You are here
RSS list
2025
The 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Legal Professional Examination (GBA Examination) will be held on October 25 in Shenzhen and Zhuhai, Guangdong and eligible applicants can apply through the Ministry of Justice website from June 25 to July 4. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said that as the GBA Examination continues to be held and the team of GBA lawyers continues to grow, the pilot scheme fully harnesses the GBA's unique advantage of “one country, two systems and three jurisdictions”, contributing to the construction of rule of law in the GBA. “The pilot scheme will expire next year. We will actively strive for the scheme of GBA lawyers to be regularised." The GBA Examination has been held four times. More than 560 Hong Kong and Macau legal practitioners have passed the examination and obtained the Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Greater Bay Area Lawyer's License to provide legal services in the nine Mainland municipalities in the GBA on specified civil and commercial matters to which the Mainland laws apply.
The Home Affairs Department today said it has reported an impersonation incident in a Facebook group to the Police Force for investigation and contacted the social media platform to request prompt removal of the false content. The department said it took immediate action after discovering an unidentified individual impersonating a Tai Po District Officer and posting a statement under the profile name “Tai Po District Care Teams Alliance” in a Facebook group named “Tai Po”. The department stressed that the content of the social media post and the purported statement were false, and that neither were issued by a Tai Po District Officer or by any District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams). It added that the Government will take serious action in accordance with the law against anyone impersonating a public officer or posting false information purporting to be from Care Teams. The department urged members of the public to remain vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity to its hotline, on 2835 2500, or to Police. The public is also reminded to obtain accurate information through official Government channels and to refrain from trusting or forwarding unverified online messages.
The Security Bureau today held a flag-raising ceremony at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy to mark the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. The bureau led the disciplined services, the auxiliary services and disciplined services youth groups, and collaborated with youth uniformed groups subvented by the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau for the first time, to hold the ceremony. The Police Band, disciplined services ceremonial guard and youth uniformed groups marched in with Chinese-style foot drill. The Fire Services Department's flag party conducted the ceremony during the playing and singing of the national anthem, accompanied by a fly-past by a Government Flying Service helicopter, and concluded with a performance by the Police Band. Officiating at the event, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said the promulgation and implementation of the National Security Law have laid a solid legal foundation for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests. The security law is a solid shield protecting Hong Kong, safeguarding the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems", and protecting the fundamental well-being of Hong Kong people, he added. Mr Chan also officiated at the award presentation for the literature and art creation competition to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the security law. The competition encouraged colleagues of the bureau and disciplined and auxiliary services to create artistic works on how the National Security Law fortifies national security and protects social stability.
The 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum was held today, inviting renowned legal experts and academics to review the legislative intent and background of the security law, and discuss its fruitful achievements. CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong officiated at the forum’s opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. Chief Executive and Hong Kong National Security Committee Chairman John Lee also delivered a keynote speech at the event. Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and National Security Adviser to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong SAR Zhou Ji, Vice-Chairperson of the Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhang Yong, Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR Dong Jingwei, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong SAR Cui Jianchun and Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Peng Jingtang also delivered speeches at the ceremony. Mr Xia said the implementation of the security law over the past five years has proven the law to be a "guardian" in defending the "one country, two systems" principle and in safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. He added that Hong Kong must safeguard national security in the full process of implementing the "one country, two systems" principle, ensure that the governance of the Hong Kong SAR is firmly in the hands of the patriots, be steadfast in safeguarding security and promoting development as well as effectively protect the human rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people and maintain the city’s unique position and advantages. Looking to the future, Mr Xia said the security law will surely safeguard the steady and far-reaching journey of the "one country, two systems" principle, enabling Hong Kong to achieve new and greater accomplishments in the grand endeavour of building a strong nation and realising national rejuvenation. The Chief Executive thanked Mr Xia for his heartfelt review of the positive significance of the security law in restoring Hong Kong's stability and implementing the "one country, two systems" principle in the past five years, and for providing direction for Hong Kong's future security and development. Mr Lee put forward several main points, stressing that Hong Kong must fully and accurately implement the "one country, two systems" principle and thoroughly adopt a holistic approach to national security; adhere to the solid foundation of the rule of law and leverage Hong Kong's international advantages; cherish the stable situation and seize development opportunities; and enhance traditional advantages, focusing on reform and innovation. He also noted that Hong Kong should continue to safeguard national security and make use of the stable situation to develop a vibrant economy, achieving prosperous development and improving people's livelihoods. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said in his welcome remarks that the most important direction for safeguarding national security in the future is to balance the relation between security and development, strictly adhering to the principle of rule of law and the requirements of respecting and protecting human rights and freedoms set out in Articles 4 and 5 of the security law. This would enable people to study, work and live with peace of mind and unite to seek breakthroughs and changes, overcoming various challenges to consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international centre and encouraging people from abroad to come to Hong Kong for development, Mr Lam added. There were two panel sessions in the forum, with the first session reviewing the legislative intent and background of the security law. In the second session, Mr Lam engaged with young leaders from various sectors to explore the vital role of the youth in safeguarding national security, and envisage further joint endeavours between the Government and the community in enhancing legal literacy. Concluding the forum, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan said that today's event aimed to provide an in-depth and broad discussion loaded with insights and humour.
The Basic Housing Units (BHUs) Bill, which introduces a regulatory regime for the letting of subdivided units (SDUs) in residential buildings, was published in the Government Gazette today. The bill is aimed at tackling the issue of substandard SDUs and ensuring reasonable and safe living conditions in SDUs. It requires SDUs in residential buildings to comply with a set of minimum standards. These relate to minimum internal floor area and headroom, fire safety, structural safety, lighting and ventilation, toilet provision, water supply points, and water and electricity meters. In addition, obtaining BHU recognition is a prerequisite for letting SDUs out for habitation. Anyone who lets out an unrecognised SDU will be held criminally liable. Tenants will not be held liable. As a transitional arrangement to implement the BHU regulatory regime progressively, the Government will set up a 12-month registration system for residential flats with pre-existing SDUs. Under this system, a 36-month grace period will be provided to allow for necessary alteration works and applications for BHU recognition. Unregistered SDUs, registered SDUs following the expiry of the grace period, and new SDUs entering the market must all obtain recognition as up-to-standard BHUs before they can be lawfully let out for habitation. The bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first and second readings on July 9. The Government said it will make every effort to facilitate LegCo’s scrutiny and strive to have the bill passed as soon as possible, with a view to rolling out the BHU regulatory regime in March 2026.
The Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025, which provides for a regulatory framework in relation to basketball betting, was published in the Government Gazette today. The amendments to the existing ordinance include granting power to the Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs to issue a licence for basketball betting and to impose licensing conditions; provisions for the calculation and collection of betting duties; and an expansion of the functions of the Betting & Lotteries Commission to cover matters relating to the regulation of basketball betting. The Home & Youth Affairs Bureau emphasised that the Government does not encourage gambling as a matter of policy. On the regulation of gambling activities through legislation, it said the policy objective of providing authorised gambling outlets is to address public demand for certain gambling activities whilst preventing people from turning to illegal operators. If the bill is enacted, the Government – with reference to the current regime for betting on horse racing and football – will issue a licence to the Hong Kong Jockey Club to operate basketball betting, and impose licensing conditions so as to minimise the negative impact of gambling on the public, especially on young people. As with football betting, the duty for basketball betting will be charged at 50% of the net stake receipts. In addition, the Government will continue to collaborate closely with the Ping Wo Fund Advisory Committee to strengthen publicity and counselling for young people. In addition to four existing funded counselling centres, the Government will allocate additional resources to establish a new centre dedicated to providing counselling and support services for youth. Public education efforts will also be strengthened to emphasise to young people that participating in illegal gambling or placing bets with an illegal bookmaker is a criminal offence. The bill will be introduced for first reading in the Legislative Council on July 2.
A scheme for the Smart & Green Mass Transit System in East Kowloon was published in the Government Gazette today. Construction of the proposed 7km-long rapid transit line will commence once the scheme – which is in accordance with the Railways Ordinance – is authorised, and the work is expected to be completed by 2033 or earlier. The system comprises nine stations. Its two termini will be connected to MTR Choi Hung Station and MTR Yau Tong Station respectively, with the line passing through Choi Wan, Shun Lee, Shun On, Sau Mau Ping, Po Tat, Ma Yau Tong and Lam Tin North. It will serve more than over 300,000 residents in Kwun Tong’s uphill areas. The Government said the system will provide convenient transport feeder services to these areas, improving access to MTR Choi Hung Station and MTR Yau Tong Station and unleashing the development potential of East Kowloon. The estimated journey time from Po Tat to Yau Tong or Choi Hung under the new scheme will be around ten to 15 minutes, which is about half of the journey time using road-based transport during peak hours. Under the Railways Ordinance, members of the public have the chance to object to the scheme, and can register their objections from today until August 19. Those with compensable interests can claim compensation.
The Government today raised the outbound travel alert for Israel and Iran to black in view of the latest developments there. It advised Hong Kong residents to avoid all travel to Israel and Iran. Those already there should attend to their personal safety and leave or relocate to relatively safe regions immediately. The Security Bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation in Israel and Iran and issue updates through the media, the bureau’s mobile app and its outbound travel alert webpage. In addition to attending to their personal safety, the bureau advised Hong Kong residents in Israel and Iran to pay attention to announcements made by local authorities and the Chinese Embassy there. Hong Kong residents in Israel and Iran who need assistance can call the Immigration Department’s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the department’s mobile app. They can also send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit an online assistance request form. Alternatively, they may contact the local Chinese Embassy by calling the Embassy in Israel at (972) 35459520 or the Embassy in Iran at (98) 9122176035. Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong. The information provided allows the Immigration Department to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means on a timely basis when necessary.
(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.) Chief Executive John Lee said today that actions taken by the Secretary for Security and the Police Force in relation to a mobile application were necessary to safeguard national security. In remarks ahead of this morning’s Executive Council meeting, he emphasised that the Government will always take strict enforcement action in accordance with the law with regard to all activities and acts endangering national security. “According to the Constitution of the People's Republic of China (PRC), all citizens have the obligation to uphold national security. So Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region of the PRC, the residents of Hong Kong have that constitutional obligation. “The mobile application in question was released under the guise of a game with the aim of promoting secessionist agendas of ‘Taiwan independence’ and ‘Hong Kong independence’. This endangers national security. “The Secretary for Security and the Hong Kong Police have taken action in accordance with the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, carrying out their responsibilities and duties to safeguard national security – they are doing the right thing.”
The Security Bureau today reminded the public to stay vigilant against suspicious calls purportedly made by Security Bureau staff, alleging that the citizen was suspected of breaking the law and required to visit the bureau office in person for verification. The bureau solemnly clarified that this is untrue and condemned such deception tactics. The bureau has displayed an alert message on its official website to remind the public to stay vigilant against scams. In addition to reminding people not to disclose their personal information to any suspicious or unidentified individuals, the bureau stressed that in case of doubt, they should call the Anti Scam Helpline 18222 for enquiries. Those who have provided personal information to suspicious individuals or suspect they have been scammed should contact Police, the bureau added.