Hong Kong Update for Travellers and Others

Get travel advice and stay on top of the latest developments in Hong Kong affecting the airport, public transport, public safety and other issues. Details here.

Public Health Response Plan Activated

Hong Kong health authorities continue to monitor developments regarding the emergence of an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus. A dedicated webpage has been set up to provide relevant information and health advice. Details here.

Support for Hong Kong Community

The Hong Kong SAR Government has unveiled a series of economic relief measures to support individuals and businesses in Hong Kong affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Details of the various measures to preserve the vitality of the economy, retain jobs and relieve people's financial burdens can be found here.

Institutional advantages remain intact

Jul 10, 2020 - Hong Kong's institutional advantages that have made the city a leading international financial center are very much intact, said Financial Secretary Paul Chan at the online Hong Kong Financial Institutions Awards Forum of StartmeupHK Festival 2020 today. Mr Chan pointed out that Hong Kong placed fifth in the IMD's annual World Competitiveness Yearbook, ranking first in 'Government Efficiency' and second, overall, in 'Business Efficiency'. Hong Kong also ranked second globally in the Heritage Foundation's Index of Economic Freedom, topping the world in 'Business Freedom', 'Trade Freedom', 'Financial Freedom' and, 'Fiscal Health'. The city also led the world in funds raised through IPOs in 2019 - the seventh time in the past 11 years. The Financial Secretary reiterated that Hong Kong remains the business bridge between the Mainland and the western world. Details here.

Social distancing measures tightened

Jul 9, 2020 - The Hong Kong SAR Government will tighten existing social distancing measures in view of a recent rise in the number of local COVID-19 cases, Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan said today. These include capping the number of customers allowed on the premises of catering businesses at 60% of their seating capacity, and each table should accommodate no more than eight customers at a time. Catering businesses, including Hong Kong-style cafes, are reminded of the the importance of taking proper measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Scheduled premises, including karaoke establishments, fitness centers, clubs and nightclubs, must also adhere to a list of measures to tighten social distancing. The new measures will take effect for 14 days from July 11 to 24. Details here.

Hong Kong continues to be free and open

July 7, 2020 - Hong Kong will continue to be a free and open society, said Chief Executive Carrie Lam today at the online conference of the 5th edition of the StartmeupHK Festival. "The rule of law including an independent judiciary will be as robust as ever. In short, the favorable factors of Hong Kong in attracting start-ups remain unchanged," Mrs Lam added. This year's StartmeupHK Festival, running from July 6 to 10, has gone virtual due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Details here.

Security measures clarified

July 7, 2020 - More than half of the measures for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong are practices that currently exist in Hong Kong’s laws, Secretary for Security John Lee said today. Citing the power to search, Mr Lee explained that such power will be conducted under a warrant issued by the Judiciary. “In general situations, it will be conducted under a warrant issued by the court. But in exceptional circumstances, where evidence may be destroyed in a short period of time or the person responsible may have a chance to escape, when police officers are facing these situations they can search the premises without applying for a search warrant," he said. “Such practice actually exists in current laws." Mr Lee emphasized that there are checks and balances in all these measures, adding that the procedures to implement them do comply with the protection of human rights and the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights. Details here.

Social distancing measures under review

July 7, 2020 - The Hong Kong SAR Government may tighten the existing social distancing measures in view of the recent number of COVID-19 local cases, Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan said. Speaking to reporters tonight, Prof Chan said measures involving scheduled premises, restaurants and prohibition of group gatherings have been lifted earlier when the epidemic situation in Hong Kong was found more stable. However, she noted recently there are a number of local cases, with at least five with unknown sources. “We would, first of all, look into all these measures that we have relaxed previously and see how and also when we are going to suppress in the form of tightening (the measures)," she said. “Secondly, we will also continue to monitor the epidemic situation and local cases." Details here.

Foreign currency reserves at US$445.9 billion

July 7, 2020 - Hong Kong's foreign currency reserves amounted to US$445.9 billion as at the end of June 2020, compared with US$442.4 billion at the end of May 2020. The total foreign currency reserve assets of US$445.9 billion represent over six times the currency in circulation or about 46 per cent of Hong Kong dollar M3. Details here.

National security law restores stability

July 6, 2020 - The Hong Kong SAR Government today stressed that the national security legislation can promptly reverse the chaotic situation of the past year and restore stability in Hong Kong, thereby improving Hong Kong's business and investment environment. Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung and Secretary for Security John Lee met US Consul General to Hong Kong & Macau Hanscom Smith today on the national security law. “Our much-valued institutional strengths and core competitiveness will remain intact. They include the rule of law and judicial independence, open and flexible markets, a simple and low tax regime, an efficient public sector and a favorable business environment with a level playing field,” a government spokesman said. Details here.

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