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2026
The Police Force today launched new features on its e-Traffic Ticket Platform (eTTP) to make handling electronic traffic fixed penalty notices (FPNs) more efficient for the public and the transport sector. Fleet management upgrades To enhance fleet management, the updated platform introduces multiple user roles, including Agents, Agency Companies and Designated Employees. Registered vehicle owners and corporate account holders can authorise these designated representatives to track and manage parking-related FPNs. Vehicle-specific QR Code Fleet operators and drivers can now generate and download Vehicle-specific QR Codes via the platform. On-duty drivers scanning the code with the eTTP mobile app can log their driving hours. If an illegal parking FPN is issued during those hours, the driver will receive an immediate push notification. They can then view the infraction details and settle the fine directly through the app. The system also integrates with the Transport Department’s HKeToll Commercial Vehicle Driver mobile app. Drivers can activate both tracking systems simultaneously with a single scan. Evidence and disputes The update adds two major self-service features for all users. Via the eTTP, users can apply through the platform to view illegal parking photos taken by offices. In addition to existing channels, users can dispute any traffic FPN through the eTTP and upload supporting documents.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said today that it strongly condemns slanderous allegations made in relation to the Safeguarding National Security (Procedural Matters) Regulation in a Washington Post article headlined “Hong Kong's nightmare gets darker”. It stated that the article exposes the newspaper's irrational anti-China stance and hypocrisy, falling well short of what is expected of professional journalism. The Hong Kong SAR Government said that under international law and international practice, each and every sovereign state has an inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security. It highlighted that the US has 21 items of legislation aimed at safeguarding US national security, adding that The Washington Post's article betrays double standards in criticising Hong Kong's efforts in this area of the law. Responding to the article in a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the Procedural Matters Regulation only aims to clarify the existing classification mechanism regarding offences that endanger national security, as stipulated in the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), and bring greater certainty to relevant provisions. It said that any reasonable person who objectively studies the three provisions in the Procedural Matters Regulation and follows the relevant discussions held at Legislative Council meetings will recognise that the Procedural Matters Regulation has no retrospective effect at all. Furthermore, it does not create any new offences or penalties and is not applicable to legal proceedings that have concluded. The Hong Kong SAR Government said that The Washington Post's article falsely and maliciously claims that “people can now be charged retroactively for crimes that didn't exist when they allegedly committed them”. It stressed that this claim is a shocking betrayal of the basic tenets of responsible journalism and totally unacceptable. The statement emphasised that the Procedural Matters Regulation will in no way infringe upon the legitimate rights of any defendant. It outlined that Hong Kong is a place underpinned by the rule of law, and place where the guilt or innocence of a defendant is a matter to be adjudicated independently by the courts, which ensure the right to a fair trial. Article 4 of the HKNSL stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in the course of safeguarding national security. The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights, as applied to Hong Kong, are protected. Moreover, Article 5 stipulates that the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing, and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security, and that this includes protecting the rights of defendants in judicial proceedings, such as the right of criminal suspects to defend themselves. Section 2 of the SNSO stipulates that the ordinance is based on the principle of respect for and protection of human rights and the rule of law. The Hong Kong SAR Government also highlighted another allegation by The Washington Post about the issuance of certificates by the Chief Executive under Article 47 of the HKNSL or section 115 of the SNSO, stating that the allegation is plainly wrong. It said the issuance of a certificate by the Chief Executive is a rigorous and solemn process. As the top official with primary responsibility for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, the Chief Executive has access to confidential information, including extremely sensitive intelligence and information on acts and activities endangering national security, which is not suitable for public disclosure and may even pertain to threats by state actors. The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that it is a well-established principle in common law jurisdictions that the courts accord deference to the assessments and judgments of executive authorities on national security. In particular, it pointed to a 2010 judgment by the Supreme Court of the US that the judiciary must defer to executive authorities' assessments of national security issues, as it can be difficult for the courts to obtain and assess relevant information on evolving threats. It said that turning a blind eye to the this judgment demonstrates The Washington Post's double standards and ignorance. The statement added that the legislative process on the Procedural Matters Regulation is entirely in compliance with all legal and procedural requirements. Regarding The Washington Post's claim that Hong Kong is now “a less secure place to visit or do business”, the Hong Kong SAR Government said that this is baseless and and constitutes a bold-faced lie intended to smear Hong Kong. It added that a simple “fact-check” will reveal that the newspaper's assertions are at odds with how investors and businesses around the world perceive the Hong Kong SAR. It mentioned that Hong Kong has been heralded as the world's freest economy for decades, ranked third globally in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025, continues to rank among the top three international financial centres, and was number one in the world in terms of initial public offering fundraising in the first quarter of 2026, besides being the largest cross-boundary wealth management centre. It stressed that foreign businesses have no reason to worry about the laws safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, adding that many entrepreneurs welcome such laws, which ensure a safer and more stable environment for investment and economic development. It cited a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong earlier this year, which showed increased confidence Hong Kong's business environment for 2026, with 94% of respondents expressing confidence in Hong Kong's rule of law, a marked increase from 83% in 2025. The Hong Kong SAR Government said The Washington Post must face facts and respect the truth, including honest opinions expressed by their fellow countrymen who invest money and do business in and with Hong Kong. It added that it will continue to resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, in order to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security, while also upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, thereby ensuring the steadfast implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle.
The Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis (NM) Development Strategy held its eighth meeting in Hong Kong today. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong and Shenzhen Vice Mayor Tao Yongxin led delegations of the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Shenzhen respectively. The Hong Kong SAR Government presented the latest progress of the development of the Northern Metropolis at today’s meeting. The progress updates include the setting up of Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company Limited, the tendering for the pilot large-scale land disposal sites of about 11 hectares within the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, and the ongoing work to formulate dedicated legislation for the NM. The Hong Kong SAR Government also briefly introduced the findings of a planning study on the development of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen modern logistics cluster. The Shenzhen Government presented its development plans for collaborating with the NM. Both sides also exchanged views on cross-boundary railway projects and the planning and development of boundary control points, as well as work relating to the 15th Five-Year Plan. After the meeting, both delegations visited the exhibition gallery at the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area Community Liaison Centre, followed by a site visit in Hung Shui Kiu to gain a better understanding of the overall planning of the new development area, and the works progress of the NM University Town sites. Mr Wong said the National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in accelerating the development of the NM. The Hong Kong SAR Government is pressing ahead with the formulation of Hong Kong's first five-year plan, in which the NM will be a key chapter. “Through the five-year plan, we aim to further promote industrial collaboration, enhance infrastructure connectivity and drive institutional innovation, thereby injecting new impetus into Hong Kong-Shenzhen co-operation and positioning the NM to become an important engine for high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.” Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan also attended today’s meeting.
The Immigration Department today announced that it will launch a Seamless e-Channel service at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HKZMB) Hong Kong Port on June 25. From that date, eligible Hong Kong permanent residents enrolled for the service can enjoy seamless “on-the-move” self-service departure clearance at the port’s departure hall. AI and facial recognition technology will be deployed in the process, and users will not have to present a Hong Kong identity card or an e-Channel QR code. In his 2025 Policy Address, the Chief Executive proposed establishing Hong Kong’s first “seamless clearance” pilot scheme at the HKZMB Hong Kong Boundary Crossing in the second quarter of 2026. Those eligible to enrol for the service are Hong Kong permanent residents aged 11 or above. They must have a valid smart identity card, and a record of at least 10 arrivals or departures via the Passenger Clearance Building at the HZMB Hong Kong Port in the previous 90 days. Starting from today, eligible Hong Kong residents can use a smartphone with biometric authentication to download the department’s Contactless e-Channel mobile application for enrolment. Eligible residents aged 11 to 17 must enrol with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. The department said that enrolled residents must still carry a valid Hong Kong identity card when using the Seamless e-Channel Service. Moreover, residents can still opt for other e-Channels or traditional counters for immigration clearance. Enquiries can be made by calling the hotline 2824 6111, sending a fax to 2877 7711 or via email.
Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) today laid charges against seven individuals and two companies with a total of 25 counts of offences, in relation to the Wang Fuk Court fire on November 26, 2025. The offences include manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, and tax evasion. The two cases were mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said it is highly concerned about the Wang Fuk Court fire, including the criminal investigations. Following the disaster, Police and the ICAC swiftly set up the largest joint investigation task force in recent years to conduct comprehensive investigations in full swing within just six months into the causes of the fire, and possible corruption in the major renovation project of the residential estate. A total of 35 individuals have been arrested to date. Today's charges followed thorough investigations by the task force's officers and legal advice from the Department of Justice. Police charged three men and two companies jointly with five counts of manslaughter. Meanwhile, the ICAC charged five men, two women and two companies, including all those charged by Police, with a total of 20 offences. The offences include conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, attempting to pervert the course of public justice, and tax evasion. Police and the ICAC have not ruled out further law enforcement actions as their investigations are ongoing.
(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)Chief Executive John Lee today said that the Government introducing subsidiary legislation for safeguarding national security is purely to make the law even clearer in the classification mechanism for offences that relate to endangering national security. Speaking ahead of this morning's Executive Council meeting, Mr Lee explained the introduction of the subsidiary legislation. He said: “The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Section 7 makes mention of the offence of endangering national security, and includes other offences endangering national security under the law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.” Mr Lee highlighted that the purpose of introducing the subsidiary legislation is to make it clear how offences endangering national security under the laws of Hong Kong will be so classified. “It is not intended, and will not expand the definition of the offences. It is not adding any new offences, any new power or punishment, and it also does not expand the scope of application of the law. “Having a clearer mechanism of classifying offences endangering national security will have the benefit of reducing the risk of controversies or debates in court about what constitutes an offence endangering national security,” he added.
The Chief Executive in Council today approved enactment of the Safeguarding National Security (Procedural Matters) Regulation (Procedural Matters Regulation) under section 110 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO). The Procedural Matters Regulation was also published in the Government Gazette today and came into effect immediately. The subsidiary legislation was enacted to clarify the classification mechanism for "other offences endangering national security under the law of the HKSAR", as specified under the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKNSL) and the SNSO. The objective is to reflect the legislative intent of the HKNSL and the SNSO, and to better carry into effect the relevant provisions of both. In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it continuously reviews the city’s current legal system and enforcement mechanisms, with a view to fulfilling its constitutional responsibility in relation to safeguarding national security. Where the need for improvement or clarification is needed, it added, legislative proposals will be introduced in a timely manner. The statement added that, with reference to the legislative intent of the HKNSL, section 7 of the SNSO and relevant Court of Final Appeal case law define “offences endangering national security” as including: offences under the HKNSL, the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR, and the SNSO itself; as well as other offences under Hong Kong law, as referenced in section 7(d) of the SNSO, where the conduct in a particular case is, by its nature, considered to endanger national security. In this connection, the Hong Kong SAR Government considered it necessary to clarify the classification mechanism under the HKNSL and SNSO for "other offences endangering national security under the law of the HKSAR" by way of subsidiary legislation, in order to better carry into effect section 7(d) of the SNSO and the provisions applicable to offences endangering national security in the HKNSL, the SNSO and other laws. The Procedural Matters Regulation states that if the Chief Executive issues a certificate under Article 47 of the HKNSL or section 115 of the SNSO to certify that an act in a criminal case involves national security, then the case will be treated as one involving an offence endangering national security, as mentioned in Article 41 of the HKNSL and section 7(d) of the SNSO. The Hong Kong SAR Government highlighted that the relevant provisions on certificates issued by the Chief Executive are entirely consistent with common law principles. It noted that courts in common law jurisdictions including Hong Kong and the United Kingdom are all of the view that executive authorities are in a better position than the courts to make appropriate assessments and judgements on matters of national security. As such, judicial authorities defer to the assessments and judgements of executive authorities in such instances. The Hong Kong SAR Government also pointed out that the mechanism for the Chief Executive to issue a certificate under Article 47 of the HKNSL or section 115 of the SNSO, and the provisions applicable to offences endangering national security in laws such as the HKNSL and the SNSO, are all existing provisions that have been operating effectively. It stressed that the Procedural Matters Regulation does not alter those provisions, the scope of application of the HKNSL and SNSO, or the definition of “offence endangering national security”. The regulation also does not create any new offence, penalty or enforcement power. The statement emphasised that the enactment of the Procedural Matters Regulation refines details of relevant procedural matters and brings greater certainty to the implementation of relevant provisions under the HKNSL, the SNSO and other laws. The Hong Kong SAR Government iterated that relevant provisions under the HKNSL, the SNSO and other laws are only applicable to a small number of criminals who commit offences endangering national security, and will not affect the lives of the general public, or the normal operation of organisations and institutions. Law-abiding individuals, organisations and institutions will therefore by no means be affected by the Procedural Matters Regulation, it said.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Government of Uzbekistan have exchanged notes on an agreement to discuss the implementation details of a mutual visa-free arrangement that would extend visa-free travel to 30 days for both Hong Kong SAR and Uzbek passport holders. The exchange of notes was witnessed by Chief Executive John Lee and Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov. Following the ceremony, both governments will immediately advance discussions to implement the visa-free arrangement as soon as possible. Currently, Hong Kong SAR passport holders can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days. Holders of diplomatic and service passports from Uzbekistan can visit Hong Kong visa-free for 14 days, and holders of ordinary passports must apply for a visa to visit Hong Kong. The Hong Kong SAR Government said the establishment of a mutual visa-free arrangement is aimed at boosting economic, trade and tourism co-operation with Central Asia.
The Judiciary today announced its plan to establish the Hong Kong International Commercial Court (HKICC), a specialist division of the High Court, to adjudicate complex, high-value international and cross-boundary commercial disputes. Its establishment is designed to strengthen Hong Kong’s standing as both an international financial centre and a leading international dispute resolution hub, in alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Judiciary said the HKICC’s establishment marks a significant development in Hong Kong’s judicial system under the “one country, two systems” principle and comes in response to increasing demand for a specialist judicial forum dedicated to addressing the legal and factual complexities arising from the significant growth in international and cross-border commercial activities in recent years. It said the resolution of such disputes requires specialist judicial expertise, as well as tailored court procedures and practices to enhance flexibility and efficiency. The HKICC is designed to meet these needs, while maintaining the core values and safeguards of Hong Kong’s legal system, which is firmly rooted in the common law. The HKICC will complement Hong Kong’s existing dispute resolution framework. Besides arbitration and mediation, the HKICC will provide parties engaged in international and cross-boundary commerce with a comprehensive range of dispute resolution options. It promises transparency, authoritative judicial determinations, a structured appellate process, and the certainty of enforceable judgments, including their recognition and enforcement on the Mainland under relevant two-way arrangements. Local judges with substantial experience in commercial law will sit on the HKICC. Eminent senior judges or practitioners from other common law jurisdictions may also be invited to sit on an ad hoc basis in accordance with the existing legal framework. Assessors and experts may be engaged, where appropriate, to assist the judges in specialised areas. It is anticipated these arrangements will enhance the HKICC’s expertise and international standing, and promote the development of its jurisprudence in line with international best practices, while remaining solidly based on Hong Kong law. The High Court Ordinance and the Rules of the High Court provide the necessary legal framework for the establishment of the HKICC as a division of the High Court. A dedicated Practice Direction will be issued for the HKICC to prescribe the categories of cases within its jurisdiction and to set out detailed court procedures. These will include measures to streamline the litigation process, provide a more flexible regime for the handling of appeals, and ensure the timely disposal of cases and appeals, with reference to the best practices of other international commercial courts. A floor in the High Court Building will be designated for use by the HKICC. In line with international practice, and reflecting the international and cross-jurisdictional nature of cases, the HKICC will make extensive use of technology in handling cases, including remote hearings, electronic filing, electronic bundles, and voice-to-text transcription. The Judiciary stressed that the establishment of the HKICC represents its firm commitment to judicial excellence and professionalism, and to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a highly respected forum for dispute resolution, thereby reinforcing its enduring role within the global legal and commercial community. The Judiciary aims to establish the HKICC within the coming year. Preparatory work is already under way, and stakeholders, in particular the legal profession, will be consulted in due course. Welcoming the Judiciary’s announcement on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Chief Executive John Lee said that the National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly points the way to strengthening the rule of law in foreign affairs; improving mechanisms for international commercial mediation, arbitration and litigation; supporting Hong Kong to consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial, shipping, aviation and trade centre; and deepening its development as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. Mr Lee stated: “The Hong Kong SAR is the only common law jurisdiction in the country. Hong Kong’s commercial and trade laws based on common law are internationally compatible, and well trusted by international businesses or investors. The establishment of the HKICC fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique advantages under ‘one country, two systems’ of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. “It will contribute new and greater strength to the country’s high-level opening up, while further promoting the development of international commercial rules. “The establishment of the HKICC will strengthen Hong Kong’s core capabilities and advantages in international litigation, complementing Hong Kong’s existing international arbitration and mediation services to provide global enterprises or investors with diversified and comprehensive options for dispute resolution. “This will further enhance the international competitiveness of Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services, propelling Hong Kong to a higher level of development in international dispute resolution services.” Secretary for Justice Paul Lam remarked that the HKICC will focus on handling complex and high-value international commercial disputes. He highlighted the jurists presiding over the cases will include not only judges from Hong Kong, but also judges with high prestige and experience in other common law jurisdictions. Mr Lam said that he Hong Kong SAR Government has the utmost confidence that the HKICC will not only deliver authoritative and convincing rulings in the cases it hears, but also make significant contributions through its jurisprudence to the development of international commercial law. He added that this will further consolidate the international reputation and status of Hong Kong’s common law system, enabling the city to better leverage its unique advantages in this regard under “one country, two systems”.
The Government today launched a one-month public consultation on proposed amendments to the Fire Services Ordinance and its related subsidiary legislation. The proposed changes aim to modernise the fire safety legislative framework, enhance public safety and streamline enforcement effectiveness, while meeting public expectations for improved fire safety. Following the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Government established the Task Force on Strengthening Fire Safety Governance, chaired by the Secretary for Security, to implement medium-to-long-term initiatives to improve fire safety governance. A core component of these measures is a comprehensive review of the ordinance, its subsidiary legislation and the statutory responsibilities of various stakeholders. The Security Bureau emphasised that the Government attaches great importance to maintaining high fire safety standards to protect lives and property. To consolidate Hong Kong's regulatory framework, the bureau proposed amending the principal ordinance alongside three pieces of subsidiary legislation: the Fire Service (Installation Contractors) Regulations, the Fire Service (Installations & Equipment) Regulations, and the Fire Services (Fire Hazard Abatement) Regulation. These amendments will strengthen the registration regime for fire service installation contractors, enhance maintenance and inspection standards for building fire equipment and optimise fire hazard abatement procedures. The bureau noted that the updates will also bolster the Fire Services Department’s enforcement powers in specific areas, including combating illicit fuelling activities. In response to the public's expectations for enhanced fire safety, the Government will finalise the legislative proposal swiftly after the public consultation, aiming to introduce the Bill to the Legislative Council this year. Members of the public can submit their views in writing by email or by mail to the Legislation Amendment Working Group, South Wing, 5/F, Fire Services Department Headquarters Building, 1 Hong Chong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, on or before June 25. Click here for the consultation document.