Theme-based exercise under Public Policy Research Funding Scheme 2025-26 results announced
The Chief Executive's Policy Unit (CEPU) announced today (August 14) the results of the theme-based exercise specially launched for education-related policies under the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS) 2025-26.
In light of the policy priorities of the Government to nurture future talent and promote the development of an international hub for high-calibre talent, the CEPU, in collaboration with the Education Bureau, launched the theme-based exercise under its administered PPRFS to support research studies on education-related policy initiatives for the Government's reference.
A total of 76 applications were received under the theme-based exercise. On the advice of the Assessment Panel, the CEPU has supported eight projects with a total funding of about $5.6 million. These eight projects cover various policy areas that are in line with the future strategic positioning and development needs of Hong Kong, including attracting and retaining talent to pursue further studies and development in Hong Kong, with a view to promoting Hong Kong as an international education hub; facilitating effective collaboration between post-secondary institutions and the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to deepen the integrated development of industry, academia and research sectors; further promoting the development of vocational and professional education and training and universities of applied sciences to create diversified career pathways for students; and exploring the positioning of the Northern Metropolis University Town in the education and research domain to foster it as an engine for the development of various industries in the GBA.
The PPRFS aims to encourage local think tank experts and scholars (including universities and civil society think tanks) to apply their expertise to conduct evidence-based research on key public policy issues, facilitate the knowledge transfer of research findings to policy considerations, and serve as a channel for the Government to tap into the public policy research expertise of society. Applications are assessed by an Assessment Panel that comprises experienced academics and professional experts. Research quality and relevance of the proposal to the public policy needs are the principal criteria of assessment. The Assessment Panel will also take into account comments of external reviewers who are experienced academics and professional experts during the assessment process, as well as views of relevant government bureaux/departments. A declaration of interests system is in place to ensure that the assessments are fair and impartial.
Details of the funded projects have been uploaded to the CEPU's website (www.cepu.gov.hk/en/PRFS/ppr-granted.html).
Source: AI-found images
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation codenamed "Contribute" today (January 15).During the operation, ImmD Task Force officers raided premises under renovation in a newly built public housing estate in Sheung Shui district.A total of six suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer were arrested. Thearrested suspected illegal workers comprise six men, aged 22 to 41. Furthermore, one man, aged 45, suspected of employing the illegal workers, was also arrested. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
Apart from mounting the enforcement operation, ImmD officers and a promotional vehicle have been deployed to distribute "Don't Employ Illegal Workers" leaflets and convey the message in the estate.
An ImmD spokesman said, "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties."
The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) and/or forced labour victims. When any TIP and/or forced labour indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP and/or forced labour elements. Identified TIP and/or forced labour victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP and/or forced labour victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.
For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit "Online Reporting of Immigration Offences" form at www.immd.gov.hk.
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seven persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
