Stories from Hong Kong · Hong Kong

Hong Kong Chief Executive Lam Lam reported that the government has received over 20,000 applications for a subsidy designed to assist firms with severance and long service payments. Currently, only certain permanent residents and firms meeting specific requirements can apply for the quota. However, current holders of quotas issued after September 2023 are not eligible to apply during this period. Individuals meeting specific requirements can apply for quotas that allow multiple trips to Macau via the bridge. Current quota holders issued after September 2023 are ineligible for this specific application cycle. The Hong Kong government is researching legislation to improve the industrial accident compensation mechanism for platform workers, such as food delivery drivers.

The H2 bus route in Hong Kong is offering a discounted fare of 40 HKD during the Golden Week period. Families and individual travelers from Guangdong are arriving in Hong Kong for the May Day long holiday. Travelers are arriving via high-speed rail at West Kowloon Station, with some Guangdong tourists making day trips and others planning to spend tens of thousands on shopping. Visitors are frequenting locations such as Yau Ma Tei and Tsim Sha Tsui to experience local film scenery and shopping. Immigration authorities expect approximately 980,000 mainland Chinese travelers to enter Hong Kong through controlled checkpoints during the Golden Week period. The influx represents a 7% increase compared to the previous year. The Commissioner for Protection, Lai Kin-ming, inspected Sai Kung on the first day of the Golden Week holiday.

The 1974 Cafe and exhibition hall at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) headquarters on North Point's Jardine's Lookout have launched a music-themed event for the May Day Golden Week.

Police arrested a 31-year-old driver in Hong Kong for dangerous driving after an undercover operation. The vehicle was found to have illegal modifications. The arrest follows an incident where a driver allegedly attempted to overcharge a passenger by 540 HKD for a 200 HKD fare. Hong Kong transport officials announced that more motorists will be able to apply to drive over the bridge to Macau starting Thursday. The new open quotas provide 200 spots for permanent residents and 200 spots for companies. A Hong Kong government spokesman stated the change will provide additional convenience for drivers. Currently, access is limited to certain permanent residents and specific firms. Individuals meeting specific requirements can apply for these quotas. Those granted a quota can travel to Macau multiple times using the bridge from mid-July until the quota expires in 2029.

Cathay Pacific has issued approximately 2.1 billion HKD in bonds, according to a report from RTHK Radio 1. Cathay Pacific has issued 2.1 billion Hong Kong dollars in bonds.

The Hong Kong government is addressing employment issues related to new work models, specifically focusing on food delivery platform workers. Labor and Welfare Bureau Secretary Wong Ka-wing issued a message on International Workers' Day honoring workers' contributions to Hong Kong. Some Legislative Council members are calling for protections to be integrated into the existing labor law framework. The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Sun Yuk-hon, announced the government plans to propose legislative recommendations for a compensation mechanism for food delivery and courier platform workers within this year. Hong Kong legislator Lam Wai-kong is working with platform companies, labor groups, and stakeholders to establish a legislative framework for platform workers.

New visiting hour regulations are expected to take effect by the end of July. Police reported that as of 2:00 PM, crowds at Sai Kung Man Wan Reservoir exceeded 1,000 people. Lam Man-chung noted that many smokers use both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes simultaneously, necessitating a multi-pronged approach to regulation. Over 253,000 people passed through Hong Kong ports by 10:00 AM during the five-day May Day Golden Week. Authorities in Hong Kong issued four fixed penalty notices yesterday following the implementation of new rules regarding e-cigarettes, vapes, and heated tobacco in public places. Violators face a $3,000 fine. Many Lam, head of the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, stated the enforcement is largely in line with expectations. More than 253,000 people entered and exited Hong Kong through various ports.

An independent commission hearing revealed that only one unit in the Wang Jianguo building sustained serious damage during the fire.

The French Arts Festival includes over 100 programs spanning art, music, dance, theater, circus, and cinema. Residents of Wang Kin Kwok are returning to their homes in batches following flood damage. Residents are returning in batches to parts of the Kwong Fuk community to collect belongings following a fire. One resident reported that only one unit in their building sustained severe damage. The parents, who were among the first owners, expressed a strong desire to move back into their unit despite the circumstances. Some residents were seen moving belongings using trolleys to the Kwong Fuk community center before 9:00 AM. Dozens of people queued at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall before 9:00 AM to register and collect protective equipment. Chen, reported that while she has not seen photos of her unit, she expects the condition to be acceptable.

Two taxi drivers, aged 43 and 66, were arrested in Sai Kung during an undercover operation. The men are suspected of overcharging passengers by approximately $300 and $540 respectively. These amounts are reportedly about twice the original fare.