Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today attended the 2026 Hainan Free Trade Port Legal Week in Hainan.

Mr Lam promoted Hong Kong’s strengths in professional services and sought to deepen co-operation in legal and dispute resolution between Hong Kong and Hainan, focusing on the idea of leveraging “connection of the two ports” as a means of contributing to the country’s high-quality development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, he remarked that Hong Kong and Hainan maintain close relations, supported by strong personal ties and business connections. During the period of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, Hainan will aim to strengthen its foreign-related rule of law and position the Hainan Free Trade Port as a preferred destination for resolving international commercial disputes.

Mr Lam outlined that for its part Hong Kong will deepen its development as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre, leverage its strengths in professional services to assist Mainland enterprises in “going global”, and develop as an international hub for pooling high-calibre talent. He stressed that Hong Kong’s talent pool can help to serve Hainan’s needs and support the province in optimising its rule of law-governed business environment.

The justice chief also highlighted that Hainan has a key role to play in developing commercial aerospace as a strategic emerging industry, adding that Hong Kong can provide tailored legal and professional services to support the commercialisation of aerospace development. He urged aerospace enterprises from Hainan and across the country to adopt Hong Kong law in their contracts and choose the city as a venue for diversified dispute resolution.

At the ceremony, Mr Lam and Director-General of Hainan’s Department of Justice Qiu Lijun signed a co-operation arrangement to strengthen ties between the two places. The agreement covers legal services co-operation, foreign-related legal talent training, and mutual exchanges between Hong Kong and Hainan.

Mr Lam subsequently attended an exchange session focused on advancing the arrangement’s implementation and met other leaders from the Hainan Department of Justice and representatives of the Hainan Lawyers Association.

Three items of subsidiary legislation relating to the implementation of the “Arrangement on Mutual Service of Judicial Documents in Civil & Commercial Proceedings between the Mainland & the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” were published in the Government Gazette today.

The three items are as follows: Rules of the High Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2026; Rules of the District Court (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 2026; and Matrimonial Causes (Amendment) Rules 2026.

All three will come into operation on March 30.

The Department of Justice and the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) signed the new arrangement on April 20 this year, with a view to enhancing the mechanism for mutual use of judicial documents in civil and commercial matters between the Mainland and Hong Kong.

The new arrangement also aims to further promote the alignment of mechanisms and rules between the legal systems of the two places.

The subsidiary legislation seeks to implement the new arrangement in Hong Kong, while the SPC will promulgate a judicial interpretation of the new arrangement in the Mainland.

The Hong Kong SAR Government and SPC have agreed that the arrangement will come into force on March 30, replacing an existing arrangement that has been in place for over 27 years.

The subsidiary legislation will be tabled at the Legislative Council on October 21 for negative vetting.

The International Organizations (Privileges & Immunities) (The International Criminal Police Organization-INTERPOL) (231st Executive Committee Session and 94th General Assembly Session) Order was published in the Government Gazette today.

The General Assembly (GA) is the highest governing body of INTERPOL, meeting annually to allow representatives from member countries to discuss international policing issues and foster global collaboration. The 94th GA will be held in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3.

The Executive Committee, chaired by the President of INTERPOL, is the governing body in charge of supervising the execution of the GA's decisions, as well as the administration and work of the INTERPOL General Secretariat. The 231st Executive Committee Session will take place in Hong Kong on November 29.

The Central People's Government and INTERPOL previously signed an agreement to grant privileges and immunities to INTERPOL and its connected personnel for the duration of the two meetings, which are being hosted by China in Hong Kong.

Made by the Chief Executive in Council under the International Organizations (Privileges & Immunities) Ordinance, the order implements the privileges and immunities provided under that agreement. The order will be tabled before the Legislative Council on October 21 for negative vetting and will come into operation on the same day.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government stated that it will spare no effort in ensuring the successful delivery of both meetings, showcasing the achievements of the "one country, two systems" framework to the world, and telling the good stories of the country, Hong Kong and the Police Force.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has welcomed the release and implementation of the “Measures for the Management of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Legal Professional Examination & Practice” by the Ministry of Justice. Released on October 5, these regulations follow the conclusion of a multi-year pilot scheme for GBA lawyers, which ended on October 4.

Earlier, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee passed amendments to the Lawyers Law of the People’s Republic of China to regularise the GBA lawyers' scheme. These amendments specify that relevant operational details are to be stipulated by the judicial administration department of the State Council in accordance with the law.

The newly released measures provide clear regulations regarding enrolment requirements for the GBA Examination, application procedures to practise, and the overall scope of practice. They also specify that the examination will now take place every two years.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said: “The amended Lawyers Law, together with the Measures, have established the practice regime and implementation rules for GBA lawyers, providing solid legal protection and clear guidance for the long-term and stable operation of the GBA lawyers’ scheme."

“I warmly welcome these developments and thank the Mainland authorities for their strong support," Mr Lam added.

Moving forward, the DoJ will proactively advance policy initiatives relating to GBA legal practice as set out in Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address. The DoJ will support Mainland authorities fully in implementing the scheme, capitalising on the unique strengths of Hong Kong’s legal profession while deepening regional co-operation across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

The redeveloped Huanggang Port features a “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode to significantly enhance cross-boundary clearance efficiency. To use the port’s new automated channels, eligible Hong Kong residents and visitors must first complete a one-time enrolment.

Hong Kong residents can register remotely via the Immigration Department’s HK e-Channel mobile app using iAM Smart for identity verification. Alternatively, they can enrol on-site at a Huanggang Port self-service kiosk, an enrolment office or directly at an automated channel while completing clearance procedures.

Mainland visitors can register on-site at an e-Channel enrolment office or directly at the self-service channels. Once enrolled, travellers can clear both Hong Kong and Shenzhen checkpoints simultaneously at a single automated channel by either scanning their travel documents or using facial recognition.

Eligible Hong Kong residents and Mainland visitors aged 14 or above can activate the facial recognition clearance service when signing up to use the collaborative inspection channels. However, they must still carry their valid travel documents at all times.

Regarding vehicle clearance, the Customs & Excise Department has introduced a “joint one-stop” system where departing vehicles undergo an initial customs risk assessment before entering newly designed three-gate vehicle lanes. Both the driver and the vehicle must meet the eligibility requirements for cross-boundary travel between the ports in Guangdong and Hong Kong.

These lanes are equipped with “integrated information collection devices” that simultaneously conduct body temperature checks, document scans and biometric data collection. Vehicle drivers only need to present a single identity document to complete the “five-party inspection” and secure a one-stop release.

The Government today outlined the comprehensive arrangements for the opening of the new Huanggang Port, which is scheduled to commence operation at 6.30am on October 12.

Immigration clearance services at the port will start from 6.30am on that day. Prior to this switchover time, all passengers must continue to use the Lok Ma Chau Control Point to travel between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

The Immigration Department (ImmD) will ensure that all passengers arriving at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point or the temporary port building of the Huanggang Port in Shenzhen before 6.30am will be able to complete their immigration clearance procedures.

The ImmD appealed to eligible Hong Kong residents to enrol for the new “collaborative inspection” automated channels in advance via the “HK e-Channel” mobile application.

To closely monitor operations and ensure timely response measures, the ImmD will set up a joint command centre with relevant departments, including the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), the Customs & Excise Department (C&ED) and the Transport Department (TD). It will also maintain close liaison with Mainland authorities, including the Shenzhen General Station of Exit & Entry Frontier Inspection.

Meanwhile, the C&ED reminded travellers that a “passenger-vehicle separation” arrangement will be implemented at the new Huanggang Port. Under this measure, general passengers in cross-boundary private vehicles must disembark at the drop-off area, carrying their personal luggage and belongings to the immigration clearance hall to undergo clearance procedures.

Outbound vehicles will first pass through the “customs front kiosk” for risk assessment, and vehicles requiring further inspection must proceed to the designated examination area.

The HKPF said it will implement crowd management measures, regulate traffic flow and facilitate on-site media activities to ensure public safety and smooth port operations. On the night of the switchover, the HKPF will set up a Joint Operation Centre at the new port to monitor the crowd and traffic movements in real time.

Officers will also be deployed to the Lok Ma Chau Control Point and the San Tin Public Transport Interchange (PTI) to manage crowds, as members of the public and bus enthusiasts are expected to gather to catch the first and last bus departures or photograph the old facilities before they cease operations.

Regarding public transport arrangements, the TD announced that the final northbound Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus, commonly known as the Yellow Bus, to the original Huanggang Port will depart from San Tin PTI between 6.15am and 6.20am on October 12. The final southbound Yellow Bus from the original port will depart only after all cross-boundary travellers who entered the original port before 6.30am have completed clearance and boarded.

For the five short-haul cross-boundary coach routes, the last northbound departures from urban areas to the original port will take place between 5.15am and 5.45am on October 12. The final southbound departures from the original port back to urban areas will be between 6.15am and 6.30am that morning.

For the opening, five franchised bus and three green minibus daytime routes will begin operating to the new Huanggang Port, with the earliest departures from their urban termini starting from 4.45am.

The new Huanggang Port will soon be open. The nine-storey Huanggang Port Building features an interior design dominated by warm tones, with high ceilings that create a more spacious feel.

Inspired by Shenzhen’s city flower, the petal-shaped ceiling and expansive side windows maximise natural illumination. The design conserves energy while creating a soothing, welcoming atmosphere.

Floor-to-ceiling windows on the fourth floor offer a panoramic vantage point overlooking both Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

The multi-storey facility houses the arrival hall on the fourth floor and the departure hall on the fifth floor. It is equipped with 134 automated channels and 68 traditional manual counters.

The building also offers a range of passenger-friendly amenities, including a free government Wi-Fi service, baby care rooms and water dispensers.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly reprimands and resolutely refutes the baseless, slanderous remarks about Hong Kong in the US Department of State's Trafficking in Persons Report 2026.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said in the statement today that it vehemently opposes and firmly rejects the categorically false and groundless remarks in the so-called Report on Hong Kong's efforts to tackle trafficking in persons (TIP).

It pointed out that the rating of Hong Kong at Tier 3 is entirely unfounded and represents a blatant attempt to tarnish Hong Kong's sterling reputation.

The Government iterated that TIP has never been prevalent in Hong Kong, and there has never been any sign that the city is used by syndicates as a destination or transit point for TIP.

The statement stressed 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 continued to spare no effort in conducting initial screenings for all people vulnerable to TIP risks, who had come to the attention of the relevant departments, including illegal immigrants, sex workers, illegal workers, FDHs, imported workers and other suspected victims

It conducted around 12,100 initial screenings last year, a 7% increase compared with the year prior, and identified 15 TIP victims.

Among these victims, all of whom were Hong Kong residents involved in employment fraud in Southeast Asian countries. The Hong Kong SAR Government said it took swift actions to return them to the city, identifying them, rigorously investigating their individual cases and prosecuting those implicated, underscoring its commitment to tackling the scourge of TIP.

The statement emphasised that it is baseless for the report to cast doubt on Hong Kong's victim screening efforts, especially when studies and reports within the US have highlighted systematic underreporting of human trafficking cases by domestic law enforcement in the US.

In response to the report's repeated insistence that Hong Kong should enact dedicated trafficking legislation, the Hong Kong SAR Government said that the current legislative framework, which comprises over 50 legal provisions against various TIP conducts, provides a comprehensive package of safeguards comparable to dedicated TIP laws found in some jurisdictions.

The statement stressed that every jurisdiction should have latitude to determine the best legal framework to tackle the issue and there is simply no one-size-fits-all solution.

The Huanggang Port will officially open and commence operations at 6.30am on October 12, following an agreement between the Guangdong and Hong Kong governments.

The Security Bureau and the Office of Port of Entry & Exit of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government jointly issued a notice on the port opening today.

Acceptance inspections of the new port building have been completed. Following the completion of a series of system tests, trials and emergency drills by both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, it has been confirmed that the port is ready for opening.

The facility will commence operation on October 12, providing 24-hour clearance services for passengers and passenger vehicles. At the same time, passenger clearance services between the temporary port building of the Huanggang Port in Shenzhen and the Lok Ma Chau Control Point in Hong Kong will be suspended.

Pursuant to the “Official Reply of the State Council concerning the Agreement on the Commissioning of the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area & Related Extended Areas”, the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area & Related Extended Areas were commissioned beginning at 00:00 hours on July 31, 2026, and are subject to the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in accordance with its laws.

The official opening date was determined by the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong.

The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements today announced that Hong Kong welcomed around 1.6 million visitors during for the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week from October 1 to 7, with Mainland visitors accounting for more than 1.41 million – a figure that surpassed last year’s record.

During the seven-day period, the daily average number of Mainland visitors stood at around 202,000, peaking on October 1, with approximately 277,000 arrivals. The Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point recorded the highest volume of Mainland visitors, followed by the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Control Point.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, who led the interdepartmental working group, noted that this year's National Day Golden Week featured a variety of vibrant activities. He added that the National Day fireworks display, the National Day Raceday and other events held on October 1 were well received by the public and visitors.

The Government and various sectors of the community also launched a rich array of special offers and activities covering public transport, culture, arts and leisure, dining and consumption to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China with the public, Mr Chan added.

“These activities effectively attracted crowds and stimulated consumption, with the retail sector indicating that consumer spending in various retail categories saw single-digit to double-digit growth year-on-year, while the catering sector also indicated that businesses in tourist areas increased by about 10%.”

Mr Chan emphasised that the Government will continue to work hand in hand with the industry to promote diversified tourism products and projects, creating an all-round and in-depth tourism experience for visitors while continuously injecting momentum into the local economy.

The National Day Fireworks Display over Victoria Harbour on October 1 attracted over 378,000 spectators, while the National Day Raceday at Sha Tin Racecourse attracted nearly 30,000 spectators, including 9,300 tourists. Meanwhile, the Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2026 and International Lantern Spectacular at Victoria Park received an enthusiastic response; its duration was extended twice, drawing a total of around 730,000 visitors.

In addition, around 1,140 Mainland inbound tour groups brought over 41,000 visitors to the city during the seven-day Golden Week, with around 60% opting for overnight itineraries. The overall hotel occupancy rate reached 90%.

The Police Force's National Security Department arrested a man and woman in Kowloon on October 6 on suspicion of “doing with a seditious intention an act that had a seditious intention” under Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

The two arrested individuals, both 38,  including a male licensed insurance broker, were suspected of operating pages on various social media platforms and publishing seditious posts that incited hatred against the constitutional order of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The arrested man also profited by selling insurance products.

Prior to the operation, the Police obtained court search warrants to search the residences of the suspects and seize relevant exhibits.

The two individuals will be released on bail for further investigation.

Eligible Hong Kong residents can enrol for the “collaborative inspection” automated channel service at the redeveloped Huanggang Port via the Immigration Department’s “HK e-Channel” mobile application from today.

To further enhance passenger experience and clearance efficiency, the facility will implement a co-location arrangement featuring a "collaborative inspection and joint clearance" mode.

Expected to be commissioned in this quarter, the redeveloped Huanggang Port is equipped with 134 “collaborative inspection” automated channels and 68 traditional manual counters. Using the automated channels, enrolled passengers only need to queue up and present their identity documents once to complete immigration clearance procedures for both Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Starting from today, Hong Kong residents aged seven or above who fulfil the following criteria can enrol for the service.

Individuals who have registered for the Mainland’s e-Channel and hold a Hong Kong permanent identity card paired with a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong & Macao Residents (Home Visit Permit) or a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens) are eligible.

Individuals holding a Hong Kong identity card and a Home Visit Permit who have registered for the Mainland’s e-Channel are also eligible. Finally, individuals holding a Hong Kong identity card and an “Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao” with a valid endorsement for travelling to Hong Kong can enrol.

Eligible Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above can use a smartphone with biometric authentication technology to download the department’s “HK e-Channel” mobile application, select “Collaborative Inspection”, authenticate their identity via “iAM Smart”, and follow the instructions to complete enrolment for the service. For eligible Hong Kong residents aged seven to 17, parents or legal guardians must complete the enrolment procedures on their behalf using the “HK e-Channel” mobile application.

In addition, all eligible Hong Kong residents can proceed to the e-Channel enrolment offices or self-service kiosks at the Huanggang Port for on-site enrolment. Eligible Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above can also enrol and complete the immigration clearance procedures for both regions simultaneously at the “collaborative inspection” automated channels.

Mainland visitors holding an “Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong & Macao” with a valid endorsement for travelling to Hong Kong can also proceed to the e-Channel enrolment offices at the Huanggang Port for on-site enrolment. Eligible Mainland visitors aged 18 or above can enrol and complete the immigration clearance procedures for both regions simultaneously at the “collaborative inspection” automated channels.

When enrolling for the “collaborative inspection” automated channel service, eligible Hong Kong residents and Mainland visitors aged 14 or over can opt for the “Face Scan” clearance service, which removes the need to present identity documents.

With daily inbound and outbound passenger trips projected to reach at least 100,000 during the initial stage of operation, Assistant Director of Immigration (Control) Jackie Wong said that sufficient manpower would be deployed to guide passengers through the enrolment steps. “The whole registration process over the automated e-channel is very quick. I think it takes a few seconds to complete the whole process,” he added.

The department also reminds passengers they are still required to carry their valid travel documents conforming to the immigration requirements of both regions when using the new channels to travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Furthermore, passengers can also choose to use the traditional manual counters for immigration clearance.

Regarding vehicle clearance, the Customs & Excise Department stated that under the new clearance mode, departing vehicles will undergo customs risk assessment before entering the “joint one-stop” vehicle lanes.

These lanes feature a new three-gate design and are equipped with “integrated information collection devices”. The systems simultaneously conduct body temperature checks, scan travel document data, and collect biometric features.

Drivers only need to present one identity document to complete the “five-party inspection” and secure a one-stop release. The department estimates daily cross-boundary traffic will reach 8,000 vehicle trips.

Assistant Commissioner of Customs & Excise (Boundary & Ports) Chiang Yi-lee said that Hong Kong Customs will adopt a multi-pronged approach to tackle the expected increased traffic flow. “We will flexibly deploy our manpower and we will also closely monitor the ground situation in case there are some urgent or unexpected situations,” she said.

The Police Force has alerted the public to fraudulent websites purporting to be its “eTraffic Ticket Platform”.

The websites falsely claim that discounts are available for early fine payment, in an attempt to deceive citizens into providing their credit card details and personal information. 

The genuine web address of the Police Force’s “eTraffic Ticket Platform” is https://www.etrafficticket.gov.hk. Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant.

The force emphasised that no discounts are offered for the payment of traffic ticket fines.

Moreover, SMS messages about electronic Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) will only be issued under the sender name “#HKPF-eTT”, and these FPNs, whether issued via SMS messages or email, will never contain any hyperlinks.

Anyone who has submitted personal information via the fraudulent websites should report the matter to the force by calling 18222.

Call 181 181 for platform enquiries.

Ahead of the highly anticipated opening of the redeveloped Huanggang Port, the Security Bureau hosted a community experience day today, welcoming 1,500 members of the public to tour the new Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area. 

Participants travelled from designated pick-up points across various districts via franchised buses and cross-boundary coachs. Guided by officers from the Fire Services Department and the Correctional Services Department, the visitors explored the port building in groups.

The tour began at the public transport interchange, where participants were briefed on upcoming transit arrangements. They then moved through the main building to explore its interior design features and passenger-friendly amenities, including the free government Wi-Fi service. 

On the fifth floor, Immigration Department officers demonstrated the new "collaborative inspection" automated channels in the departure hall, giving residents a firsthand look at the innovative "collaborative inspection and joint clearance" mode. The tour continued on the fourth-floor arrival hall, where Hong Kong Customs officers explained the streamlined passenger clearance and inspection procedures.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung visited the venue and spoke with attendees to gather feedback and hear about their visit experiences. 

Expressing his gratitude for the public’s positive response, Mr Tang noted that residents are eagerly awaiting the port’s opening, which promises a faster and more convenient travel experience. He also distributed gift packs and took photos with the visitors.

The bureau described the event’s atmosphere as enthusiastic and highly engaging. It added that the event deepened public understanding of the new facility’s transport logistics, customs operations and passenger services.

Moving forward, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will maintain close co-operation with Shenzhen authorities to finalise preparations for the port’s official opening.

The Police Force’s National Security Department today arrested a man and a woman on suspicion of committing seditious acts.

Police reported that people were observed standing outside MTR Prince Edward Station holding bouquets and shouting seditious slogans on the evening of August 31.

The arrestees are a 37-year-old local man and a 58-year-old local woman. Police arrested them for the offence of “doing an act that has a seditious intention with a seditious intention”, in contravention of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

Prior to the arrests, Police obtained court warrants to search their residences and seize relevant items. The two arrestees are currently being detained for further enquiries, and the force's arrest operation remains ongoing.

Similar operations have been conducted recently. A local man and two local women were arrested on September 27 and 28, following the September 3 arrests of two local men and a local woman. All six of those arrestees have been released on bail pending further investigations.

Police stated that the so-called “831 incident” lacks any factual basis, describing it as a lie perpretrated by individuals with ulterior motives to attack the HKSAR Government, smear the Police Force, and attempt to achieve their political objectives by endangering public peace.

Authorities emphasised that the acts in question constitute a serious crime and carry a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment upon first conviction.

The Department of Health (DH) and the Police Force today seized over 5,900 items of suspected unregistered pharmaceutical products and/or Part 1 poisons from two premises in Tsim Sha Tsui during a raid.

The operation was conducted after intelligence indicated that certain premises were suspected of providing injectable treatments involving unregistered pharmaceutical products to the public.

One of the premises raided operated as a company claiming to provide medical health management services. 

The DH said the case remains under investigation and did not rule out further arrests.

It reminded the public that injection procedures are medical procedures which must only be performed by locally registered medical practitioners or registered dentists. 

For queries about disease prevention and treatment, consult a registered doctor instead of blindly trusting unproven medical claims.

Under the Pharmacy & Poisons Ordinance, any product that meets the definition of a pharmaceutical product must meet the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality and must be registered with the Pharmacy & Poisons Board of Hong Kong before it may be distributed in the city. 

The illegal supply or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons is a criminal offence. Upon conviction, each offence carries a maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and two years imprisonment.

The DH stressed that it will continue taking enforcement action if it suspects that a person has illegally supplied and/or possessed unregistered pharmaceutical products. If healthcare professionals are involved, the case will be referred to the relevant professional regulatory body for follow-up.

The department has been taking stringent enforcement action against such offences to safeguard public safety. From 2021 to June 2026, its Drug Office handled 138 cases resulting in convictions. The maximum penalty has been 10 months' imprisonment or a fine of up to $242,000.

The DH will continue to closely monitor pharmaceutical products on the market and take appropriate follow-up action upon receiving intelligence or complaints.

The department also noted that it has sent a letter to all doctors and private healthcare facilities in Hong Kong, reminding them that they must comply with the law in Hong Kong, as the illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products is a criminal offence.  

The Government today announced that a resident who has completed a sentence in the Philippines has returned to Hong Kong safely accompanied by officers from the Immigration Department (ImmD).

He reunited with his family at the Hong Kong airport upon arrival in the city and expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government for their years of assistance, which enabled his prompt return to the city to reunite with his family after being released.

His family was delighted with the reunion and thanked the Hong Kong SAR Government and the ImmD for maintaining close contact with them and for providing proactive responses to their assistance requests.

The Government stated that it has always attached great importance to cases involving Hong Kong residents detained or imprisoned overseas, safeguarding their legal rights and remaining committed to providing assistance to them.

Upon the ImmD's receipt of the request-for-assistance from the resident's family in 2003, the Hong Kong SAR Government maintained close contact with the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR (OCMFA) and the Embassy, making every effort to provide practicable assistance to the resident and his family.

The Embassy also attached great importance to the case, having arranged officials to pay visits to the detained Hong Kong resident during his sentence and actively approached the local judicial authorities to follow up on the situation.

Upon learning that the resident had completed his sentence in the Philippines, the ImmD and the Embassy actively liaised with relevant Filipino authorities to follow up and immediately issued him with travel documents to expedite the overall repatriation procedure.

The Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the ImmD also sent officers to the Philippines to co-ordinate the relevant repatriation arrangements with the Embassy and the Filipino authorities.

The Hong Kong SAR Government expressed gratitude to the OCMFA and the Embassy for their support and assistance in facilitating the prompt return of the resident following his release, which resulted in a prompt and smooth repatriation arrangement.

The ImmD will continue to follow up on the case and provide practicable assistance to the resident.

The Immigration Department estimates that around 7.44 million travellers, including Hong Kong residents and visitors, will pass through Hong Kong's sea, land and air control points during the Mainland's upcoming National Day Golden Week period, from October 1 to 7.

The information was released today by the interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements, led by the Chief Secretary.

The department, in consultation with the "Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection" and other Mainland authorities, estimates that around 6.31 million passengers will pass through land boundary control points (BCPs).

The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land BCPs will be comparatively higher on the weekend. Around 587,000 passengers are expected on Saturday, and around 586,000 on Sunday.

The department estimates that passenger traffic at the Lo Wu Control Point, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Control Point will be heavy, with daily average forecasts of about 220,000, 190,000 and 150,000 passengers at the three points respectively.

Residents and visitors can visit Easy Boundary, a one-stop information platform on immigration clearance launched by the Security Bureau. It carries information on average waiting times for passengers and private cars at land BCPs, as well as waiting times for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge cross-boundary shuttle bus and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) captured a total of eight unattended dogs during a five-day operation following a suspected fatal dog attack on Pok Wai South Road in Yuen Long on September 19. The operation was conducted in collaboration with Police.

The captured dogs have been transferred to the AFCD's Animal Management Centre for detention and observation. Among the animals, three were found to be implanted with microchips, though their licences had expired.

Following an initial investigation, the AFCD has instituted a prosecution against the registered keeper of one dog for failing to hold a valid licence and failing to keep the animal under proper control in a public place. The AFCD highlighted that it is making every effort to investigate the remaining cases and is co-operating with Police to help establish the facts of the incident.

Separately, a frontline AFCD staff member sustained a dog bite to the hand while performing duties on September 23. His condition remains stable after treatment, and he is currently under observation in hospital.

Regarding the handling of unattended dogs, the AFCD noted it will continue to arrange targeted capture and enforcement operations at locations with serious stray problems using a risk-based approach.

The AFCD also solemnly clarified that rumours alleging it engages in "convenience culling" or euthanises animals fours days after intake are untrue. It pointed out that the statutory four-day period is simply the timeframe required by law for the AFCD to make enquiries and locate keepers.

Following any capture, staff check whether the dogs are microchipped and licensed to contact keepers and cross-reference lost-and-found records. If a keeper cannot be traced, staff and veterinary officers at the Animal Management Centres will continue to patiently observe the animals.

To prevent public safety risks, the AFCD emphasised that it will not release dogs back into the community, stressing that sterilisation alone cannot eliminate the risks associated with unowned and uncontrolled dogs in a high-density urban environment.

Instead, the AFCD manages stray animals using a multi-pronged approach in line with international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health. This strategy includes collaborating with animal welfare organisations to promote sterilisation and adoption, alongside continuous public education on responsible pet ownership.

In preparation for the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly, due to be held in Hong Kong in late November, the Hong Kong Police Force, in collaboration with other government departments and relevant organisations, last night conducted a comprehensive inter-departmental exercise at the Convention & Exhibition Centre, Victoria Harbour and the West Kowloon area.

The exercise featured on-site rehearsals of the assembly's opening and closing ceremonies, with drills covering a wide range of arrangements. 

These included security and traffic co-ordination for VIPs; simulated crowd flow management for approximately 1,000 delegates, including their movement between the main and secondary venues; venue command centre operations; and stress tests of the wireless network.

Through the exercise, the force aimed to ensure that all aspects of the General Assembly are seamlessly coordinated, and staged in a safe and orderly manner, demonstrating Hong Kong's capabilities in hosting major international events.

The exercise also simulated a suspected biochemical terrorist attack in which an unattended backpack suddenly released an unknown gas during a cocktail reception, causing a number of people to feel unwell.

Concurrently, other emergencies were staged near the venue, prompting various departments and organisations to swiftly activate their emergency response mechanisms.

The exercise tested the co-ordination of relevant stakeholders in key operational facets, including immediate tactical interventions, emergency response, decontamination and triage of casualties, and the handling of suspicious objects and affected people.

By refining contingency protocols, the exercise further strengthened inter-departmental counter-terrorism preparedness and incident response capabilities.

The exercise mobilised about 3,000 personnel from various government departments and relevant organisations, including the force, the Fire Services Department, the Hospital Authority and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Commissioner of Police Chow Yat-ming observed the exercise on-site. Afterwards, Mr Tang commended all participating units for their professional conduct, co-ordination and co-operation.