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JANUARY 24 - 30, 2023

IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS

New legislative control of cannabidiol (CBD) will come into effect on February 1, thereby placing CBD under the same strict control as other dangerous drugs under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance from that day. Starting February 1, the importation of such products, including food or drinks containing CBD, into Hong Kong will be prohibited unless the relevant provisions in the ordinance are complied with. As such, travelers are advised not to bring any cannabis products or products containing CBD into the city.

The deadline for applying new smart identity cards at smart identity card replacement centers will be extended to March 3. Hong Kong residents who are unable to have their identity cards replaced by March 3 due to being absent from Hong Kong can apply for identity card replacement at a Registration of Persons Office within 30 days upon their arrival in Hong Kong. If they return to Hong Kong and stay for less than 30 days, they will not violate the relevant law for not having their identity cards replaced during that period. Bookings for identity card replacement can be made online, via Immigration Department's mobile app or by calling the 24-hour hotline at +852-2121-1223.

ECONOMY

In December 2022, the value of Hong Kong’s total exports of goods decreased by 28.9% from a year earlier, and that of imports fell by 23.5%. The year-on-year fall in the value of merchandise exports widened further in the month, reflecting the significant drags of the deteriorating external environment and disruptions to cross-boundary land transportation. Hong Kong’s export performance will continue to be adversely affected by the weak global growth in the near term. Nonetheless, the gradual revival of cross-boundary land transportation after the recent relaxation of relevant restrictions should offset some of the pressure. 

ADMINISTRATION AND CIVIC AFFAIRS

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government (January 27) expressed firm opposition to the US government’s latest actions under its memorandum in relation to the deferred enforced departure for Hong Kong residents in the US. Separately, the HKSAR Government strongly refutes (January 26) the remarks by Consul General of the US to Hong Kong Gregory May at a forum held by a US think tank. 

BASIC LAW

The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It provides the guarantees to maintain our existing way of life, including socio-economic development, the rights and duties of Hong Kong people, the rule of law and other areas. The Basic Law was put into effect on July 1, 1997.

Q: Are Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy?

A: In accordance with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, the National People’s Congress enacted the Basic Law, authorizing the HKSAR to exercise a high degree of autonomy and enjoy executive, legislative and independent judicial powers, including that of final adjudication, in accordance with the Basic Law. The Central People’s Government (CPG) shall be responsible for the foreign affairs and defense relating to the HKSAR and other matters authorized by the Basic Law. It also authorizes the HKSAR to conduct relevant external affairs on its own in accordance with the Basic Law. The HKSAR shall have independent finances and shall use its financial revenues exclusively for its own purposes. We are not required to pay taxes to the CPG. (BL Preamble and BL Articles 2; 12-17; 19; 22; 106)