Security Bureau

Hong Kong authorities have gazetted a new law to regulate an upgraded border crossing with Shenzhen, aiming to implement a joint immigration model that reduces clearance times from 30 minutes to five. The Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Bill was gazetted on Tuesday, with the official opening date pending finalization with mainland Chinese authorities.

Hong Kong authorities propose overhauling sexual offences laws by criminalizing same-sex rape, introducing new offences, setting a uniform age of consent at 16, removing gender-specific provisions, and increasing penalties. The Security Bureau submitted a 59-page consultation paper to the Legislative Council to strengthen protections for minors and mentally incapacitated individuals.

Hong Kong authorities have launched a public consultation to overhaul fire safety regulations following the city’s deadliest fire in decades. The proposed changes include expanding firefighters’ law enforcement powers and imposing new responsibilities on management firms and contractors.

Hong Kong has issued a red travel alert for the Democratic Republic of Congo due to an escalating Ebola outbreak in Central Africa with at least 139 suspected deaths reported. The red alert is the middle level in Hong Kong's three-tier outbound travel alert system and advises residents to avoid non-essential travel to the country.