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Legal Updates
Looking back, looking forward: Highlights and prospects in Hong Kong data privacy regulation
The Hong Kong data privacy landscape saw limited legislative reform in 2025. Yet, the year was far from static. 2025 marked a trend moving from principles to practical playbooks, driven by the rollout of Hong Kong’s first dedicated cybersecurity law and an active data privacy…Read More
The law and a deceased person’s remains, what happens when there is a dispute?
The recent case of Leung Kar Hin Ross v Ma Lai Fong[1] (“Leung v Ma”) case link has provided important reminders for families dealing with the passing away of loved ones, particularly around who has the legal right to make funeral arrangements and control the…Read More
Employers’ Duties in Extreme Weather Conditions – A Timely Reminder
The recent case of Khan Farooq Ahmed v Delivery Hero Food Hong Kong Limited [2025] HKCFI 4030 (“Khan v Delivery Hero”) outlined an important concern in Hong Kong – what are employers’ duties when it comes to work during a Typhoon 8 or other severe…Read More
Hong Kong’s new Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance takes effect in 2026
The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (Cap. 650) marks a major development in Hong Kong’s child‑protection landscape. Gazetted in July 2024 and scheduled to come into force today, 20 January 2026, the Ordinance reflects the SAR Government’s commitment to strengthening early identification and intervention…Read More
ASPIRe: Looking back and ahead on the regulatory roadmap for virtual assets in Hong Kong
On 19 February 2025, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) published ASPIRe, its regulatory roadmap for Hong Kong’s virtual asset market. It’s a fine document, and an inspired acronym. As we approach the first anniversary of its publication, Pádraig Walsh, who leads our Fintech practice,…Read More
I lost my right of abode. What happens now?
If you have lost your right of abode in Hong Kong, you will automatically acquire the right to land in Hong Kong. With this new right to land status, you will have the right to: Therefore, you may enter Hong Kong to live, work or…Read More
Holiday pay and annual leave pay revisited: Wages and commissions covering every day of the month
The decision of Kan Kin Lan Kenny v Ray White (Hong Kong) Limited [2025] HKCFI 728, the Court of First Instance from early this year revisits and gives useful guidance in relation to calculating holiday pay and annual leave pay in the context of contractual…Read More
“There’s always someone watching!” (Ocean’s 11). Updated Privacy Commissioner guidance on CCTV, drone, and in-vehicle camera use
Hong Kong is actively pushing to become a global innovation hub. Plans include installing cameras in all taxis by 2026, as well as promoting a low-altitude economy of camera-equipped drones. However, such initiatives come with privacy and data concerns. The use of CCTV surveillance, and…Read More
Cohabitation in Hong Kong: A Brief Comparison of Comparing the Legal Landscape of Married and Unmarried Couples in 2025
Cohabitation is on the rise in Hong Kong, as more couples choose to live together before, or instead of, getting married. Yet despite these changing social norms, the law in Hong Kong continues to draw sharp distinctions between married and unmarried couples. Understanding how cohabitation…Read More
Legal Update: Banking (Amendment) Ordinance 2025
Fraud, particularly digital fraud, is on the rise globally. Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, trading hub and an intermediary between Mainland China and the global market, has strengthened its anti-fraud efforts. These include enhancing information sharing through public-private partnerships between the Hong Kong Police Force and the banking sector. However, there remains an information gap which is often exploited by criminals to move…Read More
Working Mothers: Maternity Rights under Hong Kong Law
Maternity Rights Under Hong Kong Law a pregnant woman is entitled to maternity benefits from her employer, provided she is employed under a “continuous contract”. That requires employment of over 18 hours per week, for four or more consecutive weeks (from 18 January 2026, “continuous…Read More
Hiring Foreign Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong, Pitfalls and Misconceptions
In Hong Kong when most people mention “helpers” they actually mean a “Foreign Domestic Helper” (“FDH”) employed from overseas via a recruitment agency or directly via an advertisement or referrals. In order to employ a FDH and obtain a work visa for that employment, the…Read More
