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2024
The disciplinary forces welcomed the passage of the Safeguarding National Security Bill on its third reading by the Legislative Council today, adding that they will fully co-operate in implementing the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The Police Force pointed out that as a pillar for safeguarding national security, it will render full support to the implementation of the national security law after it is enacted, ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced, so as to bring offenders to account and that national security is free from threats. While Customs pledged to uphold its commitment and stand united with other disciplinary forces to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems". Upholding the departmental values of "patriotism and perservance", the Immigration Department said it will exert every effort to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, by strictly adhering to all applicable laws and current immigration policies in all immigration matters. As the last element in the criminal justice system, the Correctional Services Department noted that it will ensure prison stability and prevent anyone in prison from organising or nurturing power to oppose the central authorities and stir up disorder in society. Meanwhile, the Fire Services Department vowed to remain steadfast in its duties, stand united to promote the safety and development of Hong Kong and the country, and strive to protect the lives and property of the public, making Hong Kong a safe place to live and work. For its part, the Government Flying Service said it spares no effort to work with the Security Bureau under its professional ambit in safeguarding national security and maintaining Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.
The Immigration Department announced today the introduction of two additional functions to its 1868 system, which allows citizens in distress outside of Hong Kong to seek help from the department’s Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit. The new functions are an 1868 WeChat assistance hotline in the department’s WeChat official account, and an 1868 chatbot in the departmental mobile app. The department underlined that the newly added hotline and chatbot are intended to provide assistance to Hong Kong residents in need outside the city. For other immigration enquiries, people should call 2824 6111 or write to [email protected].
It is a long-standing practice in the common law system for the legislature to empower the executive authorities to make subsidiary legislation for the effective implementation of the requirements of the primary legislation, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said. He made the statement in response to media concerns over the empowerment of the Chief Executive-in-Council to make subsidiary legislation on safeguarding national security in the amendments to the Safeguarding National Security Bill. While further explaining the issue, Mr Tang emphasised that the power to make subsidiary legislation is under effective checks and balances, and members of the public do not need to be concerned. The security chief pointed out that it is a common practice in the common law system to leave detailed and technical matters of the primary legislation to be set out in subsidiary legislation. Such matters involve implementation details, administrative matters, matters which require the executive authorities’ continuous review and improvements or which need timely enactment or amendments. Other jurisdictions, such as the UK and the US, also have a similar practice, Mr Tang added. It is also very common in Hong Kong legislation for the Legislative Council to delegate power to the executive authorities to make subsidiary legislation for the effective implementation of the primary legislation. Since January 1, 2024, more than 20 pieces of subsidiary legislation have been made. One such example is the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation under the Road Traffic Ordinance. Mr Tang said comprehensive measures to safeguard national security require the empowerment of the executive authorities to formulate implementation details and administrative matters. Moreover, national security risks can emerge all of a sudden and cannot be predicted at the moment. By empowering the Chief Executive-in-Council to make subsidiary legislation to set out the implementation details, as required by the National Security Law and its interpretation, as well as the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the mechanism to safeguard national security can be implemented more effectively. The national security risks can be prevented and addressed timely. Mr Tang also noted that subsidiary legislation has to be made in accordance with the requirements of the primary legislation and its content must not exceed the scope of the matters regulated under the primary legislation. The Interpretation & General Clauses Ordinance clearly stipulates that no subsidiary legislation shall be inconsistent with the provisions of any ordinance. Additionally, Mr Tang pointed out that subsidiary legislation will be laid on the table of the Legislative Council for negative vetting in accordance with the Interpretation & General Clauses Ordinance. “The Legislative Council can, by resolution, make amendment to or even repeal the subsidiary legislation. Therefore, the power to make subsidiary legislation is under effective checks and balances.”
Eighty citizens who assisted Police in fighting crime and upholding the rule of law were commended at the Good Citizen Award (GCA) Presentation Ceremony 2023 today. Separately, seven organisations were presented with the Good Organisation Award to recognise their efforts in supporting the force's crime prevention work. Police said that the GCA awardees helped them with preventing or detecting crime, arresting criminals and saving lives. This year, the Good Citizen of the Year Award was presented to six GCA awardees for the first time. All of them were boatmen who volunteered to sail out and rescue 37 people from danger during a maritime accident. They were commended for their bravery and resourcefulness. More than 4,600 citizens have been commended since the launch of the GCA scheme in 1973. Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner of Police Siu Chak-yee said the GCA Scheme, which was established 51 years ago, not only highlights the importance of police-community co-operation but also the initial aspiration of the force to promote community engagement and strengthen connections with various sectors of the community. Among the awardees, Mr Siu highlighted 11 security guards and taxi drivers, who were highly commendable for utilising their work strengths to take the initiative and go the extra mile to help Police fight crime. He urged members of the public to follow their lead and collectively contribute to a stronger safety network in society.
To mark National Security Education Day, on April 15, the disciplined services and auxiliary services will hold open days in their training schools, headquarters or divisional premises on April 13 and 14. The Police College, the Immigration Service Institute of Training & Development, the Correctional Services Academy and the Kai Tak division of the Government Flying Service will be opened to the public on April 13. The Customs College, the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy, the Civil Aid Service Headquarters and the Auxiliary Medical Service Headquarters will hold open days the following day. Activities on the open days will include flag raising ceremonies, Chinese-style foot drills, tactics and rescue drills, displays of firearms and equipment, working dog demonstrations, virtual reality experiences and game booths. The activities will enable the public to learn more about the disciplined services’ work in preventing and defending against national security risks, while raising awareness of national security and the need to abide by the law. Click here for more information on the open days.
Hong Kong Customs today began a three-day Regional High-Level Conference on IP Protection, which is expected to gather at least 200 representatives from law enforcement agencies, the World Customs Organization, Interpol, Europol and the business sector. This marks the first time for Hong Kong Customs to host a large-scale regional conference on intellectual property (IP) protection. Centered on enforcement, engagement and education, the event features thematic presentations and discussions on IP to enable participants to examine enforcement effectiveness and strategies from diverse perspectives as well as foster co-operation and information exchanges between law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders. Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau and Commissioner of Customs & Excise Louise Ho officiated at a ceremony today to kick-off the conference. In his speech, Mr Chan said that the conference provided an ideal platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of IP protection and development. He also commended Hong Kong Customs for its stringent enforcement of IP laws, continuous engagement with stakeholders, dedication in public education, as well as forging close partnership with regional law enforcement agencies. He also shared the advantages and new initiatives for Hong Kong to develop into a regional IP trading centre, including the introduction of the “patent box” tax incentive, the establishment of a World Intellectual Property Organization Technology & Innovation Support Centre, and the introduction of regulatory arrangements covering local patent-agent services. Also speaking at the conference, Mr Yau expressed hope that it would serve not only as a platform to address IP enforcement issues but also as an opportunity for economies in the Asia-Pacific Region to forge stronger alliances, share best practices and develop innovative solutions for the challenges ahead. Ms Ho also took the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with the commissioners of Indian Customs and the Philippines Customs, and met the Cambodian General Department of Customs & Excise Deputy Director General to enhance co-operation.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan today reviewed the Fire Services passing-out parade for 10 station officers, 99 firemen and 33 ambulancemen at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy.Speaking at the parade, in addition to commending members of the Fire Services Department for their dedicated efforts in protecting Hong Kong and saving people's lives and property, Mr Chan praised their bravery during the rescue mission in Türkiye's quake-stricken areas last year. While talking about the department’s introduction of advanced equipment and application of innovative technology to enhance operational efficiency, Mr Chan gave an example of its use of drones and technologies such as artificial intelligence analysis to locate a missing student in the hills in October last year. He also noted that the department received an award from the World Innovation, Technology & Services Alliance last year for its commitment to exploring and applying innovative technology in enhancing the effectiveness of mountain search and rescue operations.Additionally, Mr Chan highlighted that the department frequently conducts exchanges and mutual visits with its fire and rescue counterparts on the Mainland and overseas, and a regular mechanism for exchanges and observation was created in particular with cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Apart from conducting joint exercises, mutual visits, seminars and other activities from time to time, the department also shares experiences and information with its Mainland counterparts through the Greater Bay Area Fire & Rescue Knowledge Management Platform. Furthermore, Mr Chan pointed out that the department has strived to enhance members' understanding of national security, and established a steering committee to co-ordinate activities on national affairs and national security that calls for the participation of all members. He noted that the graduates attended a national studies course on the Mainland during the training period, and encouraged them to deepen their understanding of the country's development and current situation, as well as its history and culture, in order to become the backbone for members who love both the country and Hong Kong. The graduates could then work together with colleagues from various disciplinary forces and play a crucial role in safeguarding national security, Mr Chan added.
Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today officiated at the launch ceremony of a scheme that aims to avoid duplication of inspections by customs authorities in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. The first batch of transshipment cargo was successfully delivered to the Macau clearance point today from the DHL Central Asia Hub (CAH) via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and the newly constructed Macau Cross-Border Cargo Transfer Terminal in the vicinity of the HZMB Macau Port. Under the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Three-Places-One-Lock Scheme, customs in the three places conducted real-time monitoring on the first batch of transshipment cargo using e-locks and GPS technology, enabling the truck to arrive in Macau directly via the HZMB Hong Kong Port, avoiding duplicate customs inspections. Addressing the scheme's launch ceremony at the DHL CAH, Mr Yau said he looks forward to the further development of the scheme to establish more clearance points across the country, and better facilitate the trade in conjunction with Hong Kong’s closely knit transportation network covering air, land and sea. The scheme has connected Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. The new “green lane”, under the speedy development of the Greater Bay Area, also enhances cargo clearance efficiency and unleashes unlimited business opportunities for the logistics industries of the three sides. At the same time, the scheme facilitates trade and commerce development, and consolidates Hong Kong’s leading position as an international logistics hub. At the launch ceremony, Mr Yau was joined by Macao Customs Service Director General Vong Man-chong, and Chinese General Administration of Customs Guangdong Sub-Administration Deputy Director General Feng Guoqing.
The Chief Executive in Council today approved the gazettal, tomorrow, of the Safeguarding National Security Bill, and its introduction into the Legislative Council. The Security Bureau said approval of the bill will allow the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to implement its constitutional duty and ensure the effective safeguarding of national security as early as possible. It stressed that this duty is stipulated under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the Decision of the National People’s Congress on Establishing & Improving the Legal System & Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong SAR to Safeguard National Security, and the National Security Law. Chief Executive John Lee said he had written to LegCo's president, explaining that the Basic Law Article 23 legislation is a constitutional responsibility of the entire Hong Kong SAR, and that both the Government and the council must spare no effort enacting it as soon as possible. “In order to achieve the goal of completing the legislative work as early as possible, I have suggested LegCo speedily commence the scrutiny of the bill and consider such means as convening a special LegCo meeting for the first and second reading, and convening Bills Committee meetings as early as possible, with a view to scrutinising the bill and completing the legislative process at full speed. “The Hong Kong SAR has to enact the Basic Law Article 23 legislation as soon as possible – the earlier the better. Completing the legislative work even one day earlier means we can more effectively safeguard national security one day earlier. “The Hong Kong SAR can then focus its efforts on developing the economy, improving people’s livelihood and maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.” The Hong Kong SAR Government conducted a public consultation on the Basic Law Article 23 legislation from January 30 to February 28. Of those who responded, 98.6% indicated support for the legislation and made positive comments.
Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan is currently leading a Hong Kong delegation on a visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to participate in the inaugural Riyadh International Disputes Week (RIDW). The objectives of the visit are to promote Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services, strengthening its status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region, and to enhance co-operation between Hong Kong and Belt & Road markets. This is the first time that the Department of Justice has led a delegation to participate in an international legal and dispute resolution event in the Middle East. The RIDW brings together key players from the dispute resolution sector from more than 65 countries and regions to explore developments and opportunities in dispute resolution in the Middle East and promote collaboration and exchange. Mr Cheung and his delegation yesterday attended a thematic event organised by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. The event attracted more than 150 registrants from the business and legal sectors in the Middle East and other regions. Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Chen Weiqing also attended and spoke at the event. Speaking at the event, Mr Cheung stressed that Hong Kong enjoys strong support from Mainland China whilst also being closely connected to the world. He said that besides being the only common law jurisdiction in China, Hong Kong is also a super connector, serving as an important bridge between China and Saudi Arabia, in addition to the rest of the world, and that this gives the city unparalleled advantages in offering legal and dispute resolution services. Mr Cheung explained that Hong Kong has long been a renowned centre for international arbitration. He noted that the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation, the world’s first inter-governmental legal body dedicated to settling international disputes by mediation, will be housed in Hong Kong, adding that this demonstrates the central government’s confidence in the city. He also mentioned that the Department of Justice will take forward the establishment of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy this year. At a lunch as part of the event, Mr Cheung told attendees that the Arrangement on Reciprocal Recognition & Enforcement of Judgments in Civil & Commercial Matters by the Courts of the Mainland & of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is now in operation. The arrangement aims to make cross-boundary enforcement of judgments more cost-effective and streamlined. Today, Mr Cheung and the delegation attended the third International Conference & Exhibition organised by the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA). The event brought together senior officials and industry experts from various regions to discuss the development of dispute resolution in Saudi Arabia and around the world. Attending RIDW events, Mr Cheung exchanged views Secretary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Anna Joubin-Bret and Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration Marcin Czepelak. During their stay in Riyadh, Mr Cheung and the delegation have also met Vice-Minister of Justice of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Najem bin Abdullah al-Zaid and representatives of the Saudi Bar Association. Mr Cheung also visited the local office of an international law firm to gain a better understanding of the Middle East’s need for cross-jurisdictional legal services. The Deputy Secretary for Justice also called on Chen Weiqing at a dinner gathering. He thanked Mr Chen for supporting Hong Kong’s promotion of its legal and dispute resolution services in the Middle East. Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong, who was also visiting the Middle East on official duty, attended the dinner as well. Mr Cheung and his delegation were due to attend a dinner event organised by the SCCA. They will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.