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2025
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.
Police today officially launched the digitalisation of Fixed Penalty Notices, and will issue penalty tickets for illegal parking and moving traffic offences electronically from now on. Additionally, a thematic portal and mobile application have also been launched to facilitate vehicle owners and drivers to verify and settle their fines using electronic payment methods. The force will issue electronic penalty tickets (ePTs) according to the verified e-contact means (ECM) submitted by offenders to the Transport Department - SMS tickets for those who have provided a Hong Kong mobile phone number, and email tickets for those who have provided an email address. It will continue to issue printed paper penalty tickets to those that have not submitted their verified ECMs. At the initial stage of implementation, Police will adopt a “dual-track” transitional arrangement. Offenders will receive both ePTs and printed paper tickets, and they are only required to settle their fines using either one. Members of the public are encouraged to use ePTs. The formats of penalty tickets have also been updated to include new payment information and methods. The force reminds the public that all SMS tickets are issued under the SMS sender name “#HKPF-eTT”, and a purported SMS ticket that is not sent under this sender name must be fake. Moreover, all SMS or email tickets do not contain any hyperlinks, and people should avoid clicking on any suspicious hyperlinks or providing any personal information. Lastly, the platform’s thematic portal has a domain ending with “.gov.hk”. Websites that do not end with “.gov.hk” are not government official websites.
The Mainland Civil & Commercial Legal Practice Training Course 2025 organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy concluded today, attracting about 300 participants from the local legal sector. The two-day course is the first course held by the academy specifically for local barristers, solicitors, in-house counsel and dispute resolution practitioners. It aims to deepen the local industry’s understanding of the Mainland’s civil and commercial laws and practical operations, and promote exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland's legal and dispute resolution sectors. Addressing the opening ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said that Hong Kong and the Mainland have become more closely connected since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, with economic and trade activities becoming increasingly frequent. While many Mainland enterprises leverage Hong Kong as an internationalised platform to go global, overseas enterprises also invest in the Mainland through Hong Kong. The academy specially organised this course to enable the local legal industry to gain in-depth understanding of the practice of civil and commercial law on the Mainland so that they can meet the actual needs arising from growing cross-boundary business, while improving their own competitiveness and expanding the room for their career development, Mr Lam added. Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan pointed out that Hong Kong’s leading position in international arbitration continues to be reinforced and enhanced. Mr Cheung highlighted the Department of Justice’s commitment to promoting the city’s leading position in arbitration in the Greater Bay Area and the international community, and providing legal services of higher quality and competitiveness to the Mainland and around the world, so as to further establish Hong Kong's position as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region. The course covers various key areas of the Mainland civil and commercial legal practice. Through lectures and seminars, the course further enhances the understanding and knowledge of Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution sectors on the practice and operation of the Mainland civil and commercial legal system, while providing a platform for exchange and co-operation between the Hong Kong and Mainland legal sectors. Speakers of the course comprise Mainland judges, academics, legal professionals, corporate representatives, arbitration practitioners and members of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Expert Committee.
A large-scale anti-drug variety TV programme “Let's Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!” presented by the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) was held at TVB City in Tseung Kwan O this evening, with Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki delivering a speech at the programme. Mr Chan also officiated at the kick-off ceremony of a series of anti-drug performances along with Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk. The Chief Secretary said in his speech that Hong Kong was previously plagued by drug problems in the 1960s. Since the establishment of ACAN, the Government and various sectors of the community have been working together to combat drug problems. He noted that from 1977 - when records started to be kept - to 2024, the total number of reported drug abusers has dropped by as much as 70%. Last year, the number of young people under the age of 21 arrested for serious drug offences was at a record low. ACAN has been instrumental in the success of Hong Kong's anti-drug efforts. Mr Chan said: “On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to all those who have participated in the anti-drug cause. I would like to appeal to all members of the public to help spread the steadfast message of 'Let's Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!' and work together towards a drug-free future to safeguard the health of every member of the public.” In the programme, various young idols and singers performed songs with positive messages, including an upbeat anti-drug theme song that shares with young people positive energy and encourages them to hold dear to positive values in life. Members of Customs, the Police Force and the Correctional Services Department also presented their performances in the programme. Additionally, the programme has arranged for artists to re-enact short plays based on the true stories of rehabilitees who have successfully quit drugs, and the rehabilitees have participated in the plays themselves. The programme will be broadcast on TVB Jade at 9pm on June 21.
The total number of reported drug abusers in the first quarter of 2025 was 1,644, lower than the figure of 1,738 for the same period in 2024, the Action Committee Against Narcotics announced today. According to data from the Central Registry of Drug Abuse, the number of reported drug abusers aged under 21 in the first quarter of 2025 was 285, with 128 of them having abused “space oil”. “Space oil” has replaced cannabis to become the most common type of drug abused by young drug abusers, followed by cannabis and cocaine. The Government has listed the drug’s main ingredients – etomidate and its three analogues metomidate, propoxate and isopropoxate – as dangerous drugs, as regulated under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (DDO). The Government also plans to list the remaining etomidate analogues as dangerous drugs, and consulted the Legislative Council Security Panel on the matter earlier this month. Action Committee Against Narcotics Chairman Donald Li said the committee fully supports the Government’s proposal. “Apart from the legislation, the committee will continue to carry out relevant publicity and education work,” he said. On the enforcement front, the total number of people arrested for drug offences in the first quarter of 2025 was 940. Of these, 140 are youngsters aged under 21. “Space oil”, cannabis and cocaine were the main drugs involved in these arrests. In court cases concluded in the same period, the conviction rate of those prosecuted for drug offences was as high as 86%. With the summer holidays approaching, the Security Bureau reminded youngsters not to participate in drug trafficking out of greed or by way of gambling on their luck. Youth is not a valid mitigating factor for drug offences, and pleas of ignorance are no way to avoid legal liability, the bureau added.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today officiated at the opening ceremony of the “5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law Thematic Exhibition” at the Museum of History. Mr Lam reiterated the three "must-nots" – must not forget history, turn a blind eye to reality and stand idly by. He said traditional Chinese wisdom has it that “history, if not forgotten, can serve as a guide for the future”. “We all surely remember the 2019 legislative amendment turmoil, which posed a grave threat to national security and severely undermined the peaceful and stable environment we took for granted.” Mr Lam also stated that “remain vigilant in times of peace” is another traditional Chinese wisdom. “Although Hong Kong society has restored stability and national security, threats are often not immediately visible. It is obvious that hostile states and forces continue to try to suppress our country's development. “Since national security is closely related to individuals’ well-being, people must naturally take concrete steps and shoulder responsibilities in safeguarding national security.” Mr Lam pointed out that a robust legal system has long been the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success. It is the prerequisite for the city to thrive as an international financial, trade, and shipping centre. On the foundation of three “must-nots”, Hong Kong must uphold the rule of law in safeguarding national security, he added. Also officiating at the ceremony, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is not only a constitutional duty of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, but also a fundamental obligation of every citizen. Mr Tang further stated that hostile forces have not given up and he reminded citizens to remain vigilant against the risks. The security chief explained that external hostile forces continue to attempt to undermine national security through smears and "sanctions" while anti-China destabilising elements in the city who have fled overseas continue to engage in activities and behaviours that threaten national security. Local terrorism and "soft resistance", where individuals with ulterior motives exploit fake news and misinformation to divide society and incite hatred are the other risks, Mr Tang added. The exhibition is now open, with the aim to facilitate the public's understanding of and appreciation for the hard-won situation that Hong Kong is now enjoying, and to motivate all to work together to help the city shine on the global stage.
The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS) and the Police Force's National Security Department (NSD) conducted a joint operation today in respect of a suspected case of “collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security”. The joint operation was conducted pursuant to the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and the Safeguarding National Security (Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Regulation. In the case, six people and an organisation were suspected of having committed the offence of “collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security” under the Hong Kong National Security Law between November 2020 and June 2024. The OSNS, with the approval from its Director, requested assistance and support from the NSD, including arranging interviews with the people involved in the case for the OSNS, pursuant to the Safeguarding National Security (Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Regulation. The NSD, with warrants issued by the court under the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, searched the places of residence of the six people and the office of the organisation involved in the case in a commercial building in Kwai Chung and seized exhibits, including bank documents and devices, for further investigation. The NSD also conducted interviews with the people involved in the case and, pursuant to the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, required those people, by notices issued by the court, to surrender their travel documents. The case is still under investigation, and the NSD will continue to provide assistance and support to the OSNS in accordance with the law.
The Police Force’s National Security Department (NSD) said today that the public should not download a mobile app named “Reversed Front: Bonfire” or provide funding to its developer as the app promotes acts and activities endangering national security. It added that those who have downloaded the app should uninstall it immediately. In a press statement, the NSD said “Reversed Front: Bonfire” was released under the guise of a game promoting secessionist agendas such as “Taiwan independence” and “Hong Kong independence”, and which advocates armed revolution and the overthrow of the fundamental system of the People’s Republic of China. It is also designed to provoke hatred towards the central authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the NSD added. The department stressed that persons or organisations who knowingly publish the app or content relating to it, which includes sharing or recommending the app to others online, may commit offences of “incitement to secession” and “incitement to subversion” under the Hong Kong National Security Law, or “offences in connection with seditious intention” under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Moreover, those who have downloaded the app may be regarded as being in possession of a publication that has a seditious intention. Under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, a person who, without reasonable excuse, possesses a publication that has a seditious intention, commits an offence. A person who provides pecuniary assistance, or property, to the developer, which includes making payment through in-app purchases, with an intent to fund the commission of secession or subversion, also commits an offence. With approval from the Secretary for Security, the NSD has implemented a disabling action on electronic messages relating to “Reversed Front: Bonfire” in accordance with the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law. The NSD emphasised that acts or activities endangering national security are extremely serious offences. It added that the force will ensure that the law is observed and strictly enforced, and will take resolute actions to bring offenders to account.