DoJ Welcomes Ministry of Justice's Release of Measures for Management of GBA Legal Professional Examination and Practice

DoJ welcomes Ministry of Justice's release of Measures for Management of GBA Legal Professional Examination and Practice

The Department of Justice (DoJ) welcomed the release and the implementation of the Measures for the Management of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Legal Professional Examination and Practice (Measures) by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) on October 5.

The Department of Justice. Photo source: reference image

Following the conclusion of the multi-year pilot scheme for GBA lawyers on October 4 this year, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress earlier passed the amendments to the Lawyers Law of the People's Republic of China (Lawyers Law), officially regularising the GBA lawyers' scheme while also specifying that relevant details are stipulated by the judicial administration department of the State Council in accordance with the law.

The MoJ released the Measures on October 5 to provide clear regulations for relevant matters such as the enrolment requirements for the GBA Examination, the application procedures to practise as lawyers and the scope of practice, including specifying that the said examination will be held once every two years.

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, 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 encouraged Hong Kong legal talent to join the team of GBA lawyers as soon as possible, leveraging the unique strengths of "one country, two systems, three jurisdictions" to seize the infinite possibilities arising from the development of the GBA.

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC. Photo source: reference image

In the future, the DoJ will proactively take forward the policy initiatives relating to the practice of GBA lawyers set out in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address. The DoJ will fully support and complement Mainland authorities in implementing the relevant scheme, giving full play to the unique strengths of Hong Kong's legal profession and deepening co-operation in legal services among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passengers at airport

Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving passengers at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (October 10), and seized about 5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $1 million. Two persons were arrested.

A 59-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Manila, the Philippines, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed in a check-in suitcase, in his possession. The man was then arrested. After investigations, Customs officers arrested a 58-year-old Mainland male passenger who also arrived in Hong Kong from Manila, the Philippines, yesterday, and was suspected to be connected with the case.

The two arrested men have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (October 12).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will also continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving passengers at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (October 10), and seized about 5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $1 million. Two persons were arrested. Photo shows the suspected cannabis buds seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases