DoJ updates contents of bilingual version of "Annotations of the Hong Kong National Security Law and Sedition Offences in the Crimes Ordinance" and publishes "Proceedings for the National Security Legal Forum 'Looking Back and Ahead, New Dawn for Development'"
The Department of Justice (DoJ) launched the English version and Chinese version of "Annotations of the Hong Kong National Security Law and Sedition Offences in the Crimes Ordinance" respectively in December last year and June this year, and has today (December 28) updated the contents of the bilingual version of the Annotations to cover the developments in the laws relating to safeguarding national security up to June 30, 2024 as well as judgments of individual major cases thereafter. The updated contents have been uploaded to and can be accessed by the public at the Annotations dedicated website.
The Annotations collate and summarise judgments and information concerning the Hong Kong National Security Law as well as sections 9 and 10 of the Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 200) (Note), in order to raise public awareness of national security and to promote better understanding of the laws relating to safeguarding national security by all sectors of the community. Since the launch of the Annotations, there have been important developments in the relevant laws relating to the safeguarding of national security and the courts have handed down judgments in relevant important cases. The DoJ collated and summarised these important judgments with a view to enabling the public to better understand the Hong Kong National Security Law and related laws, and facilitating research and application of the Hong Kong National Security Law and related laws by the legal sector.
Moreover, with the staunch support from the Central People's Government, the DoJ successfully organised on June 8, 2024, the National Security Legal Forum themed "Looking Back and Ahead, New Dawn for Development", bringing together experts and scholars, community dignitaries and legal elites to engage in in-depth and high-level exchanges of ideas and discussions on cutting-edge issues on national security laws. In order to share with the public the fruits of the Legal Forum, the DoJ has compiled and translated the relevant speeches and discussions at the Forum, and has today published the "Proceedings for the National Security Legal Forum 'Looking Back and Ahead, New Dawn for Development'". The Proceedings have already been uploaded to the website of the DoJ for public access.
Note: Former sections 9 and 10 of the Crimes Ordinance have been repealed by section 139 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (6 of 2024) (SNSO) and replaced by sections 23 to 26 of the SNSO which has come into effect since March 23, 2024.
TD launches International Driving Permit Self-service Kiosks to provide convenient application and same-day collection
The Transport Department (TD) today (December 28) launched International Driving Permit (IDP) Self-service Kiosks, one each at the Hong Kong Licensing Office and the Kowloon Licensing Office, for booking by the public, providing an additional and more convenient means for members of the public who plan to drive outside Hong Kong to apply for and collect the IDP.
Eligibility and appointment
Starting from January 13, 2025, one Self-service Kiosk set up in the Hong Kong Licensing Office at United Centre, Admiralty and another in the Kowloon Licensing Office at the Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices will provide one-stop services for application and same-day collection of the IDP from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). Members of the public holding a valid Hong Kong identity card and a Hong Kong full driving licence which is valid or has not expired for more than three years may now book an appointment via the online Appointment Booking System (www.gov.hk/en/residents/transport/drivinglicense/abs.htm) for using the Self-service Kiosk.
Application procedures
Eligible persons with an "iAM Smart+" account equipped with the identity authentication and digital signing functions should bring along their address proof (issued not more than three months from application date) and visit the Self-service Kiosk at the Licensing Office concerned at the selected time slot. The IDP application procedures are as follows:
Perform identity authentication by "iAM Smart+", and input application information;
Verify e-contact means and scan the address proof;
Take photo at the Self-service Kiosk;
Input mobile phone number to receive SMS notification on permit collection;
Perform digital signing by "iAM Smart+"; and
Make electronic payment and get the receipt.
Same day collection
If the documents are in order, the IDP will be ready for collection within an hour at the designated counter of the same Licensing Office. Applicants will be notified by the TD via SMS.
The current applications via the GovHK's website or submission of paper application form (form TD51) over the counter at the Licensing Offices in person, through drop-in boxes and by post remain unchanged. For online or postal applications, if the application details are in order, the TD will mail the issued IDP to the applicant by registered post within 10 working days.
A spokesman for the TD said, "The IDP Self-service Kiosk is still under pilot operation. The TD will review the effectiveness in a timely manner and consider further extension of Self-service Kiosks when necessary."
The public may refer to the TD's website for details of IDP application and the pilot service.
TD launches International Driving Permit Self-service Kiosks to provide convenient application and same-day collection Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD launches International Driving Permit Self-service Kiosks to provide convenient application and same-day collection Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD launches International Driving Permit Self-service Kiosks to provide convenient application and same-day collection Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
