Legal Updates

21Apr2020

Can the novel coronavirus form a defence to international child abduction?

An interesting decision is now available in respect of a child removed by her mother from Spain, her place of habitual residence and the subsequent application by her father for her return brought under legislation incorporating the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child…Read More

20Apr2020

Hong Kong Wage Subsidy Update – Further details on Employment Support Scheme (ESS) provided in Finance Committee Discussion Paper

UPDATE 5: 12 June 2020 – Hong Kong Wage Subsidy Update 5 – Reminder: Deadline to apply for 1st tranche of Employment Support Scheme (ESS) closes on Sunday, 14 June 2020 at 23:59 HKT UPDATE 4: 19 May 2020 – Hong Kong Wage Subsidy Update…Read More

20Apr2020

Corporate Meetings During Social Distancing

Work-from-home arrangements. Restrictions on travel. No gatherings of four people or more. COVID-19 has changed how we work, live and socialise. The pandemic has also affected how companies conduct their corporate governance. We are now in financial reporting season when companies are convening board and…Read More

16Apr2020

Is COVID-19 an event of force majeure?

Does COVID-19 allow you to get out of your contract on the grounds of force majeure? We have been asked this question several times in recent weeks. COVID-19 has hurt many businesses and has stopped contract performance in its tracks in many instances. Does that…Read More

15Apr2020

Challenging Capital Reductions by Hong Kong Companies

Until recently, a Hong Kong incorporated company was allowed to reduce its share capital only with the approval of the court.  In 2014, the new Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) introduced a new court-free procedure to allow a company to reduce its capital by passing a…Read More

14Apr2020

Practical steps in tackling sexual harassment in the workplace

The UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission (the UK counterpart to the Hong Kong’s Equal Opportunities Commission) recently published a guideline under the Equality Act to address the specific issues of sexual harassment and harassment at work (the “Guide”).[1] Although the statutory framework of the…Read More

09Apr2020

Wage subsidy and employment relief announced in second round of Anti-epidemic fund

UPDATE 5: 12 June 2020 – Hong Kong Wage Subsidy Update 5 – Reminder: Deadline to apply for 1st tranche of Employment Support Scheme (ESS) closes on Sunday, 14 June 2020 at 23:59 HKT UPDATE 4: 19 May 2020 – Hong Kong Wage Subsidy Update…Read More

07Apr2020

COVID-19 Legal Regulatory Framework

As the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak continues to spread, Hong Kong has taken rigorous actions in combat of the infection surge.  This article serves to briefly outline the anti-epidemic measures imposed by the Hong Kong Government and their relevant legal implications on individuals. Entry to Hong…Read More

07Apr2020

Retailers’ Relief – deadline of 12 April 2020

Retail Sector Subsidy Scheme – Eligibility and Requirements The HKSAR Government has established the “Retail Sector Subsidy Scheme” (the “Scheme”) being a part of the HK$30 billion “Anti-epidemic Fund” to provide relief to retailers over financial difficulties arising from the COVID-19 epidemic. This summary intends…Read More

03Apr2020

Separate representation of children in court proceedings in Hong Kong

At common law, children (in Hong Kong being persons below the age of 18 years old) do not have the capacity to initiate or participate in civil proceedings (Order 80 rule 2 of the Rules of the High Court (Cap. 4A)). However, family law proceedings…Read More

01Apr2020

COVID-19 and the Competition Ordinance

In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, the Competition Commission (“Commission”) issued a press release on 27 March 2020 on the application of the Competition Ordinance (Cap 619) (“Ordinance”) in terms of the supply of critical goods and services in Hong Kong. The Commission recognises…Read More

31Mar2020

Family Violence and COVID-19 – what to do about family violence while isolated at home

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and in observance of recommendations made by the World Health Organisation (“WHO”) and governments around the world billions of people are under mandatory quarantine or isolation, or are self-quarantining or self-isolating at home to stem the tide of…Read More