal activities.
Customs today appealed to the public to stay alert to deceptive phone calls purporting to be made by the department. Customs noted that it recently received a number of public enquiries about receiving phone calls from +852 2815 7711, which is the same number as its general enquiry hotline, or from other local mobile phone numbers. The callers, claiming to be officers of Hong Kong Customs, tell the called party that they have seized an express parcel or cargo consignment because contraband items were found inside it. Some of the callers also requested the called party to visit the Shenzhen Bay Control Point or other control points for investigations or penalty payments, or download unknown mobile applications. Customs clarified that it has not made such calls, adding the incident has been reported to Police. It reminded the public that its officers will provide relevant information to verify the identity of both parties if they need to contact them and will not request sensitive personal information nor ask them to download unofficial mobile applications.
Johnny Leung will succeed Yang Joe-tsi as Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force Commandant from April 7, the Government announced today. Mr Leung, 57, is the Chief Operating Officer of a multinational engineering corporation. He joined the Auxiliary Police Force as a constable in 1989 and was promoted to Chief Superintendent (Auxiliary) in 2017. He became deputy commandant in 2021. Mr Yang has a wide range of operational and management experience. He was awarded the Long Service Medal for Auxiliary Police in 2004, the First Clasp in 2014, and a TIDERIDER medal in 2021.
Chief Executive John Lee announced today that, upon his nomination and recommendation, and in accordance with the Basic Law, the Central People’s Government has approved the appointment of Joe Chow as Commissioner of Police, and the removal of Siu Chak-yee from the post. Mr Chow was previously Deputy Commissioner of Police. Mr Siu begins pre-retirement leave after serving the Police Force for 36 years. Commenting on the appointment, the Chief Executive said: “Mr Chow has served in the Police Force for almost 30 years and has extensive experience in criminal investigation, intelligence gathering, policy-making as well as personnel management. He has a distinguished performance and possesses proven leadership skills. “I am confident that he will capably lead the Police Force in meeting the challenges ahead.” On the retirement of Mr Siu, who had been Commissioner of Police since June 2021, Mr Lee lauded his efforts in maintaining Hong Kong’s status as one of the safest cities in the world. “He has demonstrated unswerving dedication and determination to safeguarding Hong Kong and upholding the rule of law in dealing with the social unrest.” Mr Lee added that as Commissioner of Police Mr Siu was devoted to introducing strong and effective measures to combat deception cases and other criminal activities. “Under his eminent leadership, the Police Force has continued to excel as a world-class professional law enforcement agency. “On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I convey my heartfelt appreciation to Mr Siu for his contribution to Hong Kong and wish him a happy retirement.”
The Government today cautioned the public not to be taken in by a video circulating online which falsely presents the Financial Secretary promoting a so-called “Government Investment Platform”. Stressing that the video appears to be artificially generated, the Government said that the information contained in it is entirely fictitious and intended to deceive, and warned people not to fall for it. The case has been referred to the Police Force for investigation.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region team currently assisting in the search and rescue work in the quake-stricken areas of Myanmar, found one survivor today. The Hong Kong team had set off for Myanmar on March 29. In a joint operation in Mandalay, the Hong Kong SAR team and the China Search & Rescue Team successfully located a survivor, and rescued and assisted in moving him to an ambulance. Commander of the Hong Kong SAR search and rescue team Cheu Yu-kok said: “We have spared no effort in the search and rescue work upon arrival, and are very encouraged and excited to be able to find one survivor six days after the earthquake. “The team will grasp every opportunity, never give up and do its best to find the remaining survivors.”
The Immigration Department today estimated that around 4.58 million passengers will pass through Hong Kong's sea, land and air control points during the upcoming Ching Ming festive period from April 3 to 6. In consultation with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit & Entry Frontier Inspection and other Mainland authorities, the department estimates that around 3.91 million passengers will pass through land boundary control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on April 4 and 6, with around 561,000 and 608,000 passengers respectively. It is estimated that passenger traffic at the Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and Shenzhen Bay control points will be heavy, with a daily average forecast of about 231,000, 211,000 and 149,000 passengers respectively. To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic during the festive period, the department has minimised leave for frontline officers for flexible deployment and the operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks. Additionally, the department, together with Police, the Customs & Excise Department and the MTR Corporation, will set up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu Control Point to make necessary arrangements. It will also establish close communication with Mainland authorities, including the Shenzhen General Station of Exit & Entry Frontier Inspection. To ensure a smooth passenger traffic flow, conditions will be closely monitored and appropriate traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary. All land boundary passengers should plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The busy times at boundary control points are available on the department's website. Passengers may also check the estimated waiting times at each land boundary control point at any time or place via the Immigration Mobile Application.
Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan today chaired the first meeting of the new term of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Task Force. The task force had an in-depth discussion on the policy measures set out in the Department of Justice's Action Plan on the Construction of Rule of Law in the GBA, and future key initiatives including the establishment of a panel of arbitrators to facilitate arbitrators from the three places in providing legal and dispute resolution services in the bay area as well as the setup of a platform to provide practical legal information on cross-boundary businesses and living. Mr Cheung emphasised that innovation is important in promoting the interfaces of mechanisms, regulatory frameworks and talent training among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, noting that it will further facilitate Hong Kong's integration into the overall development of the country and enhance the innovation capabilities and radiating effect of the GBA.