The Government will publish the Prison (Amendment) Rules 2025 in the Gazette this Friday, which will take effect immediately that day.

The amendment rules will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting next Wednesday.

The Security Bureau today said the Prison Rules have been in operation for many years. 

The bureau added that it proposes to improve the extant Prison Rules, after reviewing the relevant law enforcement experience in the past in respect of custody of convicted persons in custody (PICs) and prisoners awaiting trial, potential national security risks and security threats that may be faced by correctional institutions in the future, and relevant law and practices in other jurisdictions.

The amendment aims to ensure that the bureau can effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security as well as continue to strengthen the legal basis for correctional officers in discharging their duties.

It also intends to maintain the security, good order and discipline of prisons; and facilitate the rehabilitation of PICs and protect their lawful rights and interests.

The bureau also put forward other amendments to strengthen the enforcement effectiveness of the Correctional Services Department.

At the same time, the bureau has reviewed and will amend other provisions with a view to making the Prison Rules more up-to-date and meeting the needs for the management of correctional institutions.

The bureau emphasised that national security risks still exist amidst the present complicated geopolitical situation, and it is necessary to amend the Prison Rules as soon as possible to prevent and resolve relevant risks in a timely manner, the earlier the better, for safeguarding national security effectively.

The Government will proactively facilitate LegCo’s scrutiny work, with a view to further strengthening the solid defence in safeguarding national security.