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2025
The Security Bureau convened the first meeting of the Task Force against Illegal Employment today. The task force was established by the Security Bureau last month, comprising members from the Labour & Welfare Bureau, the Education Bureau, the Transport & Logistics Bureau, the Immigration Department, the Police Force, the Labour Department and the Transport Department. At the meeting, the task force discussed the current illegal employment situation and agreed to enhance interdepartmental co-ordination on various fronts, including formulating overall response strategies against illegal employment, boosting intelligence collection and intelligence exchange with the Mainland, enforcing laws rigorously, leveraging technology, and co-ordinating publicity and education. Task force convenor and Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said: “The establishment of the task force demonstrates the Government’s commitment and determination to combat illegal employment.” He encouraged citizens to report illegal employment-related activities by making use of the Immigration Department’s Dedicated Hotline for Reporting Illegal Workers at 3861 5000. “Since the launch of the hotline two weeks ago, the Immigration Department has already received over 100 reports.” The task force will combat illegal employment from various aspects, targeting individual key industries, Mr Tang added.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said today that it vehemently objects to groundless remarks about Hong Kong contained in the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report 2025. In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it resolutely refutes categorically false and baseless remarks in the report regarding Hong Kong’s efforts to tackle trafficking in persons (TIP). It iterated that TIP has never been prevalent in Hong Kong, and that there has never been any sign that the city is used by syndicates as a destination or transit point for TIP. The statement added that the report’s rating of Hong Kong as a “Tier 2 (Watch List)” location is utterly unfair, without basis in fact, and a blatant attempt to smear Hong Kong’s reputation. The statement also highlighted that the Hong Kong SAR Government has long adopted a proactive, multi-pronged strategy in the fight against TIP, with substantial resources being injected into combatting TIP and enhancing protection for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong. Over the last year, it said, the Hong Kong SAR Government has continued to spare no effort in conducting initial screenings for all persons vulnerable to TIP risks who had come to the attention of relevant departments, including illegal immigrants, sex workers, illegal workers, FDHs, imported workers and other suspected victims. It conducted around 11,300 initial screenings last year, a 3% increase compared with the year prior, and identified eight TIP victims. Among these, seven were Hong Kong residents involved in employment fraud in Southeast Asian countries. The Hong Kong SAR Government said its swift actions in returning the residents to the city, identifying them as TIP victims, rigorously investigating their individual cases and prosecuting those implicated underscore its commitment to tackling the scourge of TIP. The statement emphasised that it is totally baseless for the report to cast doubt on the Hong Kong SAR Government’s determination to combat TIP and the quality of the city’s screenings simply because of the low number of victims identified. As a responsible member of the international community, the Hong Kong SAR Government remains steadfast in the fight against TIP, the statement added. The Hong Kong SAR Government also noted, with regard to unsubstantiated remarks in the report about a lack of composite trafficking legislation in Hong Kong, that the current legislative framework, which comprises over 50 legal provisions against various TIP infractions, provides a comprehensive package of safeguards comparable to composite TIP laws found in other jurisdictions. The statement stressed that every jurisdiction should have latitude to determine the best legal framework to tackle the issue and that there is simply no one-size-fits-all solution.
The Immigration Department will launch the “Face Easy e-Channel” service at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) tomorrow, enabling eligible Hong Kong residents to complete arrival clearance by facing the e-Channel cameras for identity verification. Starting September 30, Hong Kong residents aged 11 or above, who choose to use HKIA’s Flight Token upon departure with a required document, and subsequently arrive at HKIA with the same document, are eligible to use the new service. They should use a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport; Hong Kong SAR Document of Identity for Visa Purposes; Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong & Macao Residents, commonly known as the Home Visit Permit; or Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens). When using the “Face Easy e-Channel” service, eligible Hong Kong residents only need to face the cameras, and arrival immigration clearance will be completed upon successful verification of identity via facial recognition technology. Throughout the entire process, they do not need to present any documents or the Contactless e-Channel encrypted QR code. The new service will provide a faster and more convenient automated arrival clearance for Hong Kong residents. They can still choose to use fingerprint verification technology for automated immigration clearance, or traditional counters for immigration clearance. For enquiries, call 2824 6111, send a fax to 2877 7711, or send an email.
The Housing Department today alerted the public to a fraudulent email purportedly issued by the department. The department said that the email concerned showed the sender address [email protected], but it was not delivered by the department. The department has recently been informed by a company that it had received an email displaying the sender address from a person who claimed to be a staff member of the department requesting for the financial information of the company. The email included suspicious hyperlinks and attachments. The case has been reported to Police for further investigation. Citizens are reminded to stay vigilant to suspicious emails and not to disclose any sensitive information, click any suspicious hyperlinks or download any attachments.
As the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum held its annual review today, youth members from Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau reflected on their experiences and learning outcomes over the past year and gave presentations on various research topics. Addressing the audience, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan underscored that the leaders forum had organised nearly 30 diversified events in the last year, covering areas including patriotic education, national security, technology, culture and career exploration. He noted that as this year marks the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the leaders forum also arranged for youth members to visit the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders in Nanjing, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of safeguarding national sovereignty and security. Furthermore, Mr Cheung said he was glad to see that the leaders forum strives to further deepen regional co-operation. Apart from continuing to maintain close collaboration with Shenzhen University, he added that the leaders forum also partnered with the Academy of Public Security Forces of Macau for the first time, with a view to jointly promoting interaction and exchanges among young people in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau. Concluding the event, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung highlighted the significant achievements of the members of the leaders forum last year. These included four members representing Hong Kong youth to attend the military parade in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing; a member, as the youth representative of Hong Kong, China, taking part in the Voices of the Future programme organised by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Peru in 2024; and seven members being awarded the stars of self-improvement of Chinese college students, an award presented to only 20 students in Hong Kong. Mr Tang pointed out that 42 members did summer internships in renowned enterprises or organisations in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Hong Kong and Macau, and 10 students from Shenzhen University came to Hong Kong for training in different enterprises. He explained that in order to strengthen the core objectives of co-operation in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the bureau will assign five Administrative Officers, together with five teachers from Shenzhen University, to serve as mentors for the new cohort of members, guiding new members to complete thematic research projects related to GBA collaboration. Mr Tang also stated that the alumni of the leaders forum are actively preparing for the establishment of an alumni association, in the hope of bringing the sense of social responsibility and collaborative spirit they have learnt to more social service activities, becoming a group that can contribute to Hong Kong and the country.
Some 80 representatives from prosecution authorities from China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states attended the 15th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference held in Hong Kong. The three-day conference this year was focused on dealing with money laundering and corruption. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said given the fact that Hong Kong was given the chance to organise this annual event, shows the trust and confidence Beijing and ASEAN member states have in the city. He added that Hong Kong will spare no effort in strengthening its co-operation with ASEAN countries on addressing and combatting transnational crimes. “I am hoping that Hong Kong will take the lead to organise more training sessions, or knowledge or experience sharing sessions to enable friends coming from both the Mainland and ASEAN countries to have a better understanding as to how to tackle transnational crimes,” he said. Those attending the event acknowledged the need for closer co-operation when it comes to tackling international crimes and lauded the conference for being a great platform for exchanging ideas. A representative from Laos agreed that communication and exchanging experiences are crucial regarding co-operation in tackling such crimes. The country’s Supreme People's Procuracy International Cooperation Bureau Deputy Director Somboun Soukthavi said Laos and Hong Kong have agreed to hold bilingual meetings to foster enhanced co-operation. Indonesian Deputy Attorney General for Civil & State Administrative Affairs R Narendra Jatna noted that China, including Hong Kong and Macau, and ASEAN countries share the same goal of countering transnational crimes, making the conference a great opportunity to boost co-operation. Thailand’s Department of Minburi Criminal Litigation Deputy Director General Charern Tanchatchawan, on the other hand, was interested in the topic of human trafficking. He mentioned a case where a Chinese citizen was being lured to Thailand and expressed concerns that these kinds of cases may affect tourism in Thailand. Representatives from different jurisdictions also expressed their concerns regarding technology used in crimes and hope to learn from others' experience in tackling such issues. Additionally, Malaysian Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki bin Mokhtar and Philippine Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D Fadullon highlighted the challenges posed by technology in transnational crimes. They both agreed that closer co-operation is the key to fighting such problems.
Police today conducted an inter-departmental tabletop exercise, codenamed "PLACIDSEA II", for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games. The exercise was set against the backdrop of upcoming Track Cycling competitions at the Hong Kong Velodrome in Tseung Kwan O, simulating various scenarios that may occur there during the Games, including venue security screening, crowd control, traffic co-ordination and emergency response. Through scenario-based discussions, participating representatives enhanced inter-departmental and multi-agency co-ordination to ensure the Games run safely and smoothly. It was designed with reference to the standards established by the General Administration of Sport of China and the potential challenges of the Games, in preparation for the Track Cycling events to be held at the velodrome. Supported by 12 bureaus and departments and relevant organisations, over 120 representatives took part, including those from the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau and its National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), Fire Services Department, Civil Aid Service, Auxiliary Medical Service, Hospital Authority, Digital Policy Office, Transport Department, Leisure & Cultural Services Department and MTR Corporation.
Super Typhoon Ragasa brought hurricane-force winds to many parts of Hong Kong, causing flooding in coastal and low-lying areas due to overtopping waves and storm surges. The steering committee on handling extreme weather, led by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, swiftly co-ordinated with various government departments to minimise the impact of the typhoon on the public. This afternoon, Mr Chan visited a site in the Central & Western District affected by fallen trees and a landslide to inspect the clean-up and recovery progress. He then chaired a meeting of the steering committee on handling extreme weather, where he received updates from bureaus and departments, and comprehensively reviewed their emergency response and recovery efforts. Government departments mobilised all necessary manpower and resources to expedite clearing obstacles from major roads and bus routes. According to current assessments, major roads and public transport are expected to reopen when the Observatory issues the Strong Wind Signal No. 3. The Security Bureau’s Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre was fully activated more than 24 hours before the Observatory issued the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal, ensuring the best priorities for emergency decision-making. The Development Bureau maintained close liaison with works departments and the Buildings Department to deploy resources of contractors to expedite the progress of the recovery work. As of 5pm, 19 flooding cases were confirmed, of which 14 were resolved by the Drainage Services Department. Once all flooding cases have been resolved, the department will conduct inspections and carry out clearance at about 240 flood-prone locations, as well as examine the drainage conditions of 80 major rivers and drainage channels to ensure their smooth operation. Regarding the safety of structures, the Buildings Department’s Emergency Control Centre received 25 emergency reports related to signboards and scaffoldings at construction sites, 22 of which were resolved. Meanwhile, the Geotechnical Engineering Office received four reports of landslides, with two of them involving slope and retaining wall failures caused by fallen trees. The office has arranged for geotechnical engineers to assist relevant departments for follow-up work. As regards fallen trees, the Development Bureau had, for the purpose of enhancing efficiency, identified some 50 plots of government land for government departments’ temporary storage of fallen trees and debris before they can be sent to landfills for disposal. Separately, the Fire Services Department handled 143 reports of people trapped in lifts, 454 reports from automatic fire alarm systems, 393 reports of fallen trees, and two reports of landslides. In 16 flooding incidents, assistance was also provided to 61 people to get them to safe places. Furthermore, as of 5pm, the Highways Department received around 1,620 reports of road incidents. Its emergency response teams had also been mobilised to remove fallen trees and obstructions on roads, clear debris-clogged roadside drains and channels, as well as carry out emergency cordoning-off and urgent repair works for collapsed slopes. The 16 pedestrian subways along Shing Mun River, Lam Tsuen River and Tai Po River, which had been temporarily closed due to inclement weather, were reopened starting from 5pm. Additionally, during the tropical cyclone, the Home Affairs Department and district offices had 50 temporary shelters in operation, accommodating a total of about 900 residents. The steering committee on handling extreme weather emphasised that government staff will continue to fulfil their duties, working together with various sectors to fully engage in community recovery efforts and provide appropriate support to those in need.
The 15th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference, hosted by the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the People’s Republic of China and organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Department of Justice, was held in Hong Kong today. The conference’s theme "Combatting Money Laundering and Corruption, and Recovering Assets in the Technological Age" calls for unity as China and ASEAN member states join hands to rise to such challenges in the digital era. Around 80 participants attended the event, including prosecutors general, attorneys general, and representatives from prosecution authorities from China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states. Chief Grand Prosecutor and Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate Ying Yong, Chief Executive John Lee and Secretary for Justice Paul Lam officiated at the opening ceremony. Mr Ying said at the ceremony that the theme of the conference reflects the shared understanding among participants regarding the harms of money laundering, corruption, and cross-border transfer of illicit funds. It also embodies the common aspiration of prosecutorial authorities across jurisdictions to strengthen international anti-money laundering and anti-corruption co-operation, and deepen collaboration in recovering criminal assets to safeguard regional security and stability while promoting common development, he added. The Chief Executive thanked the central government for organising and supporting Hong Kong in hosting the conference. He said Hong Kong, being the only bilingual common law jurisdiction under the "one country, two systems" principle, has full capability to uphold the rule of law and act as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr Lee also noted that countries should work together in the technological age to make use of innovative technology to combat the so-called innovators of crime, and build a future where technology serves safety. Meanwhile, Mr Lam pointed out that Hong Kong, under the "one country, two systems" principle, has close legal co-operation with ASEAN member states, including the signing of bilateral mutual legal assistance agreements, taking forward co-operation based on reciprocity and implementing key international conventions to combat transnational crime. The justice secretary added that the city will strengthen collaboration with ASEAN member states to combat transnational crime in response to the developments in the region's economic and social landscape. Addressing the conference’s plenary session, Mr Lam proposed a multipronged approach to combat money laundering and corruption in a technological age. These include strengthening public education and imposing heavier penalties to deter members of the general public from laundering money for others, strict enforcement of legal duties for financial institutions to detect and report suspicious transactions, using legal means to stop dissipation of funds in money laundering as well as enhancing the prosecution's capability to handle technological crimes. During the conference, heads of delegations of China and ASEAN member states will sign a joint declaration to reaffirm the commitment to fight against transnational crimes, including money laundering and corruption.
The Security Bureau today launched "Easy Boundary", a one-stop information platform on immigration clearance, to provide Hong Kong residents and visitors with the latest information on various land boundary control points (BCPs), helping them plan their cross-boundary trips. "Easy Boundary" uses green, yellow and red lights to signify the situation of land BCPs in three levels: "Normal", "Busy" and "Very Busy", respectively, with rough estimates of the average waiting time. Additionally, with the aim of keeping passengers informed, the relevant information will be updated every 15 minutes. Previously, passengers had to obtain the information now available on "Easy Boundary" from different platforms, such as by checking the waiting time at the departure/arrival halls of BCPs and road traffic conditions respectively on the Immigration Department (ImmD) and Transport Department (TD) mobile applications. From now on, passengers can obtain useful information on "Easy Boundary" in one go, including the respective average waiting time for passengers and private cars at land BCPs, as well as for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) cross-boundary shuttle bus (Gold Bus) and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus). "Easy Boundary" will also display real-time ad hoc situations at BCPs, including major traffic accidents nearby. If a "Very Busy" signal is displayed in respect of a particular control point or if an emergency occurs, passengers may consider using other ports or allowing sufficient time for immigration clearance. Moreover, "Easy Boundary" is also integrated with links to obtain other real-time information, including real-time information on immigration clearance from "iPort", a WeChat mini programme of the Office of Port of Entry & Exit of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, and that of the HZMB Zhuhai Port, as well as Hong Kong's real-time traffic conditions. Information on "Easy Boundary" is provided by the ImmD, the Police Force and the TD. In the next phase, the platform will introduce real-time images, and utilise advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence, to assess the real-time situation of immigration clearance at land BCPs.