YOUR GUIDE TO SERVICES IN KONG

English Version (Sixth Edition)

HOME AFFAIRS BUREAU June 2005 Updated Edition

We take pleasure in presenting the sixth edition of this Guidebook. This edition includes information that we hope will be just as useful to foreign domestic helpers, migrant workers, residents from other Southeast and South Asian countries.

Many individuals and organisations - both within and outside the Government - contributed to the updating process. We take this opportunity to thank them.

Since publishing the first edition of the English version of this Guidebook in December 1998, we have received many helpful comments and valuable suggestions from readers and support groups on ways to improve the contents. We hope that readers will continue this feedback and alert us to any outdated information. Since our aim is to ensure that the Guidebook remains useful and up-to-date and that each new edition is better than the last, we welcome your ideas. Kindly call us on 2835-1579 or contact us by -

• fax: 2121-1716 • e-mail: [email protected] • mail: Race Relations Unit, , 31/F, Centre, 130 , .

Home Affairs Bureau June 2005

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Contents

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1. Introduction …………………...……… 1 5. Getting Around Hong Kong ...... 41-48 MTR 2. Arriving in Hong Kong ...... 2-5 KCRC Immigration KCR East Rail Customs KCR Rail Getting into town KCR West Rail KCR 3. ID Cards and Visas ...... 6-11 Franchised bus services Applying for a Hong Kong ID card Minibuses At the Registration of Persons Office Caring for your ID card Ferries When will my visa expire? Taxis Re-entry into Hong Kong Concessionary on How do I renew my employment visa in Hong Kong? 6. Banks and Money ...... 49-51 Application for resident’s status Hong Kong currency Enquiries Exchange rates Complaints Sending money back home

4. Working in Hong Kong ...... 12-40 7. Healthcare in Hong Kong ...... 52-72 What should I know as a worker recruited General out-patient clinics from abroad? The Hong Kong Authority Conditions of employment Accident and emergency medical services Employment agencies Treatment during long holidays What are your rights as a foreign domestic Tuberculosis and chest service helper? Social Hygiene Service Getting along with your employer AIDS related service centres Renewal of employment visa Family Health Service Completion of employment contract Maternal and Child Health Centres Termination of employment contract (MCHCs) Ill treatment, physical or sexual abuse Treat Hong Kong as your home Assistance from the Labour Department Your right to organise and other labour 8. Legal Assistance ...... 73-75 rights Labour Relations Division Offices Job seeking Non-governmental organisations Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Legal information by phone Employment Contract (For A Domestic Duty Lawyer Scheme Helper recruited from abroad) Legal Aid Services Getting access to a lawyer 9. The ...... 76-80 15. Places of Worship ...... 120-123 999 emergency calls Roman Catholic Police stations Anglican Your rights Aglipayan church Home security Other Christian churches Islamic 10. Preventing Corruption ...... 81-82 Buddhist Knowing and abiding by the law Hindu temple The Independent Commission Against Sikh temple Corruption (ICAC) Complaint and enquiry channels 16. Postal Services ...... 124-131 General information 11. Equal Opportunities ...... 83-84 Mail services What is the EOC? Postal rates Equal opportunities legislation Post office network What can the EOC do for you? Enquiry hotlines

12. Consumer Rights ...... 85-87 17. Social Services ...... 132-154 Buying parallel goods Helping to solve your problems Returning goods Integrated Family Service Centres Smart shopping tips (IFSCs)/Integrated Services Centres The Consumer Council (ISCs) Refuge centres for women 13. Social Activities, Culture and Temporary shelters Entertainment ...... 88-109 The Family Planning Association of Hong Sports and leisure facilities Kong Public Libraries So you want to get married? Museums Registering births Civic Centres and Stadiums Child Care Centres Swimming pools Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Parks and open spaces (CSSA) Scheme Sight-seeing Addresses and telephone numbers of social security field units 14. and Vocational Training Methadone Treatment Programme ...... 110-119 Substance Abuse Clinics Hong Kong’s education system Treatment and Rehabilitation Services Beyond the schools provided by Non-government Vocational and Continuing Education Organisations Education and Support Services for non- Chinese speaking children 18. Living in Hong Kong ...... 155-157 Placement Service Public housing Support Services Housing schemes offered by the Hong Kong Enquiries Housing Authority Housing schemes offered by the Hong Kong Housing Society 19. Tropical Cyclone and Rainstorm Warnings ...... 158-162 Tropical cyclone signals Rainstorm warning signals (HAD) emergency hotline Temporary shelters Emergency Coordination Centres

20. Government Structure ...... 163-165

21. Public Enquiries and Hotlines ... 166-171 Home Affairs Department’s Public Enquiry Centres Useful hotlines

22. Local and International Telephone Calls ...... 172-173 Local calls International calls How to make an international call

23. Organisations Just for You ...... 174-189 Consulates General Migrant organisations, unions and NGOs Language programmes for ethnic minorities

24. Leaving Hong Kong ...... 190-197 Taking a flight Prayer room Getting to the airport Enquiry Major airlines

25. Helpful Chinese Place Names and Phrases ...... 198-208 Chinese place names Handy phrases in Cantonese Chapter 1: Introduction

Welcome to Hong Kong!! Below are some of the basic facts about the dynamic and vibrant Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) that is your new home. The HKSAR came into being in mid-1997 when sovereignty of the territory was returned to the People’s Republic of , and comprises three main areas, , urban and the with its many modern New Towns.

Hong Kong: The facts* Area 1,098 square km Demographic characteristics Population 6.7 million Median age 36 Sex ratio 960 males per 1,000 females Ethnicity Chinese 6.36 million (94.9%) Non-Chinese 0.34 million (5.1%) Language Official Chinese and English Major dialect Cantonese Proportion of population able to 43% speak English Education Proportion of population with upper 52.2% secondary or higher education Employment Labour force participation rate 61.4% Median monthly income HK$12,000 (male) HK$8,900 (female) Religion Majority are Buddhists and Taoists

* Figures on population, age, sex, ethnicity, education and employment are based

on Population Census 2001. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 1 Chapter 2: Arriving in Hong Kong

This and the ensuing chapters provide important information on employment and immigration matters as required by the authorities in Hong Kong. You are advised to update periodically with your own Consulate and/or relevant authorities of your place of origin concerning updated arrangements and policies on employment and immigration matters which may affect you during your stay in Hong Kong.

Immigration

Where do I go? What should I do?

After you get off the plane, follow the signs to the Immigration counters. Then line up in front of one of the counters marked “Visitors”.

The Immigration Officer will ask for your passport, immigration card and your copy of the original contract. If everything goes right, your passport will be stamped with a date stating the limit of your stay in Hong Kong. This is normally two years if you are a foreign domestic helper, starting from the date of your arrival in Hong Kong (please see Chapter 4 for more details).

Once you clear Immigration, go to the assigned baggage collection carousel, get a trolley (they are free), collect your luggage and follow the other passengers to the Customs area.

Customs

Prohibited / Controlled Items

Hong Kong is particularly strict about possible smuggling of drugs, firearms and other prohibited articles. Customs officers have the power to search not only all of your luggage, but also to arrange a personal search on you, if required (see below). Furthermore, Customs detector dogs may be deployed to patrol in the Arrival Hall and other areas of the Passenger Terminal. Therefore, do not attempt to bring in any of the following Prohibited / Controlled Items without a licence or permit:

• Narcotics such as Opium, Morphine, Heroin, Cocaine, Cannabis, Methadone and other narcotic analgesics;

• Psychotropic drugs, including most stimulants, hypnotics, tranquillizers and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 2 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ sedatives such as Amphetamine, 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, commonly known as “Ecstasy”), Benzodiazephine, Quinalbarbitone, Methaqualone, Estazolam, Midazolam, Ketamine and others; • Antibiotics and other poisons such as Penicillin, Tetracycline, Corticosteroid and others; • Controlled chemicals such as Acetic Anhydride, Ephedrine and others; • Firearms and ammunition; • Weapons; • Fireworks and explosives; • Unauthorized decoder and telecommunication equipment; • Strategic commodities; • Textiles, including any natural or artificial fibre products and any combination of natural and artificial fibre products in the form of yarn, fabrics, garments or other manufactured articles; • Animals and plants; • Endangered species; • Rough diamonds; and • Game, meat, poultry and smokeless tobacco products.

Anything to declare?

At the Customs area you have to declare if you have something for declaration. Let the Customs officer know if you have:

• Any goods imported for trade and business; • Any of the following items in excess the duty-free concessions: (i) Tobacco, cigarettes and cigars; and (ii) Alcoholic liquor.

Duty-free concessions:

If you are aged 18 or above, you may bring in these items duty free as long as they are for your own use: • One litre of alcoholic liquor; and • 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of other manufactured tobacco.

Note: Once you become a resident of Hong Kong (i.e. after you get a Hong Kong ID card), you may only bring in 750 millilitres of still wine and 60 cigarettes or 15 cigars or 75 grams of other manufactured tobacco provided that you have

spent 24 hours or longer outside Hong Kong. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 3 Customs Officers may check your Hong Kong ID card to verify that you have spent 24 hours or longer outside Hong Kong.

WARNING: Persons importing counterfeit or pirated goods may be liable to criminal prosecution.

Personal Search

For detecting smuggling, the Customs officers may also conduct a personal search on you. A personal search is the search of persons or personal belongings, the extent of which varies from emptying pockets without taking off any clothing to viewing of external part of body cavity.

When a Customs officer selects you for a personal search, it doesn’t mean that you are accused of committing a crime. Be patient and follow the instruction of the Customs officers who have the knowledge and experience in detecting drug smugglers in action. During the search, you have the right to request an interpreter and consular assistance. You may also request a third party to witness the search. If you are not satisfied with the services of the Customs officers, you may complain to their supervisors.

Getting into town

Q. How do I get to where I want to go? A. After exiting the Arrivals Hall and entering the Passenger Terminal, look for the signs that tell you where to find taxis, buses and the Airport Express railway. For more information about travel routes, see Chapter 5.

Tip: The Airport Express railway is a fast, convenient way to get into town. The Train Station is directly across from the Passenger Terminal. You can take your baggage trolley right up to the train door, and platform attendants will assist you to board the train. The ticket costs HK$100 from the Airport to the terminus at on Hong Kong Island. A cheaper though slower way is by bus; depending on the destination, fares range from HK$3.5 to HK$45.

Q. What should I do if no one meets me? A. Call your employer, your agency, or any of your relatives or friends in Hong Kong if you don’t know where to go.

Q. Where can I make a phone call and how much does it cost? A. You can easily find public telephones anywhere in the airport. Each call costs

HK$1 for five minutes. For directory enquiries, call 1081. If you need urgent ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 4 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ assistance from the Police or , dial 999. Both telephone services are free. Please note that the 999 emergency service is always extremely busy, so only call it in an emergency. There are also Airport “courtesy phones” which you can use to make local calls for free. Courtesy phones are located at both ends of the luggage claim area (near the first and last carousel), and in the Greeting Hall.

Q. Who else can help me? A. The Police in Hong Kong are very helpful. If you need assistance or have any other questions, just ask one of the many Police Officers at the airport. You can

also call any of the migrant support groups listed in Chapter 23. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 5 Chapter 3: ID Cards and Visas

Applying for a Hong Kong ID card

After spending the first day settling in and getting to know your new home, the next important thing you must do is to get a Hong Kong Identity (ID) card. This must be done within 30 days of your arrival in Hong Kong. Your first ID card is free, but if you lose it a replacement will cost you HK$395.

To get your ID card, apply at the Registration of Persons Office of the Immigration Department as listed below. Remember to take along your passport or other travel documents.

Name of Office Address

Registration of Persons – 8/F, Hong Kong Office 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong (Wan Chai MTR Station – Exit A5) Tel: 2824-6111 Fax: 2824-1810 Registration of Persons – 3/F, Government Offices Kowloon Office 303 , Kowloon (Shamshuipo MTR Station – Exit C1) Tel: 2150-7933 Fax: 2369-4825 Registration of Persons – Shop Nos. 25-35 & 43-45, G/F Office World Trade Square, 123 Hoi Bun Road Kwun Tong, Kowloon (Ngau Tau Kok MTR Station – Exit B6) Tel: 2755-9545 Fax: 2795-3625 Immigration and Registration Shops 405 – 406, 4/F, Jubilee Court Shopping of Persons – Office Centre, 2 – 18 Lok King Street Fo Tan, New Territories (Fo Tan KCR Station – Exit C) Tel: 2653-3116 Fax: 2650-4766 Immigration and Registration Shop B, G/F, Manhattan Plaza, 23 Sai Ching of Persons – Office Street, Yuen Long, New Territories ( Road Light Rail Station)

Tel: 2475-4114 Fax: 2474-3962 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 6 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ To save time, you are advised to use the 24-Hour Appointment Booking System to make an appointment in advance by calling 2598-0888 or via website http://www.esd. gov.hk.

You can also visit the website of the Immigration Department at http://www.immd. gov.hk for more information about ID cards.

For enquiries, you can call 2824-6111 or use faxline 2877-7711 or E-mail: [email protected].

At the Registration of Persons Office

Tip: Your application for an ID card will require careful processing, and it could take some time. Try to get to the Registration of Persons Office as early as possible.

When you arrive at the Registration of Persons Office, go immediately to the Reception Counter. You will then be given a tag with a number and an application form if you have booked an appointment in advance or there is still walk-in quota available.

If you have made a booking in advance (as suggested above), you must keep the appointment strictly on time.

Tip: There will probably be a long wait, so bring a good book to keep from getting bored. Or you might wish to leave the building temporarily. If so, ensure that you return in good time for your appointment.

Your tag number will eventually be displayed on the plasma. Go to the booth that is shown and carefully follow the Registration Officer’s instructions.

Note: Be sure to bring your passport or other proof of identity documents with you, as the Registration Officer will ask for them.

WARNING: Always tell the truth to Registration Officers. The penalty for lying is up to two years in jail and a fine of HK$50,000. Sometimes the Registration Officer may not be able to see you on the same day (especially if you don’t go early or if you forget to bring your passport or other proof of identity documents). If this happens, you will need to go back another time. This can be frustrating, but the registration staff will try to make sure your application is processed

the next time. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 7 Caring for your ID card

Congratulations! You finally have your new Hong Kong ID card.

It is a very important document, and by law you must have it with you at all times. Keep it in your wallet or purse where you can easily find it, and where it will remain in good condition.

From time to time you may be asked by the Police to show your ID card. This is a routine part of their job so don’t be nervous. But if you don’t have your ID card with you as required by law, you may be fined HK$5,000.

There are two other important points to remember: 1. If your ID card is lost, defaced or damaged, you must report this to the Registration of Persons Office within 14 days and apply for a new one. To replace your ID card will cost you HK$395, so don’t lose it! 2. If there are any changes to your “registered particulars” (such as civil status, address, etc.), you must notify the Registration of Persons Office.

When will my visa expire?

Check date in your passport

On your arrival in Hong Kong, your passport will have been endorsed with a landing stamp clearly stating how long you are allowed to stay here. If you arrive in Hong Kong to commence a new employment contract as a foreign domestic helper, your limit of stay in Hong Kong will normally be two years. However, if you enter Hong Kong to continue your contract after taking home leave within one-year extension period, you should observe your limit of stay specified on the landing stamp in your passport.

WARNING: Don’t misunderstand that the date on your contract is the end date of your stay in Hong Kong. The correct end date is the limit of stay specified on the landing stamp in your passport.

Premature termination of employment contract

If you or your employer terminate your contract prematurely, you are still allowed to stay in Hong Kong for up to two weeks from the date of termination, or the date

stamped in your passport, whichever is earlier. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 8 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Please see Chapter 4 for fuller details of termination cases.

WARNING: Don’t overstay beyond the permitted period. You could be jailed for up to two years and fined HK$50,000. You may also face removal from Hong Kong after serving your sentence.

Re-entry into Hong Kong

Non-permanent residents (including foreign domestic helpers) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, irrespective of their nationality and type of travel document held, do not require a re-entry visa to enter Hong Kong provided that they return within their valid limit of stay and that the circumstances in which they acquired their residential status remain unchanged.

How do I renew my employment visa in Hong Kong?

Say that you are a foreign domestic helper about to complete your first contract, and that you and your employer have agreed that you will be given a second contract. To renew your employment visa, you must have a supporting letter from your employer and your original employment contract. For application details, please refer to the “Guidebook for the Employment of Domestic Helpers from Abroad” [Form ID(E)969] issued by the Immigration Department. Submit your application for renewal of employment visa within four weeks of the expiry date of the current visa in your passport to the:

Foreign Domestic Helpers Section Immigration Department 6/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong

If you come to Hong Kong as an imported worker under the Supplementary Labour Scheme, submit the application for renewal of employment visa or application for extension of stay (within four weeks of the expiry date in your passport) to the:

Mainland Residents Section Immigration Department 9/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road

Wan Chai, Hong Kong ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 9 Application for resident’s status

If you wish to apply for a dependant visa or right of abode, please note the following information:

Dependant Visa

An application for a Dependant Visa should be made before the person comes to Hong Kong, and to an overseas Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Mission nearest to the person’s place of domicile. Alternatively, the application may be sent to the Hong Kong Immigration Department either directly by post or through a sponsor in Hong Kong to the: Hong Kong Immigration Department Receipt and Despatch Unit 2/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong

For application for dependant visa, an applicant should meet the relevant specific eligibility criteria before he/she may be considered for the grant of the dependant status. You are advised to check with the Immigration Department on the detailed application requirements. There is also a booklet on “Immigration Guidelines for entry to the HKSAR of the People’s Republic of China” obtainable from the Information and Liaison Section of the Immigration Department, 2/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. In general, the following documents must be produced by the sponsor to support the application:

• Evidence of proof of the sponsor’s relationship with the dependants; • Evidence of the sponsor’s financial standing and accommodation; and • Evidence to prove that the sponsor can support the dependants during their stay in Hong Kong.

Right of abode

The right of abode may be a complicated issue depending on the circumstances of each person. For enquiries, please call the Immigration Department’s hotline at 2824-4055. There is also a booklet on “Right of Abode in the HKSAR” obtainable from the Information and Liaison Section of the Immigration Department, 2/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

If you are admitted to Hong Kong for employment as a contract worker or domestic ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 10 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ helper, you cannot acquire the right of abode through your residence here and are not entitled to a Hong Kong permanent ID card. Change of condition of stay from employment to dependant status is not normally permitted.

Enquiries

For enquiries about ID cards and visa matters, please contact:

Information and Liaison Section Immigration Department 2/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Tel: 2824-6111 Fax: 2877-7711 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.immd.gov.hk

Complaints

If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from Immigration staff, please:

• raise it on the spot with the officer-in-charge; or • telephone the Customer Services Unit on 2829-4141 or 2829-4142; or • write to Chief Immigration Officer (Management Audit) at Immigration Tower,

7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 11 Chapter 4 : Working in Hong Kong

What should I know as a worker recruited from abroad?

The following sections provide you with useful information you may need to know during your stay in Hong Kong.

Conditions of employment

By law, you must work for a specific employer in a post and place of work within the period specified in the employment contract. A sample of an Employment Contract for a foreign domestic helper is attached at the end of this chapter for reference.

If you are a foreign domestic helper, your duties will probably include cooking, household chores, baby-sitting and child-minding. You may also be asked to shop for day-to-day necessities, care for pets, wash the car and perform other chores. However, domestic duties to be performed by foreign domestic helpers exclude driving of a motor vehicle of any description for whatever purposes, whether or not the vehicle belongs to the employer.

Tip: Politely ask your employer to explain all your duties before you start working.

WARNING: No imported worker in Hong Kong may accept unapproved full-time or part-time work. Offenders may be fined up to HK$50,000 and jailed for up to two years. They may also be removed from Hong Kong and never allowed to return.

If your employer asks you to work for another person or, in the case of a foreign domestic helper, to perform non-domestic duties, you should not do this. This is illegal, and both you and your employer will be punished when you are caught. The only work you are allowed to do is the work stated in your contract. If your employer insists that you do any other work, tell the Investigation Division of the Immigration Department. You might also get help and advice from one of the organisations listed in Chapter 23.

It is very important for you not to perform any illegal work. If the Investigation Division finds you working illegally at a job site, you may be prosecuted even though you were the one who called to make the report.

For foreign domestic workers, always remember that you have signed an undertaking ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 12 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ when you entered into your employment contract. Any breach of the undertaking will be taken into account in considering any future application for an employment visa or for an extension of stay in Hong Kong which may lead to the refusal of the application concerned.

Employment agencies

Sometimes you may need the help of an employment agency in Hong Kong to find a job. Usually, you will pay a commission if the agency is successful in finding you a job, but the commission should not be more than 10% of your first month’s wages after you have been successfully placed. This is the maximum the agency is allowed to charge you.

Also, make sure the owner of the employment agency has a licence or “Certificate of Exemption” from the Commissioner for Labour. If an agent can’t show you the licence, go somewhere else.

What can I do if I am overcharged by employment agencies?

If you think your employment agency isn’t licensed or has overcharged you, call the Employment Agencies Administration of the Labour Department at 2852-3535.

Reports can also be made by writing to the:

Employment Agencies Administration, Labour Department 12/F, Harbour Building 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong

Advice: • Do not sign any document, agreement or contract if you don’t agree with the terms or if you are unsure what they mean. • Do not sign for wages that you have not received. • Ask for a receipt after paying the agency commission. • Do not pay the agency through a third party. • Do not pay the agency by borrowing money from any loan company upon request by the agency.

If you feel you have been wronged by an agency or a middleman, go to the Police and

report the incident. Alternatively, call the: ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 13 Information and Liaison Section, Immigration Department 2/F, Immigration Tower 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel: 2824-6111

WARNING: Don’t give your passport to anyone who offers to help you extend your stay or change your employer, not even to friends. In the past, some domestic helpers have been deceived by “friends” who wanted to stay on illegally in Hong Kong.

What are your rights as a foreign domestic helper?

Your basic employment benefits and rights as a foreign domestic helper are specified in your employment contract. There is only one standard official employment contract for all foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong. This contract applies to all foreign domestic helpers regardless of nationality.

For more information about your statutory employment rights and benefits, get a free copy of “A Concise Guide to the Employment Ordinance”, “Practical Guide for Employment of Foreign Domestic Helpers – What Foreign Domestic Helpers and Their Employers Should Know” and “A Concise Guide to the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance” from the Labour Department (see the section on “Assistance from the Labour Department” in this chapter for the addresses of the relevant offices of the Labour Department). You should also refer to other guidebooks published by migrant support groups in Hong Kong (see Chapter 23 for a list of these groups).

Passage and other reimbursable expenses

Foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong are entitled to free passage from their place of origin to Hong Kong and, on termination or expiry of the employment contract, free passage back to their place of origin.

If you are a foreign domestic helper, you are also entitled to a daily food and travelling allowance payable from the date of your departure from your place of origin to the date of your arrival in Hong Kong, provided that you travel by the most direct route. The amount is specified in the contract. The same allowance is payable when you return to the place of origin upon expiry or termination of your contract.

Other expenses a foreign domestic helper may be reimbursed for include visa fee, insurance, medical examination fee, authentication fees by the relevant Consulate,

administration fee or other fees of similar nature imposed by the relevant government ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 14 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ authorities. But you must be able to produce the relevant receipts or documentary proof of payment.

Safekeeping of passport and other travel documents

When you arrive in Hong Kong, some employers or agencies may ask to keep your passport. By law, you have the right to refuse to surrender your passport and other personal documents to your employer or an agency. It is unlawful to force you to surrender these documents. If this happens, contact the Police or your Consulate for assistance.

Tip: In case of loss from accident or theft, it is always a good idea to keep a photocopy of your passport separately.

What benefits do I have under the law and the employment contract?

All foreign domestic helpers, regardless of nationality, are entitled to: • A minimum monthly wage (see “About Your Wage” below); • Rest days - one rest day for every period of seven days; a rest day is a continuous period of at least 24 hours during which you are entitled to abstain from working for your employer; • Statutory holidays - 12 days each year (see the list in “A Concise Guide to the Employment Ordinance” published by the Labour Department); • Paid annual leave - seven days’ paid leave if you have worked for the same employer for at least 12 months; this increases progressively according to the length of service, up to a maximum of 14 days if you have served for nine or more years; • Home leave - if you and your employer enter into a re-engagement contract, you should return to your place of origin, at the expense of your employer, for a vacation of not less than seven days before the commencement of the new contract. You must agree with your employer before signing the contract whether this vacation will be paid or not; • Sickness allowance - four-fifths of your normal wages for sick leave of not less than four consecutive days, provided that you have accumulated the number of paid sickness days and your sick leave is supported by an appropriate medical certificate; • Maternity leave - 10 weeks’ leave for a female foreign domestic helper employed for at least four weeks immediately before the commencement of maternity leave. She must give notice of pregnancy to the employer. She can also be eligible to maternity leave pay, equivalent to four-fifths of normal wages, if she satisfies certain conditions including working for not less than 40 weeks immediately before the

commencement of scheduled maternity leave; ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 15 • Severance payment - equivalent to two-thirds of your last month’s wages for each reckonable year of service. However, you must satisfy the following conditions: you were dismissed or your employer refused to renew your contract upon expiry of the current term by reason of redundancy, and you had worked continuously for your employer for at least 24 months immediately before the dismissal. So, for example, if your wage was HK$3,320 per month, and you had worked for the same employer for four years, your severance payment would be: HK$3,320 x 2/3 x 4 = HK$8,853; • Long service payment - equivalent to two-thirds of your last month’s wages for each reckonable year of service. You must satisfy the following conditions: you must have worked for the same employer for at least five years, and you resigned because of old age (aged 65 or above) or permanent unfitness, or you were dismissed for reasons other than redundancy or summary dismissal, or your employer refused to renew your contract upon expiry of the current term. If the foreign domestic helper dies in service after working for the same employer for at least five years, her/his family will be entitled to the long service payment; • Accident/injury compensation - if you are injured or incapacitated in an accident arising out of and in the course of your employment, or if you suffer from a prescribed occupational disease, your employer is liable to pay compensation (see the section “Compensation for work injuries” in this chapter); • Provision of medical treatment - the employer is responsible for any medical expenses you incur during the contract period, whether or not the illness or personal injury has arisen out of employment. But if you leave Hong Kong out of your volition and for your own personal purposes during the contract period, you have to bear your own medical expenses while you are outside Hong Kong.

Note: Ask if your employer has taken out employees’ compensation insurance. By law, employers are required to take out this type of insurance to cover their liabilities both under the Ordinance and at common law for injuries suffered at work by their employees.

A food allowance must be paid to you if no food is provided by your employer. The agreed amount of food allowance should not be less than HK$300 per month.

The above is not exhaustive. Please refer to the Employment Ordinance and the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance for details about your statutory employment benefits.

About your wage

All foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong, regardless of nationality, should receive ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 16 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ wages as stated in the standard employment contract, which should not be less than the minimum allowable wage (MAW) as set by the Government. For any standard employment contract made on or after 19 May 2005, the prescribed MAW is HK$3,320 per month. An employer is not allowed to unilaterally impose or reach a private agreement with his/her foreign domestic helper on a lower wage rate. An employer who underpays wages commits an offence under the Employment Ordinance and is liable to a fine of HK$200,000 and one year’s imprisonment.

It is also an offence under the Immigration Ordinance to make false representation to an Immigration Officer. Offenders are liable, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of HK$150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. An employer commits an offence if: (a) he/she has no intention to pay the MAW to his/her foreign domestic helper; (b) he/she has dishonestly stated the MAW on the standard employment contract, thus making a false representation to an Immigration Officer in order to secure an employment visa; and (c) he/she has underpaid the foreign domestic helper during the employment period.

Any person aiding and abetting the commission of the above offence will also be liable to prosecution.

Please take note of the following regarding your wages: (a) The wage level should be stipulated in your employment contract. Do not sign any employment contract with the clause on wages being left blank or covered up. (b) Your employer should pay wages directly to you in cash, or into your bank account or by cheque with your prior consent, no later than seven days after the end of the wage period. (c) If the employer claims that wages have been deposited into your bank account, ask your employer to provide written proof of payment of wages and check your own bank account to see if the correct amount of wages has been paid. (d) If you have opened a bank account for receiving wage payment, do not give your bankbook or automatic teller machine card to anyone, including your employer, so that nobody could withdraw money from your bank account without your authorization. (e) Sign the wage receipt produced by your employer only after receiving wages and checking that the amount of wage payment stipulated therein is correct. Do not sign a number of blank wage receipts in advance lest the employer could fill in false information subsequently. (f) Maintain your own records on amount of wages and other payment received per month throughout your employment period. (g) Do not refund wages or a portion of wages to your employer at his/her request

after wage payment has been made. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 17 Deductions: Only in special circumstances can your employer make deductions from your wages (e.g. repaying a loan from your employer with your written consent, or if you have damaged or lost something belonging to your employer through your negligence or fault). If you damage or lose something belonging to your employer, the value of the damage or loss can be deducted from your wages up to a maximum of HK$300 for each case. The total amount of such deductions in one month must not be more than 25% of your wages for that month. The Employment Ordinance specifies the limit of wage deduction.

If your employer underpays you or deducts your wages unlawfully, immediately complain to the appropriate branch office of the Labour Relations Division of the Labour Department. Addresses of these offices are given in the section “Assistance from the Labour Department” in this chapter. If your employer has breached the Employment Ordinance by underpaying you, deducting your wages unlawfully, or not granting statutory benefits, you should assist the Labour Department in its investigation and serve as prosecution witness so that the employer can be prosecuted.

Getting along with your employer

You and your employer should have no trouble getting along provided you follow a few simple rules, most of which are really just common sense:

• Don’t make unnecessary or lengthy personal phone calls from your employer’s home. If you have to make a long-distance call, confirm first that it’s OK with your employer and agree to pay for it. • Don’t accept reverse-charge (collect) calls from friends or family back home. These are much more expensive than normal rates and can land you with a very large phone bill. • Don’t invite relatives or friends into your employer’s home, especially when he or she is away. • If you work for a Chinese family, don’t wear white or black clothes during the birthday of any member of your employer’s family. This is bad luck! Many Chinese believe that white or black in certain situations means death, just as leaving chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice is a bad omen. • Many Chinese also consider that red is a happy colour, so don’t wear red to a funeral or on any other sad occasion. • Try to avoid speaking your native language in front of your employer’s family (they might think you’re saying something bad about them). • Take care of personal matters in your free time. • Don’t use facilities in the house (e.g. telephone, TV) without your employer’s

permission. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 18 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Here are a few other guidelines to help make things go smoothly in your employer’s home:

• Before starting work, tell your employer what you are able to do and what you cannot do; also get a clear idea of what your employer expects of you. • If you work for a Chinese family, learn how to cook some basic Chinese dishes, especially Chinese soup. Chinese families appreciate good food, so knowing how to cook a few tasty dishes will really help you win their acceptance.

Normally, you should not encounter major work-related problems while working in Hong Kong. Try to enjoy your work and your stay in Hong Kong. On your days off you can go out, meet your friends and fellow migrants, attend church services, or simply relax and visit interesting places (see the following chapters).

Renewal of employment visa

Please note the limit of your stay in Hong Kong (i.e. the date stamped in your passport). The Immigration Department advises you to apply for renewal of your employment visa within four weeks of the expiry date of your visa. The fee is HK$135 (for details, see Chapter 3 above, “How do I renew my employment visa in Hong Kong?”).

Completion of employment contract

The sections below provide information on employment and immigration matters as required by the authorities in Hong Kong. You should refer to the Immigration Department for application requirements. Besides, you are advised to update periodically with your own Consulate and/or relevant authorities of your place of origin on the latest arrangements and policies on employment and immigration matters which may affect you during your stay in Hong Kong.

What should I do when I complete my contract? How do I renew it?

If you are a foreign domestic helper and your contract has run its full course (“completed contract”), you can apply for renewal of contract with the same or a new employer. Under normal circumstances, you should return to your place of origin after completion of contract and apply for a visa to return to Hong Kong to start the new contract. You have to complete the Visa/Entry Permit Application Form [ID(E)936A]. The visa fee is HK$135.

If circumstances do not permit you to return to your place of origin for vacation

immediately upon the expiry of the old contract, subject to the mutual agreement with ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 19 your employer, you may apply for an extension of stay. You have to complete the Application for an Extension of Stay form (ID91). On application, an extension of stay of normally not exceeding one year may be granted by the upon payment of an extension fee. You should make arrangement to return to your place of origin within the one-year extension period and use the visa (with visa fee waived and with a validity in line with the extension of stay granted) to enter Hong Kong to complete the contract.

If you are a domestic helper from abroad, you and/or your employer must file the necessary forms and supporting documents at the Immigration Department. Apply at the:

Foreign Domestic Helpers Section Immigration Department 6/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

For imported workers under the Supplementary Labour Scheme, submit the application to the:

Mainland Residents Section Immigration Department 9/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Can I change to another type of job?

Change of employment requires the approval of the Director of Immigration. If you are a foreign domestic helper, the law does not permit you to change your job to another (non-foreign domestic helper) category. If you want to make this change, you have to return to your home country and file a new application for a new (non-foreign domestic helper) employment visa.

For imported workers under the Supplementary Labour Scheme, change of employer or post or place of work is not permitted.

Can I change my employers?

Foreign domestic helpers are admitted only for a specific job with a named employer, and for a limited period. Application to change employers in Hong Kong within the two-year contract will not as a rule be approved. If a foreign domestic helper wishes to take up employment with a new employer in Hong Kong, he/she must return to his/her place of origin and apply for the appropriate visa directly to the Director of Immigration

either by post or through his/her employer. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 20 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Under normal circumstances, a foreign domestic helper should return to his/her place of origin after the completion of contract and may apply for a visa in advance for returning to the HKSAR to start a new contract. If the circumstances do not permit him/her to return to his/her place of origin immediately upon the expiry of the old contract, subject to the mutual agreement with the employer, the foreign domestic helper may apply for an extension of stay of normally not exceeding one year and an entry visa to facilitate his/her return to the HKSAR to complete the contract.

If you have lost your job before your contract was completed (“premature termination”), the Immigration Department may consider allowing you to change employer in Hong Kong under certain exceptional circumstances, which include: • The death of your employer; • External transfer of your employer; • Emigration of your employer; • Financial difficulties of your employer; and • Physical/sexual abuse or maltreatment by your employer.

Termination of employment contract

Who can terminate the contract?

You or your employer may terminate your contract of employment before it expires. However, proper termination procedures must be followed. You (or your employer) may file a complaint with the Labour Department if you (or your employer) have any claims arising out of the termination.

If you are a foreign domestic helper and wish to terminate your employment contract before it expires, you must give one month’s notice in writing to your employer, or pay one month’s wages in lieu of notice.

If your employer wishes to dismiss you, he/she must also give you one month’s written notice or pay one month’s wages instead of notice.

Your employer, however, can dismiss you immediately without payment in lieu of notice if you: • Conduct yourself in a way that is inconsistent with the discharge of your duties; • Disobey an order which is lawful and reasonable; • Are habitually negligent in performing your duties in your contract;

• Are dishonest or guilty of fraud. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 21 What should I do if my employment contract is terminated?

If your contract is terminated prematurely, you are permitted to stay in Hong Kong for two weeks or until the limit of your stay (date stamped on your passport), whichever is earlier. This is commonly known as the “two-week rule”. Remember that you have to leave Hong Kong or report to the Immigration Department before the end of this period; otherwise, you will be regarded as an overstayer. It is the responsibility of BOTH the employer and the imported worker, including foreign domestic helper, to notify the Director of Immigration in writing within seven days of the employment contract being prematurely terminated. In general, imported worker, including foreign domestic helpers, are required to return to their place of origin after completing their contract or when their contract is prematurely terminated.

If you are summarily dismissed, find a shelter or refuge house where you can stay while you sort out your options and actions. It is also sensible to contact migrant counselling centres for guidance (please see Chapter 23 for a list of groups providing shelter and counselling services).

If you are entitled to any payments (discussed in the previous section) and your employer refuses to pay you, you should file your claims at the Labour Department. The Labour Department will arrange a conciliation meeting for you and your employer to help resolve your claims. When you approach the Immigration Department concerning your stay in Hong Kong, you may produce the documents given by the Labour Department to show that you have a claim being dealt with by the Labour Department. Please note that the Immigration Department does not allow a foreign domestic helper whose contract has been terminated to take up employment unless otherwise approved by Director of Immigration while she/he is pursuing a labour claim.

Ill treatment, physical or sexual abuse

In Hong Kong, abuse of workers, domestic or otherwise, is not tolerated. If you have been abused in any way, you can terminate the contract early without notice or payment in lieu. You should also report the case to the Police by calling 999 in an emergency, the Police Hotline on 2525-7177 or the number of any Police Station as listed in Chapter 9.

Assistance from the Labour Department

Whether you are an imported worker, including foreign domestic helper or a Hong Kong resident, you can always seek assistance from the Labour Department concerning issues related to working in Hong Kong. The following sections outline some of the

services you can receive from the Labour Department. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 22 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Employment rights and benefits

If you have problems about your employment rights and benefits, you may seek free assistance from the Labour Relations Division of the Labour Department. They can provide: • Consultation service; • Conciliation service for you and your employer to help resolve disputes; • Information on your rights and obligations under the Employment Ordinance and your employment contract.

If your employer is suspected to have breached the Employment Ordinance and you agree to be the prosecution witness, the Labour Relations Division will refer your complaint to the relevant divisions of the Department for investigation. The divisions will invite you to give witness statements and submit documentary evidence. You may be required to testify in Court in criminal proceedings against the employer, if necessary. In order to protect your interests, you should promptly report breaches of the Employment Ordinance to the Labour Department and be willing to act as a prosecution witness.

Labour Relations Division offices are located at the following addresses:

HONG KONG ISLAND Hong Kong East 34/F, 5 Gloucester Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Hong Kong West 3/F, Western Magistracy Building 2A Pokfulam Road , Hong Kong

KOWLOON Kowloon East Room 1206, 12/F, Stelux House 698 East

San Po Kong, Kowloon ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 23 Kowloon West Room 1009, 10/F Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon

Kowloon South 2/F, Government Offices 30 Luen Wan Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon

Kwun Tong 6/F, Kowloon East Government Offices 12 Road Kwun Tong, Kowloon

NEW TERRITORIES Tsuen Wan 5/F, Tsuen Wan Government Offices 38 Sai Lau Kok Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories

Kwai Chung 6/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices 166-174 Hing Fong Road, , New Territories

Sha Tin and Rooms 304-313, 3/F, Government Offices 1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Sha Tin, New Territories

Tuen Mun Room 2720, Parklane Square 2 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories

If you have general enquiries about labour legislation or the work of the Labour Department, call 2717-1771 (the hotline is handled by “1823 Citizen’s Easy Link”) to listen to pre-recorded messages or to receive fax information 24 hours a day. Staff operators are also on hand 24 hours a day to answer your questions.

What compensation am I entitled to if my employment contract is terminated?

When you have completed your contract or your contract is terminated, you should get

all wages and other sums owed to you within seven days from the completion or ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 24 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ termination date. The amount should include: • Any outstanding wages; • Wages in lieu of notice (if any); • Payment in lieu of any annual leave and holidays not taken; • Long service payment, if any (see “Long service payment” under the section “What benefits do I have under the law and the employment contract?” in this chapter); • Any other sums owed to you in accordance with the provisions of the labour laws and your employment contract.

If you are eligible for severance payment, you should serve a notice to your employer. He/she is required to make the payment not later than two months from the date of receipt of your severance payment notice.

If you are a foreign domestic helper, remember that you are entitled to free passage (e.g. an air ticket covering airport tax) on termination of the contract and a daily food and travelling allowance from your employer for your journey back home.

Do I have any protection against unlawful termination?

The Employment Ordinance and the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance clearly state particular statutory restrictions on termination of the employment contract. It is unlawful for an employer to dismiss an employee in the following circumstances: • After a pregnant employee has served a pregnancy notice; • While the employee is on paid sick leave; • Due to the employee giving evidence or information to the authorities in connection with the enforcement of labour legislation, industrial accidents or breach of work safety regulations; • Due to union membership or participation in trade union activities; • For an employee injured at work, before the issuance of the relevant certificate by the Labour Department or the Employees’ Compensation Assessment Board, as appropriate, or the compensation claim has been settled with the employee.

An employer dismissing an employee in the above circumstances is liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, to a fine of HK$100,000.

Claim for statutory/contractual entitlements owed by an insolvent employer

Employees should seek advice and assistance from the Labour Relations Division of the Labour Department as soon as possible if they suspect that their employer has

become insolvent. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 25 In order to recover statutory/contractual entitlements owed by an insolvent employer such as arrears of wages, wages in lieu of notice and severance payment, employees may need to present a bankruptcy or winding-up petition against their insolvent employer, usually with the assistance of the Legal Aid Department.

Officers of the Labour Relations Division of the Labour Department will assist employees who are owed wages, wages in lieu of notice or severance payment to apply for ex- gratia payment from the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund. Employees are required to produce documents such as employment contract, termination letter, wage receipts and attendance records to support their application to the Fund.

For further enquiries, please contact the offices of the Labour Relations Division (see “Assistance from the Labour Department” in this chapter) or the Wage Security Division of the Labour Department at 2923-5299.

Compensation for work injuries

The Employees’ Compensation Division of the Labour Department:

• Assists employees who suffer from a work injury or a prescribed occupational disease to obtain compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance; and • Assists family members of an employee who dies as a result of a work accident or a prescribed occupational disease to obtain compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance.

Major compensation items under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance:

Non-fatal compensation • Periodical payment – During the period of temporary incapacity (i.e. sick leave resulting from a work accident or a prescribed occupational disease), an injured employee is entitled to receive periodical payments, payable at normal pay days, at the rate of four-fifths of his/her normal earnings. • Compensation for permanent incapacity – If the injured employee suffers from permanent incapacity as a result of the work accident or prescribed occupational disease, his/her employer is also liable to pay compensation for permanent incapac- ity calculated with reference to the employee’s age, monthly earnings (subject to a maximum of HK$21,000) and percentage of permanent loss of earning capacity under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance. • Medical expenses – Unless the employer has provided adequate and free medical

treatment to the injured employee, the employer is liable to pay medical expenses ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 26 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ for the treatment of the work injury or prescribed occupational disease of the em- ployee in accordance with the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, subject to a daily maximum stated below: In-patient treatment HK$200 Out-patient treatment HK$200 Both in-patient and out-patient treatment on the same day HK$280

Fatal compensation • Compensation for death – The employer of a deceased employee is liable to pay compensation for death to the surviving family members of the employee. The compensation is calculated with reference to the age and monthly earnings (subject to a maximum of HK$21,000) of the employee under the Employees’ Compensa- tion Ordinance. • Funeral and medical attendance expenses – The employer is also liable to reim- burse the reasonable expenses of funeral of and medical attendance on the deceased employee, up to a maximum of HK$35,000.

Below are the addresses of the Employees’ Compensation Division Offices:

Hong Kong Offices (for cases in Hong Kong and Outlying Islands) 16/F, Southorn Centre 130 Hennessy Road Hong Kong

Kowloon Offices (for cases in Kowloon and cases involving Government employees) 10/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road Kowloon

Tsuen Wan & Kwai Chung Offices (for cases in Tsuen Wan, Kwai Chung and Western New Territories) 6/F, Tsuen Wan Government Offices 38 Sai Lau Kok Road Tsuen Wan, New Territories

Sha Tin Office (for cases in Sha Tin and Northern New Territories) 2/F, Sha Tin Government Offices 1 Sheung Wo Che Road

Sha Tin, New Territories ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 27 Fatal Cases Office Room 601, 6/F, Harbour Building 38 Pier Road Central, Hong Kong

Your right to organise and other labour rights

Forming or joining trade unions

The Employment Ordinance provides for the rights of workers, including imported workers and foreign domestic helpers, to join or form trade unions and engage in trade union activities. See Chapter 23 for information on domestic workers’ unions in Hong Kong.

If you wish to form a new trade union, you should submit application to the Registry of Trade Unions in a prescribed form within 30 days of its establishment. Every application should be signed by not less than 7 voting members of the union. You can get the relevant forms and file your application at the:

Registry of Trade Unions 11/F, Harbour Building 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel: 2852-3456

Forming or joining your own association

You can join any established association (local society) of your choice. You can check with your Consulate General, the Societies Office, or the migrant support NGOs for the names of these migrant associations (see Chapter 23).

You can also form a new local society. To register this, you should file your registration papers and relevant documents to the Societies Office within one month of its establishment. You can get the relevant forms and file your registration at the:

Licensing Office 18/F, Wan Chai Central Building 89 , Wan Chai, Hong Kong Hotline: 2866-0300

However, a society is exempted from registration if it is established solely for the

following purposes: ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 28 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ a) Religious; b) Charitable; c) Social; d) Recreational purpose; e) As a rural committee; or f) As a federation or other association of rural committees.

If the proposed society does not come under these headings, an applicant society must send to the Societies Officer a written application for registration (use the prescribed form) signed by at least three office-bearers. You must include the following details: (a) name and objects of the society; (b) society address; and (c) particulars of office- bearers.

Job seeking

If you are already a Hong Kong resident and are legally employable in Hong Kong, you can register at any of the ten Job Centres of the Labour Department to look for suitable jobs. They can provide you with the following services free of charge:

• “Job Referral Service”: Clients select vacancies on display or through self-served touch-screen computers and seek assistance from counter staff for referrals to job interviews. • “Job Matching Programme”: This is a more personal and intensive placement service comprising in-depth interviews, counselling, job matching and, where appropriate, referrals to retraining. • “Telephone Employment Service”: This is a user-friendly service for registrants who can, instead of visiting the Job Centres, obtain job referrals by telephone. • “Interactive Employment Service”: This mode of service allows job-seekers to access huge data bank of jobs maintained by the Labour Department through the Internet 24 hours a day.

Address and telephone numbers of the Job Centres are as follows:

HONG KONG Hong Kong East Job Centre 34/F, Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel: 2591-1318 Hong Kong West Job Centre 4/F, Western Magistracy Building, 2A Pokfulam Road, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Tel: 2552-0131 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 29 Job Centre 12/F, Marina House, 68 Hing Man Street, , Hong Kong Tel: 2114-6868

KOWLOON Kowloon East Job Centre Room 705-6, Stelux House, 698 Prince Edward Road East, San Po Kong, Kowloon Tel: 2338-9787 Kowloon West Job Centre 9/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon Tel: 2150-6397 Kwun Tong Job Centre 10/F, Kowloon East Government Offices, 12 , Kwun Tong, Kowloon Tel: 2342-0486

NEW TERRITORIES Tsuen Wan Job Centre 2/F, Tsuen Wan Government Offices, 38 Sai Lau Kok Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories Tel: 2417-6197 Tuen Mun Job Centre Units 5-10, 27/F, Tuen Mun Parklane Square, 2 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories Tel: 2463-9967 Tai Po Job Centre 3/F, Tai Po Government Offices, 1 Road, Tai Po, New Territories Tel: 2654-1429 Sha Tin Job Centre 2/F, Sha Tin Government Offices, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Sha Tin, New Territories Tel: 2158-5553

Telephone Employment Service Hotline: 2969-0888 Interactive Employment Service Website: http://www.jobs.gov.hk

Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)

If you are an employee or a self-employed person, the MPF System enables you to save

for your retirement. The MPF System - an employment-based retirement protection ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 30 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ scheme - was introduced on 1 December 2000. Except for exempt persons, employees and the self-employed aged between 18 and 65 are required to join MPF schemes. The following are the exempt categories -

• Domestic employees (including foreign domestic helpers); • Self-employed hawkers; • People covered by statutory pension or provident fund schemes, such as civil servants and subsidized or grant school teachers; • Members of occupational retirement schemes which are granted exemption certificates; • People from overseas who enter Hong Kong for employment for less than 13 months, or who are covered by overseas retirement schemes; and • Employees of the European Union Office of the European Commission in Hong Kong.

Once your employer has enrolled you in a MPF scheme, a membership certificate from the MPF trustee will be issued to you. You have the right to choose among the constituent funds offered under the scheme.

Mandatory contributions are calculated on the basis of 5% of an employee’s relevant income, with the employer also contributing 5%. An employee’s mandatory contributions are subject to minimum and maximum relevant income levels, while an employer’s mandatory contributions are subject to a maximum relevant income level. Self-employed persons also have to contribute 5% of their relevant income, subject to the minimum and maximum levels of their relevant income.

Once your employer remits your and his contributions in respect of you to the scheme trustees, the mandatory part of the contributions will be fully and immediately vested in you. You may withdraw the lump sum benefits in your MPF scheme when you attain the retirement age of 65, or under other special conditions such as early retirement at 60 or permanently departing from Hong Kong.

For details of MPF, you can call the hotline of the MPF Schemes Authority at 2918-0102, or visit the MPF Schemes Authority website: http://www.mpfahk.org/ or write to MPF Schemes Authority via mail or facsimile at:

Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority 21/F-22/F, One International Finance Centre 1 Harbour View Street, Central, Hong Kong

Fax: 2259-8806 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 31 D.H. Contract No. ______

Employment Contract (For A Domestic Helper recruited from abroad)

This contract is made between (“the Employer”, holder of /Passport No. * ) and (“the Helper”) on and has the following terms: 1. The Helper’s place of origin for the purpose of this contract is . 2. (A)† The Helper shall be employed by the Employer as a domestic helper for a period of two years commencing on the date on which the Helper arrives in Hong Kong. (B)† The Helper shall be employed by the Employer as a domestic helper for a period of two years commencing on , which is the date following the expiry of D.H. Contract No. for employment with the same employer. (C)† The Helper shall be employed by the Employer as a domestic helper for a period of two years commencing on the date on which the Director of Immigration grants the Helper permission to remain in Hong Kong to begin employment under this contract. 3. The Helper shall work and reside in the Employer’s residence at . 4. (a) The Helper shall only perform domestic duties as per the attached Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties for the Employer. (b) TheForFor Helper shallReferenceReference not take up, and shall not be required OnlyOnly by the Employer to take up, any other employment with any other person. (c) The Employer and the Helper hereby acknowledge that Clause 4 (a) and (b) will form part of the conditions of stay to be imposed on the Helper by the Immigration Department upon the Helper’s admission to work in Hong Kong under this contract. A breach of one or both of the said conditions of stay will render the Helper and/or any aider and abettor liable to criminal prosecution. 5. (a) The Employer shall pay the Helper wages of HK$ per month. The amount of wages shall not be less than the minimum allowable wage announced by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and prevailing at the date

of this contract. An employer who fails to pay the wages due under this employment ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 32 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ contract shall be liable to criminal prosecution. (b) The Employer shall provide the Helper with suitable and furnished accommodation as per the attached Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties and food free of charge. If no food is provided, a food allowance of HK$ a month shall be paid to the Helper. (c) The Employer shall provide a receipt for payment of wages and food allowance and the Helper shall acknowledge receipt of the amount under his/her* signature. 6. The Helper shall be entitled to all rest days, statutory holidays, and paid annual leave as specified in the Employment Ordinance, Chapter 57. 7. (a) The Employer shall provide the Helper with free passage from his/her* place of origin to Hong Kong and on termination or expiry of this contract, free return passage to his/her* place of origin. (b) A daily food and travelling allowance of HK$100 per day shall be paid to the Helper from the date of his/her* departure from his/her* place of origin until the date of his/her* arrival at Hong Kong if the travelling is by the most direct route. The same payment shall be made when the Helper returns to his/her* place of origin upon expiry or termination of this contract. 8. The Employer shall be responsible for the following fees and expenses (if any) for the departure of the Helper from his/her place of origin and entry into Hong Kong:- (i) medical examination fees; (ii) authentication fees by the relevant Consulate; (iii) visa fee; (iv) insurance fee; (v)For administration Reference fee or fee such as the Philippines Only Overseas Employment ForForAdministration ReferenceReference fee, or other fees of similar nature OnlyOnly imposed by the relevant government authorities; and (vi) others: . In the event that the Helper has paid the above costs or fees, the Employer shall fully reimburse the Helper forthwith the amount so paid by the Helper upon demand and production of the corresponding receipts or documentary evidence of payment. 9. (a) In the event that the Helper is ill or suffers personal injury during the period of employment specified in Clause 2, except for the period during which the Helper leaves Hong Kong of his/her* own volition and for his/her* own personal purposes, the Employer

shall provide free medical treatment to the Helper. Free medical treatment includes medical ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 33 consultation, maintenance in hospital and emergency dental treatment. The Helper shall accept medical treatment provided by any registered medical practitioner. (b) If the Helper suffers injury by accident or occupational disease arising out of and in the course of employment, the Employer shall make payment of compensation in accordance with the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, Chapter 282. (c) In the event of a medical practitioner certifying that the Helper is unfit for further service, the Employer may subject to the statutory provisions of the relevant Ordinances terminate the employment and shall immediately take steps to repatriate the Helper to his/her* place of origin in accordance with Clause 7. 10. Either party may terminate this contract by giving one month’s notice in writing or one month’s wages in lieu of notice. 11. Notwithstanding Clause 10, either party may in writing terminate this contract without notice or payment in lieu in the circumstances permitted by the Employment Ordinance, Chapter 57. 12. In the event of termination of this contract, both the Employer and the Helper shall give the Director of Immigration notice in writing within seven days of the date of termination. A copy of the other party’s written acknowledgement of the termination shall also be forwarded to the Director of Immigration. 13. Should both parties agree to enter into new contract upon expiry of the existing contract, the Helper shall, before any such further period commences and at the expense of the Employer, return to his/her* place of origin for a paid/unpaid* vacation of not less than seven days, unless prior approval for extension of stay in Hong Kong is given by the Director of Immigration. 14. In theFor event of theReference death of the Helper, the Employer Only shall pay the cost of transporting theForFor Helper’s ReferenceremainsReference and personal property from OnlyOnly Hong Kong to his/her* place of origin. 15. Save for the following variations, any variation or addition to the terms of this contract (including the annexed Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties) during its duration shall be void unless made with the prior consent of the Commissioner for Labour in Hong Kong: (a) a variation of the period of employment stated in Clause 2 through an extension of the said period of not more than one month by mutual agreement and with prior approval obtained from the Director of Immigration;

(b) a variation of the Employer’s residential address stated in Clause 3 upon ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 34 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ notification in writing being given to the Director of Immigration, provided that the Helper shall continue to work and reside in the Employer’s new residential address; (c) a variation in the Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties made in such manner as prescribed under item 6 of the Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties; and (d) a variation of item 4 of the Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties in respect of driving of a motor vehicle, whether or not the vehicle belongs to the Employer, by the helper by mutual agreement in the form of an Addendum to the Schedule and with permission in writing given by the Director of Immigration for the Helper to perform the driving duties. 16. The above terms do not preclude the Helper from other entitlements under the Employment Ordinance, Chapter 57, the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, Chapter 282 and any other relevant Ordinances. 17. The Parties hereby declare that the Helper has been medically examined as to his/her fitness for employment as a domestic helper and his/her medical certificate has been produced for inspection by the Employer.

Signed by the Employer

(Signature of Employer)

in the presence of (Name of Witness) (Signature of Witness) ForFor ReferenceReference OnlyOnly

Signed by the Helper (Signature of Helper)

in the presence of (Name of Witness) (Signature of Witness)

* Delete where inappropriate.

† Use either Clause 2A, 2B or 2C, whichever is appropriate. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 35 Undertaking (to be completed by the visa applicant who wishes to take up employment in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as a domestic helper from abroad (“Helper”))

Personal Particulars of the Applicant Full name: Name in Chinese (if applicable): * Mr/Miss/Mrs/Ms Nationality: Hong Kong identity card no. (if applicable): ( ) Travel document type: Travel document no.:

I undertake to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region that: (a) I will not enter into an agreement with (the “Employer”) to receive a wage that is lower than the minimum allowable wage announced by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and prevailing at the date of the employment contract (D. H. Contract No. ); * (b) I will reside in the Employer’s residence as stated in Clause 3 of the above- mentioned employment contract; (Note) (c) I will only perform the domestic duties set out in the Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties attached to the above-mentioned employment contract and that if I perform any such other duties, I shall be liable to prosecution; and (d) I will not take up any other employment with any other person during my stay in Hong Kong. I understand that if I do so, I shall be liable to prosecution.

I understand that if I breach this undertaking, my conduct will be taken into account in considering ForanyFor future applicationReferenceReference for an employment visa orOnlyOnly for an extension of stay in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and that an application may be refused.

Applicant’s signature Date

Note: Employers who have obtained the Director of Immigration’s approval before 1 April 2003 to let their Helpers live out can continue to do so, so long as they continue to employ Helpers without a break of more than 6 months.

* Delete where inappropriate. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 36 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Undertaking (An extract from the application form [ID(E)407K] to be completed by the employer who wishes to employ domestic helper from abroad)

Part C: Undertaking I undertake to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) that: (a) I will not ask, require, procure or cause (“the Helper”) to perform duties other than those domestic duties set out in the Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties attached to the employment contract (D. H. Contract No. ); (b) I will not ask, cause or allow the Helper to take up any other employment with any other person during his/her stay in the HKSAR and within the contract period specified in Clause 2 of the above-mentioned employment contract; (c) I will not ask, require, procure or cause the Helper to perform motor vehicle driving duties in relation to the Helper’s employment as a domestic helper under any circumstances except with special permission of the Director of Immigration; (d) I will pay the Helper a salary that is no less than the minimum allowable wage announced by the Government of the HKSAR and prevailing at the date of the above-mentioned employment contract; (e) I will provide the Helper suitable accommodation and with reasonable privacy; and (f) The Helper will reside only in the residence as stated in Clause 3 of the above- mentioned employment contract. * I understandFor Forthat if I breach ReferenceReference this undertaking, my conduct will OnlyOnly be taken into account in considering any future application I may make to employ a domestic helper from abroad and that any such application may be refused. I understand that, if I fail to pay the Helper the wages due under the above-mentioned employment contract, I shall be liable to prosecution. I also understand that it is an offence for a Helper to take up any duties other than those domestic duties set out in the Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties attached to the above-mentioned employment contract and that any person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission of an offence by a Helper shall also be liable to

prosecution. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 37 Employer’s signature Date

* Employers who have obtained the Director of Immigration’s approval before 1 April 2003 to let their Helpers live out can continue to do so, so long as they continue to employ Helpers without a break of more than 6 months.

ForFor ReferenceReference OnlyOnly ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 38 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties 1. Both the Employer and the Helper should sign to acknowledge that they have read and agreed to the contents of this Schedule, and to confirm their consent for the Immigration Department and other relevant government authorities to collect and use the information contained in this Schedule in accordance with the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.

2. Employer’s residence and number of persons to be served A. Approximate size of flat/house square feet/square metres* B. State below the number of persons in the household to be served on a regular basis: ______adult ______minors (aged between 5 to 18) ______minors (aged below 5) ______expecting babies. ______persons in the household requiring constant care or attention (excluding infants). (Note: Number of Helpers currently employed by the Employer to serve the household ) 3. Accommodation and facilities to be provided to the Helper A. Accommodation to the Helper While the average flat size in Hong Kong is relatively small and the availability of separate servant room is not common, the Employer should provide the Helper suitable accommodation and with reasonable privacy. Examples of unsuitable accommodation are: The Helper having to sleep on made-do beds in the corridor with little privacy and sharing a room with an adult/teenager of the opposite sex. Yes. Estimated size of the servant room square feet/ ForForsquare metres* ReferenceReference OnlyOnly No. Sleeping arrangement for the Helper: Share a room with child/children aged . Separate partitioned area of square feet/square metres* Others. Please describe .

B. Facilities to be provided to the Helper:

(Note: Application for entry visa will normally not be approved if the essential

facilities from item (a) to (f) are not provided free.) ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 39 (a) Light and water supply Yes No (b) Toilet and bathing facilities Yes No (c) Bed Yes No (d) Blankets or quilt Yes No (e) Pillows Yes No (f) Wardrobe Yes No (g) Refrigerator Yes No (h) Desk Yes No (i) Other facilities (Please specify) .

4. The Helper should only perform domestic duties at the Employer’s residence. Domestic duties to be performed by the Helper under this contract exclude driving of a motor vehicle of any description for whatever purposes, whether or not the vehicle belongs to the Employer.

5. Domestic duties include the duties listed below. Major portion of domestic duties:— 1. Household chores 2. Cooking 3. Looking after aged persons in the household (constant care or attention is required/not required*) 4. Baby-sitting 5. Child-minding 6. Others (please specify) .

6. The Employer shall inform the Helper and the Director of Immigration of any substantial changes in item 2, 3 and 5 by serving a copy of the Revised Schedule of AccommodationForFor and Reference ReferenceDomestic Duties (ID 407G) signed OnlybyOnly both the Employer and the Helper to the Director of Immigration for record.

Employer’s name and signature Date Helper’s name and signature Date

* Delete where inappropriate.

Tick as appropriate. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 40 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Chapter 5: Getting Around Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s public transport network is highly developed, convenient and inexpensive. There are several ways to get around Hong Kong:

MTR

Operated by the MTR Corporation Limited, the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) mainly serves the urban areas and provides an express connection to Hong Kong International Airport.

Trains on the , , Island Line and run every two to five minutes from around 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. Meanwhile, the Airport Express Line whisks incoming and departing passengers between the Airport’s passenger terminal and Hong Kong Station in the heart of Central, passing through and Kowloon Stations. The connects Tung Chung New Town on to Central through .

How to take the MTR

The MTR ticketing system is fully automated. Tickets are available at Ticket Issuing Machines at station concourses. Each machine is equipped with a touch-screen computer monitor with an MTR route map. Simply touch your destination on the map, and the will be displayed. Ticket Issuing Machines accept banknotes and coins and give out change. They can also issue multiple tickets up to a total of four Adult and four Concessionary Single Journey tickets per transaction.

Single Journey Tickets must be used on the day of purchase. Once you pass through the turnstiles you have 90 minutes to complete the journey.

WATCH OUT: Do not smoke, eat or drink on MTR trains or in MTR stations. You could be fined up to HK$2,000 for eating or drinking on trains and up to HK$5,000 for smoking on MTR premises.

You must not sell or solicit any goods on the trains or carry dangerous goods and large pieces of luggage. Backpacks and suitcases are OK.

If you lose something in an MTR station or train, check if it has been turned in at the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 41 Lost Property Office at Admiralty Station from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Enquiries: 2881-8888

Tip: A highly convenient type of ticket is called the “Octopus”, which is a stored- value card for multiple trips on the MTR, KCR East Rail, Ma On Shan Rail, West Rail, Light Rail, all franchised bus routes and most ferry routes. As the stored value runs out you can reload your card at an Add Value Machine/ Customer Service Centre at any railway station or 7-11 Convenience Store. There is no need to buy a new ticket. The Octopus Enquiry Processor can be used to check the remaining value of your Octopus.

KCRC

The Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) currently provides four domestic passenger rail services: East Rail, a suburban mass transit service operating between East and the boundary at Lo Wu; West Rail, which opened in December 2003, is a mass transit service running between the North West New Territories and urban Kowloon; Ma On Shan Rail, which opened in December 2004, is a mass transit service linking Ma On Shan new town to East Rail at and Light Rail, formerly a stand-alone transit service and now also a feeder service for West Rail. All of these networks are supported by feeder buses.

If you have any enquiry, please contact any of our Customer Service Centres, call our KCRC Hotline at 2929-3399 or visit our homepage at http://www.kcrc.com.

KCR East Rail

The East Rail is a swift and convenient way of travelling to and from the North East New Territories. Trains run from about 5:28 a.m. to 1:08 a.m. daily at 3-8 minute interval between East and the boundary at Lo Wu.

East Rail tickets can be purchased from either the ticket office or ticket vending machines on the station concourse. You can also travel by your Octopus.

Passengers can interchange with the MTR at Station or at East Tsim Sha Tsui Station and with Ma On Shan Rail at Tai Wai.

A route map of East Rail is shown at the back of this Guide. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 42 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ There are also daily through-trains crossing the border to Dongguan, Guangzhou, Foshan and Zhaoqing. Trains to and Beijing operate on alternate days. For enquiries on through train service, please call the tele-ticketing hotline on 2947-7888.

Enquiry: 2929-3399

KCR Ma On Shan Rail

The Ma On Shan Rail, commissioned in December 2004, provides reliable and conve- nient rail services between Ma On Shan New Town and Tai Wai in Sha Tin. It runs over a length of 11.4 km and comprises 9 stations, including Tai Wai, Temple, Sha Tin Wai, , , Tai Shui Hang, Heng On, Ma On Shan and . The stations are within easy walking distance of the area’s major residential developments. The journey time from Tai Wai to Wu Kai Sha is about 16 minutes and trains are operated from about 5:40 a.m. to 1:16 a.m. daily at 3 to 9-minute frequency.

Tickets can be purchased from either the ticket office or ticket vending machines on the station concourse. You can also travel by your Octopus.

Passengers can interchange with East Rail at Tai Wai.

A route map of Ma On Shan Rail is shown at the back of this Guide.

KCR West Rail

Commissioned in December 2003, the West Rail has greatly improved the transport network in the North West New Territories by providing a swift, convenient, safe and reliable link with urban Kowloon. A journey from Tuen Mun to Nam Cheong on West Rail takes about 30 minutes. Trains run from 5:45 a.m. to 12:40 a.m. daily at 3.5-12 minute interval between Nam Cheong and Tuen Mun.

West Rail tickets can be purchased from either the ticket office or ticket vending machines on the station concourse. You can also travel by your Octopus.

You can change to other railway networks at the following interchange stations:

Nam Cheong – MTR Tung Chung Line Mei Foo – MTR Tsuen Wan Line Yuen Long, , Siu Hong and Tuen Mun – KCR Light Rail

West Rail passengers can enjoy free transfers on KCR Light Rail and KCR feeder ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 43 buses. Intermodal discounts on selected routes of franchised buses and green minibuses are also provided. Please contact the KCRC Customer Hotline for details on interchange concessions.

A route map of West Rail is shown at the back of this Guide.

Enquiry: 2929-3399

KCR Light Rail

With a route length of 36.15 km and 68 stops, the Light Rail system provides an efficient, reliable and value-for-money service for the residents of the new towns of the North West New Territories (NWNT).

With West Rail went into operation, Light Rail has been transformed into a feeder for West Rail while continuing as the major mode of transport in the NWNT. Passengers interchanging between Light Rail and West Rail can enjoy free transfers on Light Rail; whereas passengers interchanging between Light Rail and KCR feeder buses can enjoy free transfers on buses. Please contact the KCRC Customer Hotline for details on interchange concessions.

It operates daily between 5:17 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. the following day and service is provided every 1.3 minutes on the busiest sections.

Passengers can purchase single ride tickets from ticket vending machines or use their on the Octopus processors on Light Rail platforms. Once you have a single ride ticket or have validated your Octopus card, you can board the train directly without going through a gate or turnstile. Please note that this “honour” fare system is enforced by occasional spot checks conducted by Passenger Services Assistants.

Enquiry: 2929-3399

Franchised bus services

Five companies operate franchised bus services in Hong Kong. They are the Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd., Citybus Ltd. (which has two franchises), New World First Bus Services Ltd., New Lantao Bus Co. (1973) Ltd. and Long Win Bus Co. Ltd.

Most bus services run from about 6:00 a.m. until midnight, with some running all

night. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 44 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Advice: You don’t need to buy a ticket to travel by bus. Just drop the exact fare into the box next to the driver as you get on board. No change is given, so keep a selection of various coins with you. Easier still, all the above buses accept payment by Octopus. When you want to get off, press the stop button.

Finding a bus terminal is easy but figuring out which bus you want could take some time. It’s useful to remember that any bus number ending with the letter ‘K’ means the route connects to the Kowloon-Canton Railway and bus numbers beginning or ending with ‘M’ go to the MTR. Those ending with ‘R’ are recreational buses and normally run on Sundays, public holidays or for special events. Buses with an ‘X’ are express buses.

Enquiries: Citybus: 2873-0818 KMB: 2745-4466 Long Win: 2261-2791 / 2745-4466 NLB: 2984-9848 NWFB: 2136-8888

Minibuses

There are two types of minibus in Hong Kong. Both are cream coloured but some have red roofs and others have green roofs.

Green minibuses provide scheduled services with fixed routes, fares, vehicle allocation and timetables; red minibuses operate with flexible routes, fares and timetables. Before boarding be sure whether it is a green or a red minibus, and look at the sign above the windscreen to check the destination. Ask the driver if in doubt.

To halt either a green or a red minibus so you can alight, do it like a local and say “yau lok” which means “stop please” in Cantonese.

Fares are paid on a green minibus when you get on board. Some green minibuses accept payment by Octopus, but for those that don’t, always have the correct amount in coins with you. On most red minibuses, you pay when you get off. Make sure you have the exact fare in case the driver runs out of change.

The fare you pay on a green minibus is fixed for each route — look for the sign at the front of the minibus or simply ask the driver. On red minibuses, the fare varies depending on the distance travelled, time of day, and the day of the week (e.g. costlier on race days

and in bad weather). Again, you’ll need to check the sign before boarding. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 45 Trams

The trams that operate on Hong Kong Island are one of the world’s great travel bargains. Charging only HK$2 a ride, these double-decker streetcars trundle along the northern side of Hong Kong Island and although they are not fast, they are fun if you don’t mind being jostled a bit. No change is given so be sure you have the exact fare. Or pay with your Octopus card.

Some routes are longer than others. The longest route starts in and runs all the way to Shau Kei Wan, while others may run only part of the way (i.e. Western Market to or perhaps Happy Valley). Check the destination shown on the front before boarding.

Trams operate from 6 a.m. to 12:37 a.m. and come by every two to 12 minutes.

Enquiries: 2548-7102

Ferries

The “” is one of Hong Kong’s famous attractions, its green two-decker ferries criss-crossing the spectacular between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. Another service runs between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai (near the HK Convention and Exhibition Centre) from 7:30 a.m. to 10:50 p.m. daily. Like the tram, the fare is cheap.

To take the service, simply drop the exact fare into the turnstile. If you don’t have the exact fare for the upper deck, you can pay at the information window. Lower deck only accepts the exact fare. You may also use your Octopus card.

Other ferry services provide transport to the biggest outlying islands. New World First Ferry (NWFF) runs services to Lantau Island (), and Peng Chau, while HK and Kowloon Ferry Ltd. (HKK) serves Lamma Island. Most of these outlying island ferry services depart from the piers in Central. Fares vary according to your destination, vessel type and different fares on Sundays and public holidays. All these services accept payment by Octopus card.

Enquiries: Star Ferry: 2367-7065 NWFF: 2131-8181 HKK: 2815-6063

A separate ferry company provides a 24-hour service to on Lantau Island, ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 46 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ departing from Pier 3 in Central. You can pay by Octopus card.

Enquiries: 2987-7351

Taxis

Taxis are available throughout all of Hong Kong. Red taxis operate in most of Hong Kong, except for Tung Chung Road and south Lantau. Green taxis operate in the northern part of the New Territories and blue taxis on Lantau Island.

When a taxi is available for hire, it should display a small red “For Hire” flag near the centre of the window screen. Also, at night, the “TAXI” sign on the roof should be lit up.

In Hong Kong and Kowloon, the starting fare is HK$15. There is also a luggage fee of HK$5 per piece of baggage. There are no late night or extra-passenger charges. Most drivers carry very little change so have a supply of coins and HK$20/HK$100 banknotes with you before boarding. Alternatively you may ask the driver beforehand if he has adequate change for your trip.

You will have to pay additional fare for crossing the harbour via the cross-harbour tunnel. The additional fare comprises the tunnel toll and a return toll. The return toll is not applicable if you hire a taxi from a cross-harbour taxi stand. You will also have to pay additional charges for using the Lantau Link, and the Aberdeen, Lion Rock, Shing Mun, Tai Lam, Tate’s Cairn and Tseung Kwan O tunnels. A taxi fare table is posted on the door panel inside the taxis.

Advice: If you want to commend a taxi driver, or if you are not satisfied with the service, get the licence number and call the transport complaint hotline on 2889-9999. If you leave something valuable in a taxi, contact the police or call the Road Co-opt Lost and Found 24 Hours Free Hotline for lost property on taxis at 187-2920.

Tip: Ask your employer to write down the address of your workplace in CHINESE. A written address shown to a taxi driver is usually the best way to ensure effective communication.

Concessionary fares on public transport

The bus, rail, tram and major ferry companies offer concessionary fares to children

under 12 and passengers aged 65 or above (60 or above on Citybus’s Hong Kong ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 47 Island routes). Some minibus operators offer concessionary fares to students, and to passengers aged 65 or above (a few routes for passengers aged 70 or above). If you claim to be entitled to a concessionary fare, you may be requested to produce proof of your age. Full-time students from 12 to 25 and attending schools in Hong Kong may also apply for a Personalized Octopus card encoded with a special “student status” to enjoy the MTR and Light Rail student concessionary fares. However, the rules on eligibility for concessionary fares may differ from operator to operator. You may call the enquiry hotlines of the transport operators (given above) for details of their

concessionary fare schemes. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 48 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Chapter 6: Banks and Money

Hong Kong currency

Banknotes in Hong Kong are issued in denominations of HK$10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and $1,000. Unlike most places, more than one bank issues banknotes in Hong Kong. The three note-issuing banks are The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. So don’t worry if you have three different looking HK$100 bills in your wallet — they are all legal tender. In addition, the Government has issued a new HK$10 note in response to the renewed public demand and has been put into circulation since 10 September 2002.

Coins are issued in denominations of HK$10, $5, $2, $1, 50 cents, 20 cents and 10 cents.

Exchange rates

Since 1983, the has been tied to the US dollar at the rate of US$1 = HK$7.80. Because the exchange rate between the Hong Kong dollar and other currencies changes from day to day, it’s best to check the newspaper or your bank for the current rate of exchange.

Advice: • Banks and moneychangers charge a commission. Similarly, commissions are charged by hotels and major retail outlets which provide exchange facilities for guests and customers. • As elsewhere, the rates of exchange for cash and travellers’ cheques are marginally different and coins are not exchangeable. • Rates of exchange offered by banks and moneychangers are not uniform. The best way to check if you are getting a fair deal is to compare the rates offered by different banks and moneychangers. • The display of net rates of exchange by moneychangers is a legal obligation. You are advised to check them — and also the amount of any additional commission payable for the exchange of travellers’ cheques — before handing over the money for exchange. Receipts must be issued by law.

• You may approach the police for help if you believe that you have been cheated. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 49 Sending money back home

When sending money (remitting) to your family back home, it is safer to use a bank. The best advice is to look for a bank from your home country with branches in Hong Kong (some of which are listed below), as they probably have special remittance facilities. If not, use a Hong Kong-based bank that has branches in your country.

Name of Bank Principal Address Telephone (Based country) India Bank of India 2/F, Ruttonjee House 2524-0186 11 , Central Hong Kong Indian Overseas Bank 3/F, Ruttonjee House 2522-7157 11 Duddell Street, Central Hong Kong State Bank of India 8/F, 2523-3166 20 Central, Hong Kong UCO Bank 4102-4106, 41/F, 2524-9240 183 Queen’s Road Central Hong Kong Indonesia PT. Bank Negara G/F, Far East Finance Centre 2529-9871 Indonesia (Persero) TBK 16 , Central Hong Kong PT. Bank Mandiri 7/F, Far East Finance Centre 2877-3632 (Persero) TBK 16 Harcourt Road, Central Hong Kong Pakistan National Bank of Pakistan 1801-1805, 18/F, ING Tower 2521-7321 308-320 Central

Hong Kong ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 50 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The Philippines Equitable PCI Bank, Inc 7/F, Silver Plaza 2868-0323 1 Wellington Street, Hong Kong Philippine National Bank 26/F, Worldwide House 2543-1066 19 Des Voeux Road Central Hong Kong Thailand Bangkok Bank Public Bangkok Bank Building 2801-6688 Company Limited 28 Des Voeux Road Central Hong Kong Bank of Ayudhya Public 1708-9, 17/F, 2525-7398 Company Limited 1 Connaught Place Central Hong Kong Kasikornbank Public 2001, 20/F, Two International 2526-6811 Company Limited Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street Central, Hong Kong The Siam Commercial Bank 1609, 16/F, Jardine House 2524-4085 Public Company Limited 1 Connaught Place Central Hong Kong Thai Military Bank Public 1601, 16/F, New World Tower 1 2845-6677 Company Limited 18 Queen’s Road Central Hong Kong

Advice: • Hong Kong has no exchange controls, so you may bring in or send out as much money as you wish. • International telegraphic transfers are fast and efficient. All major banks in Hong Kong can provide this service for you. • Send money in US dollars by telegraphic transfer or a bank draft – don’t send cash

in the mail or through other persons going back to your country. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 51 Chapter 7: Healthcare in Hong Kong

General out-patient clinics

The standard of healthcare is very high in Hong Kong, so if you get sick you will be well taken care of.

For routine medical treatment, the most convenient and affordable choice is one of Hong Kong’s many out-patient clinics (see list below). If you have a more serious illness, you will be referred to a specialist clinic or hospital for further treatment.

Advice: • On arrival at an out-patient clinic you must first register and pay a registration fee of HK$45. HK$17 may be charged for dressings or injection. Be sure to bring your Hong Kong ID card. • After registering, you’ll have to wait your turn. Don’t worry if there are many people ahead of you. Hong Kong clinics are quite efficient so you shouldn’t have to wait long. Bring a book or magazine anyway.

HONG KONG ISLAND

Name & Telephone No. Address

#Aberdeen Jockey Club Clinic 10 Aberdeen Reservoir Road Tel: 2555-0381/2 Aberdeen Anne Black Health Centre 140 Tsat Tse Mui Road Tel: 2561-6161 Clinic 161 Ap Lei Chau Main Street Tel: 2518-5610 Ap Lei Chau Central District Health Centre 1 Kau U Fong, Central Tel: 2545-1485 Health Centre 1 Hong Man Street, Chai Wan Tel: 2556-0261 Jockey Club Clinic 45 Victoria Road Tel: 2817-3215 Kennedy Town Sai Wan Ho Health Centre 1/F, 28 Tai Hong Street

Tel: 2884-4377 Sai Wan Ho ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 52 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ #Sai Ying Pun Jockey Club 134 Queen’s Road West General Outpatient Clinic Sai Ying Pun Tel: 2859-8203 *Shau Kei Wan Jockey Club Clinic 8 , Shau Kei Wan Tel: 2560-0211 to 5 ^Stanley Public Dispensary 14 Wong Ma Kok Road, Stanley Tel: 2813-0358 Tung Wah Eastern Hospital 19 Eastern Hospital Road Tel: 2162-6022 to 23 Causeway Bay 12 Po Yan Street, Tel: 2589-8518 *Violet Peel Health Centre 1/F, Southorn Centre Tel: 2835-1767 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai Wan Tsui Government Clinic G/F, Block 12, Wan Tsui Estate Tel: 2897-5527 Chai Wan

KOWLOON

Name & Telephone No. Address

Caritas Medical Centre 111 Wing Hong Street Tel: 3408-7911 #Cheung Sha Wan Jockey Club G/F, 2 Kwong Lee Road General Outpatient Clinic Cheung Sha Wan Tel: 2387-8211 #Central Kowloon Health Centre 147 A, Argyle Street, Mong Kok Tel: 2762-1456 Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital 10 Heng Lam Street, Tel: 2339-6117 Clinic 22 Station Lane, Hung Hom Tel: 2356-9281 Ext. 112 Health Centre 1/F, 9 Kai Yan Street Tel: 2116-2811 to 2 Kowloon Bay 25 Waterloo Road

Tel: 2268-2981 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 53 *Kwun Tong Jockey Club Health Centre 457 Tel: 2389-0331 Kwun Tong Lam Tin Polyclinic 99 Kai Tin Road, Kwun Tong Tel: 2346-2853 Lee Kee Memorial Dispensary 99 Carpenter Road Tel: 2382-1096 #Li Po Chun Health Centre 22 Arran Street, Tel: 2393-8161 Nam Shan Health Centre G/F, Nam Yiu House Tel: 2779-5688 Ngau Tau Kok Jockey Club Clinic 60 Ting On Street Tel: 2754-4775 Ngau Tau Kok Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital 118 Shatin Pass Road Tel: 2354-2267 Wong Tai Sin East Kowloon General 160 Hammer Hill Road Outpatient Clinic Diamond Hill Tel: 2320-4240 *Robert Black Health Centre 600 Prince Edward Road East Tel: 2383-3311 San Po Kong Health Centre 2 Berwick Street, Shek Kip Mei Tel: 2788-3023 Government Clinic G/F, Lee Foo House Tel: 2343-0247 Shun Lee Estate, Kwun Tong Shun Tak Fraternal Association 2/F, Market & Leung Kau Kui Clinic Government Offices Building Tel: 2715-9538 165 Ma Tau Wai Road Kowloon City Wang Tau Hom Jockey Club Clinic 200 Junction Road Tel: 2337-0231 Wang Tau Hom West Kowloon Health Centre G/F, Cheung Sha Wan Tel: 2150-7200 Government Offices 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road Cheung Sha Wan Wu York Yu Health Centre 55 Sheung Fung Street

Tel: 2325-5221 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 54 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ * Jockey Club Clinic 145 Battery Street, Yau Ma Tei Tel: 2272-2400

NEW TERRITORIES WEST REGION

Name & Telephone No. Address

Ha Kwai Chung Polyclinic and 77 Lai Cho Road, Kwai Chung Special Education Service Centre Tel: 2743-6377 ^ Clinic 200 Kam Tin Road, Shek Kong Tel: 2488-1437 Lady Trench Polyclinic 213 Sha Tsui Road, Tsuen Wan Tel: 2942-6777 Madam Yung Fung Shee Health Centre 26 Sai Ching Street, Yuen Long Tel: 2443-8400 Mrs. Wu York Yu Health Centre 310 Wo Yi Hop Road Tel: 2487-1211 Lei Muk Shue North Kwai Chung Clinic 125 Tai Pak Tin Street Tel: 2418-8501 Kwai Chung @ , Yuen Long Tel: 2486-8011 South Kwai Chung Jockey Club 310 Kwai Shing Circuit Polyclinic Kwai Chung Tel: 2615-7333 #Tin Shui Wai Health Centre 3 Tin Shui Road, Tin Shui Wai Tel: 2448-5511 #Tsing Yi Cheung Hong Clinic 3/F, Cheung Hong Tel: 2943-8100 Commercial Complex Cheung Hong Estate, Tsing Yi Tsing Yi Town Clinic 21 Tsing Luk Street, Tsing Yi Tel: 2434-6205 *Tuen Mun Clinic 11 Tsing Yin Street Tel: 2452-9111 , Tuen Mun Yan Oi General Outpatient Clinic G/F, 6 Tuen Lee Street

Tel: 2404-3700 Tuen Mun ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 55 Tuen Mun Wu Hong Clinic 2 Wu Hong Street, Tuen Mun Tel: 2458-3788 7-11 Yan Chai Street Tel: 2417-8804 Tsuen Wan *Yuen Long Jockey Club Health Centre 269 Road Tel: 2476-0221 to 23 Yuen Long

NEW TERRITORIES EAST AND OUTLYING ISLANDS

Name & Telephone No. Address

Fanling Family Medicine Centre 1/F, Health Centre Tel: 2639-4601 2 Pik Fung Road, Fanling ^Ho Tung Dispensary G/F, 38 Kwu Tung Road Tel: 2670-1427 Sheung Shui *Lek Yuen Health Centre G/F, 9 Lek Yuen Street Tel: 2692-8730 Sha Tin #Ma On Shan Health Centre G/F, 609 Sai Sha Road Tel: 2641-9792 Ma On Shan Mona Fong Clinic G/F, 23 Man Nin Street Tel: 2792-2601 Sai Kung Mui Wo Clinic G/F & 1/F, Mui Wo Tel: 2984-2080 Government Office 2 Ngan Kwong Wan Road Mui Wo, Lantau Island North Lamma Clinic G/F, 100 Main Street Tel: 2982-0213 Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island Peng Chau Clinic G/F, 1A Shing Ka Road Tel: 2983-1110 Peng Chau ^ Clinic G/F, 58 Sha Tau Kok Road Tel: 2674-5268 Sha Tau Kok Sha Tin Clinic G/F, 2 Man Lai Road, Sha Tin Tel: 2691-1618 to 19 *Shek Wu Hui Jockey Club G/F, 108-130 Jockey Club Tel: 2670-0211 to 13 Clinic Road, Shek Wu Hui

Sheung Shui ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 56 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ^Sok Kwu Wan Clinic G/F, Sok Kwu Wan Tel: 2982-8350 Rural Committee Office 1B Second Street Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island St. John Hospital Cheung Chau Hospital Road Tel: 2981-9441 Tung Wan, Cheung Chau ^Ta Kwu Ling Clinic G/F, Ta Kwu Ling Rural Centre Tel: 2674-4283 Government Offices Ping Che Road, Ta Kwu Ling Tai O Jockey Club Clinic G/F, 103 Shek Tsai Po Street Tel: 2985-7236 Tai O, Lantau Island *Tai Po Jockey Club Clinic G/F, 37 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po Tel: 2664-2039 Tseung Kwan O Jockey Club G/F, 99 Po Lam Road North General Outpatient Clinic Tseung Kwan O Tel: 2701-9922 #Tseung Kwan O Po Ning Road G/F, 28 Po Ning Road Health Centre Tseung Kwan O Tel: 2191-1083 #Tung Chung Health Centre G/F, 6 Fu Tung Street Tel: 2109-6830 Tung Chung, Lantau Island Wong Siu Ching Clinic G/F, 1 Po Wu Lane, Tai Po Tel: 2658-9182 Yuen Chau Kok Clinic G/F, 29 Chap Wai Kon Street Tel: 2647-3383 Sha Tin

@ 24-hour clinic

The office hours for general out-patient clinics (except those with an asterisk) are:

Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The clinics marked with (#) are open in the evenings. Please phone the clinic for more

details. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 57 The clinics marked with an asterisk (*) are also open in the evenings and on Sundays/ public holidays. Please check with your clinic to see if it is open during extended hours.

Monday to Friday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Public Holidays: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The clinics marked with (^) are part-time clinics. Please phone the clinic for more details.

The Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Hospital Authority is responsible for managing all local public hospitals in Hong Kong. If you have an inquiry on the services provided by Hong Kong public hospitals, call the Hospital Authority One Stop Enquiry Service on 2300-6555.

Hong Kong Public Hospitals and Institutions

HONG KONG ISLAND

Name Address Telephone

Cheshire Home 128 Chung Hom Kok Road 2813-9823 Chung Hom Kok The Duchess of Kent 12 Sandy Bay Road 2817-7111 Children’s Hospital Pokfulam at Sandy Bay TWGHs Fung Yiu 9 Sandy Bay Road 2855-6111 King Hospital Pokfulam 125 Road 2518-2111 Aberdeen MacLehose Medical 7 Sha Wan Drive 2817-0018 Rehabilitation Centre Pokfulam Pamela Youde 3 Lok Man Road 2595-6111 Nethersole Eastern Chai Wan Hospital Queen Mary Hospital 102 Pokfulam Road 2855-3838

Pokfulam ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 58 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 266 Queen’s Road East 2291-2000 Wan Chai 282 Queen’s Road East 2291-2000 Wan Chai 30 Hospital Road 2589-2100 Sai Ying Pun Tung Wah Eastern 19 Eastern Hospital Road 2162-6888 Hospital Causeway Bay Tung Wah Hospital 12 Po Yan Street 2589-8111 Sheung Wan Wong Chuk Hang 2 Wong Chuk Hang Path 2873-7222 Hospital Wong Chuk Hang

KOWLOON

Name Address Telephone

Caritas Medical Centre 111 Wing Hong Street 3408-7911 Sham Shui Po Haven of Hope 8 Haven of Hope Road 2703-8000 Hospital Tseung Kwan O Hong Kong Buddhist 10 Heng Lam Street 2339-6111 Hospital Lok Fu 147K, Argyle Street 2762-3007 Hong Kong Red Cross 15 King’s Park Rise 2710-1333 Blood Transfusion Service 147A, Argyle Street 3129-7111 Kwong Wah Hospital 25 Waterloo Road 2332-2311 Our Lady of Maryknoll 118 Shatin Pass Road 2320-2121 Hospital Wong Tai Sin Queen Elizabeth Hospital 30 2958-8888 Rehabaid Centre G/F, Core S, Hong Kong 2364-2345 Polytechnic University

Hung Hom ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 59 United Christian 130 Hip Wo Street 3513-4000 Hospital Kwun Tong 2 Po Ning Lane, Hang Hau 2208-0111 Tseung Kwan O TWGHs Wong Tai Sin 124 Sha Tin Pass Road 2320-0377 Hospital

NEW TERRITORIES

Name Address Telephone

Alice Ho Miu Ling 11 Chuen On Road 2689-2000 Nethersole Hospital Tai Po 17 A Kung Kok Shan Road 2636-0163 Sha Tin 15 Tsing Chung Koon Road 2456-7111 Tuen Mun Cheshire Home, Sha Tin 30 A Kung Kok Shan Road 2636-7288 Sha Tin 3-15 Kwai Chung 2990-3000 Hospital Road 9 Po Kin Road 2683-8888 Sheung Shui Pok Oi Hospital Au Tau, Yuen Long 2478-2556 Princess Margaret 2-10 Princess Margaret 2990-1111 Hospital Hospital Road, N.T. 30-32 Ngan Shing Street 2632-2211 Sha Tin Sha Tin Hospital 33 A Kung Kok Street 2636-7500 Ma On Shan, Sha Tin 16 1/2 Milestone 3127-0222 St. John Hospital Cheung Chau Hospital Road 2981-9441 Tung Wan, Cheung Chau

Tai Po Hospital 9 Chuen On Road, Tai Po 2607-6111 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 60 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Tsing Chung Koon Road 2468-5111 Tuen Mun Yan Chai Hospital 7-11 Yan Chai Street 2417-8383 Tsuen Wan

Accident and emergency medical services

Fifteen hospitals provide a full range of accident and emergency (A&E) medical services 24 hours a day. Fees for A&E services are HK$100 per attendance for eligible persons (holders of a Hong Kong ID card and children under 11 years old with Hong Kong resident status) and HK$570 per attendance for non-eligible persons. If patients are unable to pay immediately, they will receive the payment advice to settle the payment at their convenience. Patients with financial difficulties may seek assistance from medical social workers in public hospitals.

Name Address Telephone

Alice Ho Miu Ling 11 Chuen On Road 2689-2000 Nethersole Hospital Tai Po, N.T. Caritas Medical Centre 111 Wing Hong Street 3408-7911 Sham Shui Po, Kowloon Kwong Wah Hospital 25 Waterloo Road 2332-2311 Kowloon North District Hospital 9 Po Kin Road 2683-8888 Sheung Shui, N.T. Pamela Youde 3 Lok Man Road 2595-6111 Nethersole Eastern Chai Wan Hospital Prince of Wales 30-32 Ngan Shing Street 2632-2211 Hospital Sha Tin, N.T. Princess Margaret 2-10 Princess Margaret 2990-1111 Hospital Hospital Road, N.T. Queen Elizabeth 30 Gascoigne Road 2958-8888 Hospital Kowloon Queen Mary Hospital 102 Pokfulam Road 2855-3838

Hong Kong ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 61 St. John Hospital Cheung Chau Hospital Road 2981-9441 Tung Wan, Cheung Chau Ruttonjee Hospital 266 Queen’s Road East 2291-2000 Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tseung Kwan O Hospital 2 Po Ning Lane, Hang Hau 2208-0111 Tseung Kwan O Tuen Mun Hospital Tsing Chung Koon Road 2468-5111 Tuen Mun, N.T. United Christian 130 Hip Wo Street 3513-4000 Hospital Kwun Tong, Kowloon Yan Chai Hospital 7-11 Yan Chai Street 2417-8383 Tsuen Wan, N.T.

Treatment during long holidays

If you need to see a doctor during long holidays, call the MediLink hotline at 90000- 222-322. This service is available in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

When you call, they will tell you: • The names and telephone numbers of private doctors on duty in each district of Hong Kong. • What general out-patient services are available to you during extended holiday periods.

During non-holiday periods, MediLink will provide information on general medical knowledge.

Registered Hong Kong doctors

The Hong Kong Medical Association maintains an online database hosting a compre- hensive set of information for all registered Hong Kong doctors. Please visit the website at http://www.hkdoctors.org.

Tuberculosis and chest service

Tuberculosis and chest diseases are treated at the following out-patient clinics free of

charge: ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 62 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Name Address Telephone

*Cheung Chau Chest G/F, St. John Hospital 2981-9441 Clinic Hospital Road, Tung Wan (Ext. 22) Cheung Chau East Kowloon Chest G/F, East Kowloon Polyclinic 2352-0077 Clinic 160 Hammer Hill Road Kowloon Kowloon Chest Clinic G/F, 147 A Argyle Street 2711-2086 Kowloon *Sai Kung Chest Clinic G/F, Mona Fong Clinic 2792-2601 Man Lin Street Sai Kung, N.T. Sai Ying Pun Chest 2/F, Sai Ying Pun 2859-8227 Clinic Jockey Club Polyclinic 134 Queen’s Road West Hong Kong Shau Kei Wan Chest 2/F, Shau Kei Wan 2560-4522 Clinic Jockey Club Polyclinic 8 Chai Wan Road, Hong Kong Shek Kip Mei Chest 1/F, Shek Kip Mei 2777-4535 Clinic Health Centre 2 Berwick Street, Kowloon *Sheung Shui Chest 1/F, Shek Wu Hui 2670-0211 Clinic Jockey Club Clinic Jockey Club Road Shek Wu Hui Sheung Shui, N.T. South Kwai Chung G/F, 310 Kwai Shing Circuit 2419-1721 Chest Clinic South Kwai Chung, N.T. Tai Po Chest Clinic 1/F, Tai Po Jockey Club Clinic 2689-5600 37 Ting Kok Road Tai Po, N.T. *Tung Chung 6 Fu Tung Street, 1/F 2109-6110 Chest Clinic Tung Chung Health Centre

Tung Chung, Lantau Island ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 63 Wan Chai Chest 1/F, Wan Chai Polyclinic 2591-1195 Clinic 99 Kennedy Road, Wan Chai Hong Kong Yan Oi Chest Clinic 2/F, Yan Oi Polyclinic 2404-3740 6 Tuen Lee Street Tuen Mun, N.T. Yau Ma Tei Chest 2/F, Yau Ma Tei 2388-5939 Clinic Jockey Club Polyclinic 145 Battery Street, Kowloon Yuen Chau Kok Chest 1/F, 29 Chap Wai Kon Street 2647-6445 Clinic Sha Tin, N.T. *Yuen Long Chest G/F, Yuen Long Jockey Club 2476-0221 Clinic Health Centre 269 Castle Peak Road Yuen Long, N.T. Yung Fung Shee Chest 1/F, Yung Fung Shee 2727-8250 Clinic Memorial Centre 79 Cha Kwo Ling Road Kowloon

* The clinics marked with an asterisk are part-time chest clinics.

Social Hygiene Service

The Social Hygiene Service is responsible for management of sexually transmitted diseases and skin diseases.

Clinics for sexually transmitted diseases

The following social hygiene clinics (S.H.C.s) provide treatment free of charge to eligible persons who are:

(i) Holders of Hong Kong ID card issued under the Registration of Persons Ordinance; or (ii) Children who are and under 11 years of age; or (iii) Other persons approved by the Director of Health.

For non-eligible persons, they need to pay HK$700 (including drug charges and

laboratory investigations) as consultation fee per every attendance. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 64 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Name Address Telephone Remarks

Chai Wan S.H.C. West LG5 2595-7500 Specialist Out-patient Department Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital 3 Lok Man Road Chai Wan, Hong Kong Wan Chai S.H.C. 6/F & 7/F, Tang Chi Ngong 3103-2400 Specialist Clinic (Male) 284 Queen’s Road East 3103-2411 Wan Chai, Hong Kong (Female) Yau Ma Tei S.H.C. 3/F & 4/F, Yau Ma Tei 2359-4377 Jockey Club Polyclinic (Male) 145 Battery Street 2388-6634 Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon (Female) Yung Fung Shee 4/F, Yung Fung Shee 2727-8315 S.H.C. Memorial Centre 79 Cha Kwo Ling Road Kwun Tong, Kowloon Tuen Mun S.H.C. 5/F, Tuen Mun Eye Centre 2459-2958 4 Tuen Lee Street Tuen Mun, N.T. Fanling Integrated 6/F, Fanling Health Centre 2639-1437 Appointment Treatment Centre 2 Pik Fung Road is required (SHS) Fanling, N.T.

Clinics for skin diseases

Referrals from other doctors and prior appointment are needed. The following dermatology clinics and social hygiene clinics provide treatment to eligible persons and they need to pay consultation fee for first attendance HK$100 and subsequent attendance HK$60. The charges for non-eligible persons are HK$700 (including drug

charges and laboratory investigations) per every attendance. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 65 Name Address Telephone

Sai Ying Pun 3/F, Sai Ying Pun 2859-8302 Dermatological Clinic Jockey Club Polyclinic 134 Queen’s Road West Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong Yaumatei 12/F, Yaumatei Specialist 2770-4639 Dermatological Clinic Clinic Extension 143 Battery Street Yaumatei, Kowloon Yung Fung Shee 4/F, Yung Fung Shee 2727-8319 Dermatological Clinic Memorial Centre 79 Cha Kwo Ling Road Kwun Tong, Kowloon Cheung Sha Wan 3/F, West Kowloon Health 2150-7373 Dermatological Centre, Cheung Sha Wan Clinic Government Offices Building 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road Kowloon Fanling Integrated 6/F, Fanling Health Centre 2639-1437 Treatment Centre (SHS) 2 Pik Fung Road, Fanling, N.T. Chai Wan S.H.C. West LG5, Specialist 2595-7500 Out-patient Department Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital 3 Lok Man Road Chai Wan, Hong Kong Wan Chai S.H.C. 6/F & 7/F, Tang Chi Ngong 3103-2400 Specialist Clinic (Male) 284 Queen’s Road East 3103-2411 Wan Chai, Hong Kong (Female) Yung Fung Shee 4/F, Yung Fung Shee 2727-8315 S.H.C. Memorial Centre (for female only) 79 Cha Kwo Ling Road Kwun Tong, Kowloon Tuen Mun S.H.C. 5/F, Tuen Mun Eye Centre 2459-2958 4 Tuen Lee Street

Tuen Mun, N.T. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 66 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ AIDS related service centres

Name Address Telephone

Resource Centre - 2/F, Wang Tau Hom 2304-6268 Red Ribbon Centre Jockey Club Clinic 200 Junction Road East Wang Tau Hom, Kowloon Yau Ma Tei Jockey Club 5/F, 145 Battery Street 2780-2211 AIDS Counselling and Yaumatei, Kowloon Testing Service Kowloon Bay Integrated 8-9/F, Kowloon Bay 2116-2888 Treatment Centre Health Centre 9 Kai Yan Street, Kowloon

AIDS prevention and care services include: • Confidential counselling services; • Free, anonymous, confidential HIV antibody testing; • General information on AIDS; • Follow-up treatment, counselling and support; • Counselling for sexual partners and family members of infected individuals; • Health talks and publications on AIDS.

Services provided at Integrated Treatment Centre are charged at HK$100 for new consultations and HK$60 for subsequent visits for Hong Kong ID card holders. Charges for non-HK ID card holders are subject to the nature of consultation, investigation and treatment required.

A 24-hour hotline service (2780-2211) in Cantonese, Putonghua and English provides pre-recorded information and fax copies on AIDS/sexually transmitted diseases. Access to nurse-counsellors is also available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Pre-recorded messages on AIDS in Tagalog, Vietnamese and Thai can be heard by phoning 2359-9112.

Family Health Service

If you are in the reproductive age, or have children below the age of six who require vaccination, you may find relevant services provided by the Maternal and Child Health

Centres (MCHCs). ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 67 Their services included: • Antenatal and postnatal care • Family planning service • Child health service (including vaccination) • Cervical screening service

All child health and maternal health services provided at MCHCs are free of charge for Eligible Persons while for family planning service, a fee of HK$1 is charged per visit and for cervical screening service, a per visit fee of HK$100 is charged. For non- eligible persons, the following fees will be charged for each attendance:

Family planning service HK$235 Child health service HK$365 Maternal service HK$700 Cervical screening service HK$205

Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs)

Each centre has different operation time and service sessions. Please contact individual centres or call the 24-hour hotline (recorded message) of the MCHC, Department of Health on 2112-9900 for details. Interested clients for cervical screening service can make an appointment through the Phone Booking System (telephone number: 3166- 6631).

HONG KONG ISLAND

Name Address Telephone

Anne Black MCHC 1/F, Anne Black Health Centre 2562-1709 140 North Point Ap Lei Chau MCHC 2/F, Ap Lei Chau Clinic 2518-5701 161 Ap Lei Chau Main Street Ap Lei Chau Chai Wan MCHC Level 2, Government Office 2556-6757 Block 6, New Jade Garden 233 Chai Wan Road, Chai Wan Sai Wan Ho MCHC 2/F, Sai Wan Ho Health Centre 2977-1825

28 Tai Hong Street, Sai Wan Ho ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 68 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Sai Ying Pun MCHC 6/F, Sai Ying Pun 2859-8280 Jockey Club Polyclinic 134 Queen’s Road West Sai Ying Pun Tang Chi Ngong MCHC 5/F, Tang Chi Ngong 2573-7585 Specialist Clinic 284 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai

KOWLOON

Name Address Telephone

East Kowloon MCHC 1/F, East Kowloon Polyclinic 2321-7822 160 Hammer Hill Road Diamond Hill Hung Hom MCHC 2/F, Hung Hom Clinic 2356-9323 22 Station Lane, Hung Hom Lam Tin MCHC 1/F, Lam Tin Polyclinic 2346-2708 99 Kai Tin Road, Lam Tin Ngau Tau Kok MCHC 1/F, Ngau Tau Kok 2750-4270 Jockey Club Clinic 60 Ting On Street, Ngau Tau Kok Robert Black MCHC 1/F, Robert Black Health Centre 2718-2597 600 Prince Edward Road San Po Kong Wang Tau Hom MCHC G/F, Wang Tau Hom 2337-0232 Jockey Club Clinic 200 Junction Road East Wang Tau Hom West Kowloon MCHC 2/F, West Kowloon Health Centre 2150-7260 Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road Sham Shui Po Wu York Yu MCHC 1/F, Wu York Yu Health Centre 2325-5224 55 Sheung Fung Street

Wong Tai Sin ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 69 Yaumatei MCHC 6/F, Yaumatei Specialist 2770-0044 Clinic Extension 143 Battery Street, Yaumatei

NEW TERRITORIES EAST (INCLUDING ISLANDS)

Name Address Telephone

Fanling MCHC 3/F, Fanling Health Centre 2677-6484 2 Pik Fung Road, Fanling Lek Yuen MCHC 1/F, Lek Yuen Health Centre 2692-8741 9 Lek Yuen Street, Shatin Ma On Shan MCHC 1/F, Ma On Shan Health Centre 2641-3843 609 Sai Sha Road, Ma On Shan Tseung Kwan O 1/F, Tseung Kwan O 2191-1086 Po Ning Road MCHC Po Ning Road Health Centre 28 Po Ning Road Tseung Kwan O Tung Chung MCHC G/F, Tung Chung Health Centre 2109-6800 6 Fu Tung Street, Tung Chung Lantau Island Wong Siu Ching 1/F, Wong Siu Ching Clinic 2652-3745 MCHC 1 Po Wu Lane, Tai Po Cheung Chau MCHC G/F, St. John Hospital 2981-7762 Cheung Chau Hospital Road Cheung Chau Mui Wo MCHC 1/F, Mui Wo Clinic 2984-2193 2 Ngan Kwong Wan Road Mui Wo, Lantau Island

NEW TERRITORIES WEST

Name Address Telephone

Madam Yung Fung Shee 1/F, Madam Yung Fung Shee 2443-8421 MCHC Health Centre

26 Sai Ching Street, Yuen Long ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 70 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Maurine Grantham G/F, Maurine Grantham 2615-5500 MCHC Health Centre 115 Castle Peak Road Tsuen Wan North Kwai Chung 1/F, North Kwai Chung Clinic 2418-8550 MCHC 125 Tai Pak Tin Street Kwai Chung South Kwai Chung 1/F, South Kwai Chung Polyclinic 2615-7350 MCHC 310 Kwai Shing Circuit Kwai Chung Tin Shui Wai MCHC 1/F, Tin Shui Wai Health Centre 2448-5580 3 Tin Shui Road, Tin Shui Wai Tsing Yi MCHC 3/F, Cheung Hong Commercial 2497-0431 Complex, Phase I Cheung Hong Estate, Tsing Yi Tuen Mun Wu Hong 2/F, Tuen Mun Wu Hong Clinic 2458-1694 MCHC 2 Wu Hong Street, Tuen Mun Yan Oi MCHC 1/F, Yan Oi Polyclinic 2404-3720 4 Tuen Lee Street, Tuen Mun

Treat Hong Kong as your home

You play a vital role in making Hong Kong a clean and pleasant place to live in! Just follow these measures:

Personal Hygiene

• Don’t spit. • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. • Wash your hands after going to the toilet, before meals or touching eyes, nose and mouth. Use liquid soap and dry your hands using a disposable towel or hand dryer. Don’t share towels. • Don’t share eating utensils – use serving spoons and chopsticks. • Consult a doctor promptly if you are sick. Don’t attend school or work. • Increase your body immunity by having a balanced diet, doing regular exercise and taking adequate rest. Don’t smoke!

• Wear a mask if you have symptoms of respiratory tract infection. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 71 Environmental hygiene

• At public places: − Don’t litter or spit. − Don’t let your dog foul the streets.

• At home: − Clean and disinfect furniture, kitchen and toilet at least once a day, using diluted household bleach (i.e., 1 part bleach to 99 parts water), rinse with water and then mop dry. Put all waste into dustbins with a cover. − Change water for plants at least once a week. Don’t leave water in the saucers underneath flower pots to prevent mosquito breeding. − Ensure all drains and pipes function properly. Pour about half a litre of water into each drain outlet regularly to prevent foul air and insects in the soil pipe from entering your home. − Keep windows open to maintain good indoor ventilation whenever possible.

Any person who commits an offence of littering, spitting, unauthorized display of bills or posters, or fouling of street by dog faeces will be liable to a fixed penalty of HK$1,500.

For more information on health, please call the Department of Health’s 24-hour health education hotline on 2833-0111, visit Central Health Education Unit website: http://

www.cheu.gov.hk or Centre for Health Protection website: http://www.chp.gov.hk. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 72 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Chapter 8: Legal Assistance

Labour Relations Division Offices

If you have a dispute with your employer over your employment contract or your benefits under the Employment Ordinance, you can go to one of the Labour Relations Division Offices of the Labour Department for free consultation and conciliation services. They can help you file a claim with the Labour Tribunal or the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board if necessary. More details and addresses of these offices are given in the section “Assistance from the Labour Department” in Chapter 4.

Non-governmental organisations

You can also contact one of the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) listed in Chapter 23 for assistance.

Legal information by phone

You can get very useful information on such topics as how to find a lawyer and where to get free legal services, as well as basic information on the laws of Hong Kong, by calling 2521-3333 or 2522-8018.

Duty Lawyer Scheme

This Scheme provides legal representation to virtually all defendants who are charged in the magistracies. If you are to appear in the Magistrates’ Court on a criminal charge, a duty lawyer may be available for you, depending on the charge. You should ask at the Court whether you are eligible.

The Legal Advice and Assistance service is run during the evenings in some District Offices. You can get free advice there, but you will probably have to wait for some weeks to get an appointment.

Legal Aid Services

Legal aid is available from the Government if you need to bring a legal action, defend yourself or continue certain legal proceedings in the District Court, or Court

of Final Appeal. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 73 Applying for legal aid

To qualify for legal aid, you must prove that your financial resources do not exceed HK$155,800. When you apply, you will have to provide your financial details so that the Legal Aid Department can decide whether you are financially eligible for legal aid. If you pass this “means test”, and if the Legal Aid Department agrees that your case is worth pursuing (merits test), you will be granted legal aid.

Legal costs and expenses

You have to contribute towards all the costs and expenses incurred by the Legal Aid Department unless your financial resources are less than HK$20,000 and no property is recovered or preserved for you in the proceedings. If your financial resources are between HK$155,800 and HK$432,900, you may still be able to get help from the Legal Aid Department under its Supplementary Legal Aid Scheme for certain personal injuries related claims and professional negligence claims, subject to payment of an interim contribution of HK$38,950 and further contribution if you succeed in your claims.

To find out if you qualify for legal assistance, visit the Legal Aid Department or the Department’s website at http://www.info.gov.hk/lad. The addresses of the Legal Aid Department and its branch offices are:

Headquarter: Legal Aid Department 24/F – 27/F, Government Offices 66 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong Services: civil and criminal cases, criminal litigation, civil litigation including personal injury, costing and enforcement, probate.

Hong Kong Sub-office: Legal Aid Department 34/F, Hopewell Centre 183 Queen’s Road East Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Services: family litigation, wages claims. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 74 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Kowloon Sub-office: Legal Aid Department G/F, Mong Kok Government Offices 30 Luen Wan Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon Services: civil cases except those in connection with employees’ compensation claims.

24-hour Enquiry Hotline: 2537-7677

Getting access to a lawyer

You can obtain a list of lawyers by: • Enquiring from the Law Society of Hong Kong • Visiting the nearest District Office or public library • Looking up “Solicitors” in the Yellow Pages of the Phonebook

After you have the lawyer’s name and number, you can arrange for an appointment. If necessary, you can go together with a friend or relative. Remember: ALWAYS ask how much the charges are before you begin the interview.

Tip: Never get consultation services on legal issues from a middleman. Instead, make the appointment with a lawyer yourself. After the first meeting, the lawyer may introduce a colleague who will contact you, but you must see your lawyer at

the very beginning. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 75 Chapter 9: The Hong Kong Police Force

999 emergency calls

If you are confronted by an emergency and need urgent assistance from the Police, the Fire Services Department or hospitals, dial 999. Your call will swiftly be answered and help sent.

But if your problem isn’t an emergency, DON’T ring 999 – instead report it to the nearest police station. It costs nothing, and the desk officers are trained to be helpful and sympathetic.

Police stations

Police stations in Hong Kong are open 24 hours a day. If you want to report a case, English-speaking police officers are on duty at all stations to assist you.

The addresses and telephone numbers of the police stations are as follows:

Hong Kong Island Kowloon West Region Police Stations Police Stations

Central 2522-8882 Yau Ma Tei 2388-1141

Waterfront 2857-1555 Tsim Sha Tsui 2721-0137

Peak 2849-8748 Mong Kok 2398-6200

Western 2546-0164 Sham Shui Po 2360-7200

Aberdeen 2552-1766 Cheung Sha Wan 2743-7862

Stanley 2813-1717 Kowloon City 2711-6955

Wan Chai 2828-7400 Hung Hom 2761-8200

Happy Valley 2234-0282

North Point 2563-6487

Chai Wan 2557-1878 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 76 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Kowloon East Region New Territories South Region Police Stations Police Stations

Wong Tai Sin 2352-9400 Tsuen Wan 2415-6003 Tsz Wan Shan 2726-6200 Kwai Chung 2410-2200 Sai Kung 2792-1279 Tsing Yi 2431-9123 Kwun Tong 2709-8200 Sha Tin 2691-2754 Tseung Kwan O 2704-0430 Tin Sum 2695-9728 Sau Mau Ping 2341-8696 Ma On Shan 2640-0109 Ngau Tau Kok 2798-3300 Lantau North 2988-8520 Mui Wo 2984-1660 Airport District 2769-4802

New Territories North Region Marine Region Police Stations Police Stations and Posts

Sha Tau Kok 2674-1469 Marine East 2791-1050 Ta Kwu Ling 2674-4572 Marine South 2555-4400 Lok Ma Chau 2471-4889 Marine West 2452-9261 Yuen Long 2476-5886 Marine North 2603-4060 Tin Shui Wai 2448-5200 Cheung Chau 2981-1217 2488-5337 Peng Chau 2983-0251 Tai Po 2667-2292 Lamma Island 2982-0251 Sheung Shui 2675-6364 Tuen Mun 2463-1301 Castle Peak 2441-3933

Reporting Centres: Shek Kip Mei 2778-7744 Shau Kei Wan 2524-8733

Lei Muk Shue 2480-9200 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 77 2649-9080 Tai Hing 2467-7793

Police Service Centre: 2543-7775

Police Hotlines:

Report hotlines Police Hotline 2527-7177 Organised Crime and Triad Hotline 2527-7887 Narcotics Bureau Hotline 2527-1234 2860-2888

Enquiry hotlines Recruitment Matters 2860-2860 Complaints Against Police Office 2866-7700

Your rights

What should I do if the police stop me?

Remember to carry proof of identity every time you go out. Proof of identity can be your Hong Kong ID card, a temporary Hong Kong identity card or your passport.

By law, a policeman or policewoman may: • Stop you and demand that you produce proof of identity for inspection if he/she believes you are acting suspiciously. • Question you about things like your address, where you are going, or what you are doing. • Detain you for a reasonable period if the police officer suspects that you’ve committed an offence. • Search you for weapons that may threaten the safety of the police officer or the public.

WARNING: Don’t resist the police when they are performing their duties, or lose your temper and try to assault them. You will face prosecution. Although you might be frightened and confused, be polite and cooperative.

If you are doubtful about a police officer’s identity, politely ask him or her to produce

their warrant card for inspection. This has the officer’s photograph, name, rank and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 78 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ badge on it. The words “Hong Kong Police” are printed at the front and the back of the card.

If a police officer wants to search you, you have the right to ask that it be done in a quiet area or at the nearest police station. If you are female, a female police officer will search you.

What are your rights if you are detained in the custody of the police?

You are entitled to -

1. Be supplied with adequate food and refreshment free of charge; 2. Request that a friend or relative be notified of your detention; 3. Request to be provided with drinking water; 4. Request to receive medical attention should you feel ill; 5. Request to be provided with a list of solicitors; 6. Request to be released on bail (or to be released if under investigation); 7. Request for interpretation service; and 8. If a juvenile, to request the company of a parent or guardian.

Provided that no unreasonable delay or hindrance is reasonably likely to be caused to the process of investigation or the administration of justice, you have the additional rights to -

9. Make telephone calls, send e-mails or faxes to friends or relatives; 10. Make private telephone calls to, or communicate in writing or in person with, a solicitor or barrister; 11. Have a solicitor or barrister present during any interview with the police; 12. Communicate privately with a solicitor or barrister claiming to have been instructed by a third person on your behalf; 13. Refuse to communicate with a solicitor or barrister claiming to have been instructed by a third person on your behalf; 14. Request to be provided with a supply of writing materials; 15. Request to have letters posted or delivered as soon as practicable, at your own expense; 16. Be supplied with a copy of your cautioned statement(s) or questions and answers under caution as soon as practicable after the interview; 17. Refuse to answer subsequent questions until a copy of the cautioned statement(s)

or questions and answers under caution have been provided to you; ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 79 18. Request to be provided with food/refreshment at your own expense – for persons detained in custody this will be subject to the approval of the officer in charge of the police station and the inspection of such food; and 19. Send a telegram at your own expense.

Complaints against the police

If you believe you have reason to make a complaint, you can contact the Complaint Against Police Office at 2866-7700.

Home security

Although Hong Kong is one of the world’s safest cities, you should always take these basic security precautions: • Lock the doors and windows to keep out burglars. • Don’t allow strangers into the premises without first checking their identities or consulting your employer. • Remember to switch off the stove to avoid fire when you leave home.

• Don’t leave a baby or young child alone at home. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 80 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Chapter 10: Preventing Corruption

Knowing and abiding by the law

Hong Kong has strict laws against corruption. The Prevention of Bribery Ordinance makes it an offence to offer any advantage (including money, gift, commission, loan, service and favour, etc.) to an employee of the public or private sector as an inducement to or a reward for the performance of his duties without his employer’s permission. Any employee solicits or accepts such an advantage or uses false documents to deceive his employer will also commit an offence. The maximum penalty for such offence is seven years in jail and a fine of HK$500,000!

Therefore, when you apply for an ID card or licence, don’t offer any advantage to Government officials or staff members working in public utilities to facilitate your application. Most Government services are free of charge, so you must not offer a “tip”. A word of thanks is sufficient. For services that do charge a fee, you will be given a receipt. Don’t offer any advantage to a private firm employee, e.g. when you are looking for a job or business, unless you are sure that the recipient has the employer’s approval.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)

The ICAC is an independent organisation dedicated to fighting corruption in Hong Kong through effective law enforcement, prevention and education. If someone solicits a bribe from you or tries to bribe you, or if you have any questions about corruption, seek help from the ICAC immediately. Your identity and information provided will be treated in strictest confidence.

Complaint and enquiry channels

ICAC Report Centre (24-hour service) G/F, Murray Road Carpark Building, 2 Murray Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel: 2526-6366

ICAC Regional Offices

Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 81 HONG KONG ISLAND

ICAC Regional Office (Hong Kong West and Islands) G/F, Harbour Commercial Building, 124 Central Hong Kong Tel: 2543-0000 ICAC Regional Office (Hong Kong East) G/F, Tung Wah Mansion, 201 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel: 2519-6555

KOWLOON

ICAC Regional Office (Kowloon West) G/F, Nathan Commercial Building 434-436 , Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon Tel: 2780-8080 ICAC Regional Office (Kowloon East and Sai Kung) Shop No. 4, G/F, Kai Tin Building 67 Kai Tin Road, Lam Tin, Kowloon Tel: 2756-3300

NEW TERRITORIES

ICAC Regional Office (New Territories South West) G/F, Foo Yue Building, 271-275 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan New Territories Tel: 2493-7733 ICAC Regional Office (New Territories North West) G/F, Fu Hing Building, 230 Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long, New Territories Tel: 2459-0459 ICAC Regional Office (New Territories East) G06-G13, G/F, Sha Tin Government Offices, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road Sha Tin, New Territories

Tel: 2606-1144 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 82 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Chapter 11: Equal Opportunities

Hong Kong’s equal opportunities laws prohibit certain kinds of discrimination. Specifically, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person on the grounds of sex, marital status, pregnancy, disability and family status.

What is the EOC?

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) is a statutory body set up in 1996 to implement the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (SDO), the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO) and the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance (FSDO).

Equal opportunities legislation

The SDO and the DDO came into full operation on 20 December 1996.

It is unlawful under the SDO to discriminate against a person on the ground of sex, marital status or pregnancy in the following areas of activities:

• employment • education • provision of goods, services or facilities • disposal or management of premises • eligibility to vote for and to be elected or appointed to advisory bodies • participation in clubs • activities of Government

The SDO also protects a person from sexual harassment in the areas of employment, education, provision of goods, services or facilities and disposal or management of premises.

Similarly, under the DDO, it is unlawful to vilify a person with a disability in public, or discriminate or harass a person on the ground of disability in the following areas of activities:

• employment • education • provision of goods, services and facilities

• access to premises ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 83 • disposal or management of premises • participation in clubs and sporting activities • activities of Government

Starting from 21 November 1997, it is unlawful to discriminate a person who has family status. Family status means the status of having responsibility for the care of an immediate family member. Immediate family member, in relation to a person, means someone who is related to the person concerned by blood, marriage, adoption or affinity. The areas of activities for which a person may lodge a complaint under the FSDO are the same as those under the SDO.

What can the EOC do for you?

If you are unlawfully denied equal opportunities in respect of the above areas of activities because of your sex, marital status, pregnancy, disability or family status, you may lodge a complaint with the EOC. The EOC may investigate into the complaint and endeavour, by conciliation, to effect a settlement of the matter. If settlement cannot be reached, you may apply for other forms of assistance, including legal assistance. You may also bring legal proceedings before the District Court under the three ordinances.

For more information about the Commission and the three ordinances, you may refer to the EOC home page on the internet at http://www.eoc.org.hk, or contact the EOC office:

Equal Opportunities Commission 20/F, Office Tower, Convention Plaza 1 , Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel: 2511-8211

Office hours: Monday to Friday: 8:45 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 84 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Chapter 12: Consumer Rights

Hong Kong is a great place to shop. But like anywhere else, you should use common sense to make sure you get the best deal.

First, try to compare prices in the store with the agent’s list price (see tip below). Since there are no price controls in Hong Kong, shopkeepers can charge anything they like. Don’t expect to get your money back just because you find that the same item is cheaper in a nearby store and you realize you’ve been overcharged.

Tip: For agents’ list prices, call a Consumer Council Advice Centre. You’ll find that the market price is usually 15-20% less than the agent’s list price. But watch out if the price is too low – it could be a trick!

Buying parallel goods

Hong Kong is a free port so importers can import goods from any source they wish. This means you’ll find the most-up-to-date models imported directly from the factory and their country of origin.

However, some products get into Hong Kong without going through the authorized agents. These “parallel import” or “grey market” goods are often cheaper than the same goods brought in by the authorized agent. This is not illegal in Hong Kong, but you won’t get an international warranty. So if you buy something you intend to send home as a gift or take back with you to your own country, it will not be guaranteed.

Tip: If you don’t want to buy parallel import goods, always tell the sales clerk you wish to buy a product that is guaranteed by the Hong Kong sole agent. Get the guarantee in writing before you pay.

Returning goods

Normally, it is very difficult to return goods in Hong Kong. Unlike some countries, Hong Kong has a law stipulating that only defective goods can be returned for exchange. So don’t expect to exchange or return a product simply because you changed your mind

after the purchase. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 85 WARNING: Watch out for dishonest shopkeepers! Bait-and-switch (promising one product at a lower price then saying only a higher priced one is available) is not uncommon in Hong Kong. Always check product information first.

Smart shopping tips

• Ask your friends in Hong Kong where the best shops are so you can get the best value. • Visit a Consumer Council Advice Centre or the Sole Agent for such product information as features, test reports, performance, price, and after-sales service, before you decide which product to buy. Once you’ve decided on a model, don’t let a sales clerk talk you into buying a different (higher-priced) model. • A very low price could be a trap for bait-and-switch (see above). • Before you pay, ask the shopkeeper to write down on the receipt what was promised during the transaction. • Don’t give your credit card to anybody before a transaction is concluded. Only sign a credit card slip that has been properly filled out. Remember to get a copy of the voucher after signing it. • Once a credit card voucher is signed, the transaction is final. The chance of a cancellation is very slim. • Check all details of the purchase and make sure that they are written on the receipt. If they are not correct, don’t pay. • Inspect the merchandise and make sure it is the same as you agreed to buy. • In case of a dispute, don’t stay in the shop and argue. Get the receipt and approach either the Police or the Consumer Council as soon as possible.

The Consumer Council

The Consumer Council is an independent public organisation that protects your rights and interests as a consumer. It can also help solve any problems you might experience while shopping in Hong Kong. Its Complaint and Enquiry Hotline is 2929-2222.

Consumer Council Advice Centres are located at the following addresses and can all be contacted through the above number.

HONG KONG ISLAND

Consumer Council Advice Centre 22/F, K. Wah Centre, 191 , North Point, Hong Kong

Fax: 2856-3611 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 86 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Central & Western Consumer Advice Centre G/F, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong Fax: 2581-1455

KOWLOON

Wong Tai Sin Consumer Advice Centre Unit 201, 2/F, Lung Cheung Office Block 138 , Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon Fax: 2323-9496 Sham Shui Po Consumer Advice Centre G/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices Building 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon Fax: 2708-2713 Tsim Sha Tsui Consumer Advice Centre G/F, Consumer Council Resource Centre 3 Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Fax: 2721-1580

NEW TERRITORIES

Tsuen Wan Consumer Advice Centre Room 105, 1/F, Princess Alexandra Community Centre 60 Tai Ho Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories Fax: 2413-7042 Yuen Long Consumer Advice Centre Yuen Long Government Offices Building G/F, 269 Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long, New Territories Fax: 2474-7971 Sha Tin Consumer Advice Centre Room 442, Sha Tin Government Offices 1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Sha Tin, New Territories

Fax: 2695-1964 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 87 Chapter 13: Social Activities, Culture and Entertainment

During your stay in Hong Kong, you’ll find many leisure opportunities to enjoy on your own or with friends. Most of the facilities offered are free of charge or very reasonably priced.

Sports and leisure facilities

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has a wide range of leisure facilities throughout Hong Kong including beaches, swimming pools, parks, playgrounds, stadiums, etc. To learn more about the facilities and programmes available to you, call or visit one of the following offices:

District Leisure Services Offices

Office Address Telephone

Central & Western 10/F, Sheung Wan 2853-2566 Municipal Services Building 345 Queen’s Road Central Hong Kong Eastern 3/F, Municipal 2564-2264 Services Building 38 Quarry Bay Street Hong Kong Kowloon City 10/F, To Kwa Wan 2711-0541 Government Offices Building 165 Ma Tau Wai Road Kowloon Kwun Tong Units 13-18, M 1/F & 2343-6123 Units 110-118, M 2/F Tsui Cheung House Tsui Ping North Estate

Kowloon ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 88 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Sham Shui Po 7/F, Street 2386-0945 Municipal Services Building 59-63 Un Chau Street Sham Shui Po, Kowloon Southern 4/F, Aberdeen 2555-1268 Municipal Services Building 203 Aberdeen Main Road Hong Kong Wan Chai 9/F, Lockhart Road 2879-5622 Municipal Services Building 225 Hennessy Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong Wong Tai Sin 4/F, Ngau Chi Wan 2328-9262 Municipal Services Building 11 Clear Water Bay Road Kowloon Yau Tsim Mong 1/F, 2302-1762 Management Office 22 Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Islands 6/F, Harbour Building 2852-3220 38 Pier Road, Central, Hong Kong Kwai Tsing 8/F, Kwai Hing 2424-7201 Government Offices Building 166-174 Hing Fong Road Kwai Chung, N.T. North 4/F, Shek Wu Hui Municipal 2679-2819 Services Building 13 Chi Cheong Road Sheung Shui, N.T. Sai Kung 5/F, Sai Kung Government 2791-3100 Offices Building 34 Chan Man Street Sai Kung, N.T. Sha Tin Unit 1207-1212, 12/F 2634-0111 Tower 1, 138 Sha Tin Rural Committee

Road, Sha Tin, N.T. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 89 Tai Po 3/F, Tai Po Complex 3183-9020 8 Heung Sze Wui Street Tai Po, N.T. Tsuen Wan 3/F, Yeung Uk Road 2212-9702 Municipal Services Building 45 Yeung Uk Road Tsuen Wan, N.T. Tuen Mun 3/F, Tuen Mun 2451-0304 Government Offices Building 1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, N.T. Yuen Long 2/F, Yuen Long Government 2478-4342 Offices Building and Tai Kiu Market, 2 Kiu Lok Square Yuen Long, N.T.

Public Libraries

Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department provide free public library services to meet the community needs for information, research, informal education and the profitable use of leisure, as well as to support lifelong learning and to promote reading and the literary arts. There are 42 public libraries in the urban area, 23 in the New Territories and 8 in the outlying islands, including nine mobile libraries. Services and facilities provided include free lending of library materials, adult library services, children’s library services, newspapers and periodicals services, reference and information services, students’ study rooms, com- puter and information centres, multimedia library, outreach programmes and block loan services. Please visit the library homepage (http://www.hkpl.gov.hk) for further details. Borrowed materials can be renewed through the Internet or by telephone (2827-2833 / 2698-0002). Newspapers and periodicals for readers of ethnic minorities are also available at the Central Library, Yau Ma Tei and Yuen Long Public Libraries.

To apply for a library card, please visit one of the following libraries:

HONG KONG ISLAND

Library Address Telephone Central & Western District City Hall Public 2-6/F & 8-11/F 2921-2681

Library City Hall High Block, Central ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 90 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 3-4/F, Shek Tong Tsui 2922-6055 Public Library Municipal Services Building 470 Queen’s Road West Smithfield Public 3/F, Smithfield 2921-7106 Library Municipal Services Building 12K Smithfield Road Eastern District Chai Wan Public 4-5/F, Chai Wan 2921-5055 Library Municipal Services Building 338 Chai Wan Road Public 2/F, Electric Road 2922-3055 Library Municipal Services Building 229 Electric Road North Point Public G/F, North Point Market Building 2922-4155 Library Pak Fuk Road Quarry Bay Public 4-5/F, Quarry Bay 2922-4058 Library Municipal Services Building 38 Quarry Bay Street Yiu Tung Public G/F, Yiu Cheong House 2922-7626 Library Yiu Tung Estate, Shau Kei Wan Mobile Library Stops * In front of Shau Kei Wan Market 2505-4690 Shau Kei Wan Main Street East * G/F, Phase III, Carpark 2505-4690 Estate * Adjacent to Yat Sing Mansion 2505-4690 Tai Hong Street, Lei King Wan * Shing Man Lane, 2505-4690 Southern District Aberdeen Public 3/F, Aberdeen 2921-1055 Library Municipal Services Building 203 Aberdeen Main Road Ap Lei Chau Public 5/F, Ap Lei Chau 2921-1007 Library Municipal Services Building 8 Street Public Units No. 611-619 2921-1155 Library Wah Chun House

Wah Fu Estate ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 91 Mobile Library Stops * 78 Stanley Village Road 2505-4690 * Adjacent to Lei Tim House 2505-4690 Ap Lei Chau Estate * Adjacent to Beach 2505-4690 First Aid Station * Adjacent to Tung Ping House 2505-4690 Lei Tung Estate * Adjacent to Block 5 2505-4690 Hong Kong Central 66 , Causeway Bay 3150-1234 Library Lockhart Road Public 3-5/F, Lockhart Road 2879-5560 Library Municipal Services Building 225 Hennessy Road Wong Nai Chung 3/F, Wong Nai Chung 2923-5065 Public Library Municipal Services Building 2 Yuk Sau Street, Happy Valley

KOWLOON

Library Address Telephone Hung Hom Public 6/F, Hung Hom 2926-5044 Library Municipal Services Building 11 Ma Tau Wai Road Kowloon City Public 3/F, Kowloon City 2926-6055 Library Municipal Services Building 100 Nga Tsin Wai Road Kowloon Public 5 Pui Ching Road 2926-4055 Library To Kwa Wan Public 5-6/F, To Kwa Wan Market 2926-4155 Library and Government Offices 165 Ma Tau Wai Road Mobile Library Stops * G/F, Podium in Site 5 2926-3056

Whampoa Garden, Hung Hom ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 92 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ * Adjacent to the entrance of Tower 9 2926-3055 Laguna Verde, Hung Hom Lam Tin Public G/F, Wing B, Tak Lok House 2927-7055 Library , Lam Tin Lei Yue Mun Public 1/F, Lei Yue Mun 2340-3519 Library Municipal Services Building 6 Lei Yue Mun Path Ngau Tau Kok Public 2-3/F, Ngau Tau Kok 2927-4055 Library Municipal Services Building 183 Ngau Tau Kok Road Sau Mau Ping Public G/F, Units No. 104-109 2927-7155 Library Sau Ming House, Shui Wo Street Public 5-6/F, Shui Wo Street 2927-3055 Library Municipal Services Building 9 Shui Wo Street Shun Lee Estate Shop F1, Podium Floor 2927-3155 Public Library Lee Foo House, Shun Lee Estate Mobile Library Stops * Adjacent to Kai Ning House 2505-4690 Kai Yip Estate * Adjacent to Phase I, Club House 2926-3055 Laguna City * Adjacent to Ko Chi House 2926-3056 , Yau Tong * Adjacent to Tsui Ying House 2505-4690 Tsui Ping (South) Estate * Phase A Driveway adjacent to 2926-3056 Block 4 Sceneway Garden * Adjacent to Hiu Ching House 2926-3055 Hiu Lai Court, Sau Mau Ping * Adjacent to Tat On House 2926-3055 , Sau Mau Ping Public G-1/F, 19 Lai Wan Road 2746-4270 Library Lai Chi Kok Pak Tin Public G/F, Units No. 1-6, Pak Tin 2928-2055

Library Commercial Centre, Shek Kip Mei ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 93 Po On Road Public 1/F, Po On Road 2928-7055 Library Municipal Services Building 325-329 Po On Road Un Chau Street 1/F, Un Chau Street 2928-7166 Public Library Municipal Services Building 59-63 Un Chau Street Mobile Library Stops * Adjacent to Tung Estate 2926-3055 Playground, 2 Lung Chu Street * Adjacent to Fu Wong House 2926-3055 Fu Cheong Estate Fu Shan Public Unit 1-4, LG1, Fu Yan House 2927-6707 Library Fu Shan Estate, Po Kong Village Road Lok Fu Public Shop No. 112, 3/F 2926-7055 Library Lok Fu Shopping Centre I Junction Road Lung Hing Public G/F, North Wing, Lung Hing House 2927-6255 Library Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate (II) Ngau Chi Wan Public 5-6/F, Ngau Chi Wan 2927-6055 Library Municipal Services Building 11 Clear Water Bay Road San Po Kong Public 3/F, San Po Kong Plaza 2927-6107 Library 33 Shung Ling Street Tsz Wan Shan Public Shop 702, Tsz Wan Shan 2927-6050 Library Shopping Centre, 23 Yuk Wah Street Mobile Library Stops * Adjacent to Ngan Fung House 2926-3056 Fung Tak Estate * Carpark, Wah Yuen House 2926-3056 Chuk Yuen (South) Estate * Adjacent to Block 6 2926-3056 Tsui Chuk Garden Public 4-5/F, Fa Yuen Street 2928-4055 Library Municipal Services Building

123A Fa Yuen Street ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 94 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Tai Kok Tsui Public G/F, 9 Tit Shu Street, Tai Kok Tsui 2928-4155 Library Tsim Sha Tsui Public 1/F, Concordia Plaza 2926-1072 Library 1 Science Museum Road Tsim Sha Tsui East Yau Ma Tei Public G-M/F, 250 2928-6055 Library Mobile Library Stop * Adjacent to Hoi Ning House 2926-3056 Hoi Fu Court

NEW TERRITORIES

Library Address Telephone North Kwai Chung 2-3/F, North Kwai Chung 2421-4740 Public Library Market & Library, Shek Yam Road South Kwai Chung 4/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices 2429-6338 Public Library 166-174 Hing Fong Road Tsing Yi Public 1/F, Tsing Yi 2497-2904 Library Municipal Services Building 38 Tsing Luk Street Mobile Library Stops * Adjacent to Ching Wai House 2414-3157 Cheung Ching Estate * Adjacent to Cho Yiu Chuen 2414-3157 Commercial Complex * Adjacent to Fu Yiu House 2414-3157 Lai Yiu Estate * Adjacent to On Yun House 2414-3157 Cheung On Estate * Adjacent to Shek On House 2414-3157 Shek Lei (I) Estate * Kwai Shing Swimming Pool Carpark 2414-3157 Kwai Shing West Estate * Adjacent to Fu Bik House 2696-5842

Tai Wo Hau Estate ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 95 North District Fanling Public Library 2/F, 9 Wo Mun Street 2669-4444 Sha Tau Kok Public Shop 1, G/F, Block 20 2674-0870 Library Sha Tau Kok Chuen Sheung Shui Public 3/F, Shek Wu Hui 2679-2808 Library Municipal Services Building 13 Chi Cheong Road Mobile Library Stops * Carpark adjacent to Ta Kwu Ling 2605-1071 Rural Centre Government Building * Adjacent to Cheong Siu Court 2605-1071 Cheong Shing Court Sai Kung Public 5/F, Sai Kung Government Offices 2792-3669 Library 34 Chan Man Street Tseung Kwan O 9 Wan Lung Road, Tseung Kwan O 2706-8101 Public Library Mobile Library Stops * Adjacent to Choi Lam House 2696-5842 Tsui Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O * Adjacent to King Min House 2696-5842 King Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O * Adjacent to Ming Toa House 2696-5842 Ming Tak Estate, Tseung Kwan O * Adjacent to Po Ning House (West) 2605-1071 Po Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O * Adjacent to Tak Chak House 2605-1071 Hau Tak Estate, Tseung Kwan O * Carpark at Sheung Tak Shopping Centre 2605-1071 Sheung Tak Estate, Tseung Kwan O Lek Yuen Public Units 101-110, G/F, Kwai Wo House 2697-5177 Library Lek Yuen Estate Ma On Shan Public 14 On Chun Street 2630-1911 Library Sha Tin Public 1 Yuen Wo Road 2694-3788

Library ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 96 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Mobile Library Stops * Adjacent to Hin Yeung House 2696-5842 Hin Keng Estate * Carpark at Chevalier Garden 2696-5842 Shopping Mall, Ma On Shan * Adjacent to Kwong Yuen 2605-1071 Community Hall, * Adjacent to Mei Tao House 2605-1071 * Adjacent to Sun Kit House 2605-1071 Sun Chui Estate * Adjacent to Yiu Ping House 2605-1071 Yiu On Estate * Carpark at Saddle Ridge Garden 2605-1071 Management Office, Ma On Shan * Sport ground adjacent to 2605-1071 Fung Yat House, Sui Wo Court * Adjacent to Kam Yee House 2605-1071 Kam Ying Court, Ma On Shan * Adjacent to Sunshine City and 2696-5842 Fu Fai Garden, Ma On Shan * Adjacent to Pok Hong 2696-5842 Community Hall, Tai Po Public Library 5/F, Tai Po Complex 2651-4334 8 Heung Sze Wui Street Mobile Library Stops * Adjacent to Heng Tsui House 2696-5842 Fu Heng Estate * Adjacent to Shin Mei House 2696-5842 Fu Shin Estate * Adjacent to Shopping Arcade 2696-5842 Oi Wo House, Tai Wo Estate * Entrance of 2696-5842 Shopping Centre, Wan Lum House * Adjacent to Kwong Yau House 2605-1071 Kwong Fuk Estate * Adjacent to Tai Man House 2605-1071

Tai Yuen Estate ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 97 Shek Wai Kok Public Units No. 215-219, Shek Fong House 2414-6044 Library Shek Wai Kok Estate, Tsuen Wan Tsuen Wan Public 38 Sai Lau Kok Road, Tsuen Wan 2490-3891 Library Mobile Library Stops * Adjacent to Block 5, Bayview Garden 2696-5842 * Adjacent to Block 2 2414-3157 Lei Muk Shue Estate * Adjacent to Hoi Sing Mansion 2414-3157 Rivera Gardens * Sham Tseng Market Carpark 2414-3157 * Tsuen King Circuit Playground 2414-3157 * Adjacent to Sau Shan House 2414-3157 Cheung Shan Estate Butterfly Estate Units No. 126-130, G/F 2468-0518 Public Library Tip Ying House, Butterfly Estate Tai Hing Public Unit No. 80, 1/F 2462-3220 Library Commercial Complex, Tuen Mun Public 1 Tuen Hi Road 2450-0671 Library Mobile Library Stops * Adjacent to King Wing House 2450-1857 Shan King Estate * Adjacent to Leung Chi House 2450-1857 Leung King Estate * Adjacent to Moon Yu House 2450-1857 Sam Shing Estate * Adjacent to Siu Fai House 2450-1857 Siu Hong Court * Carpark of Commercial Complex 2450-1857 Prime View Garden * Adjacent to Mei Tai House 2450-1857 Fu Tai Estate Tin Shui Wai Public No. 101-102, 1/F, Kingswood Ginza 2126-7520

Library Phase 2, 18 Tin Yan Road ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 98 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Yuen Long Public 1/F, Yuen Long Government Offices 2479-2511 Library 2 Kiu Lok Square Mobile Library Stops * Adjacent to Post Office 2450-1857 Castle Peak Road, San Tin * Adjacent to 2450-1857 Rural Committee, Wang Lok Street * Adjacent to Yiu Man House 2450-1857 , Tin Shui Wai * Carpark of Commercial Complex 2450-1857 Fairview Park * Hang Mei Tsuen Carpark 2450-1857 Ping Ha Road, Ping Shan * Kam Tin Rural Committee 2450-1857 Kam Tin Main Road * Sheung Tsuen Park, Pat Heung 2450-1857 Island District Cheung Chau Public 2/F, Cheung Chau 2981-5455 Library Municipal Services Building 2 Tai Hing Tai Road Mui Wo Public G/F, Mui Wo 2984-7511 Library Municipal Services Building 9 Ngan Shek Street, Lantau North Lamma Public 1 Yung Shue Wan Main Street 2982-1444 Library Lamma Island Peng Chau Public G/F, Peng Chau 2983-1440 Library Municipal Services Building 6 Po Peng Street South Lamma Public Second Street, Sok Kwu Wan 2982-8178 Library Lamma Island Tai O Public Library Shop No. 12, Commercial Centre 2985-5006 Lung Tin Estate Tung Chung Public Shop No. 211, 2/F, Yat Tung 3154-9550 Library Shopping Centre, Yat Tung (I) Estate Tung Chung Mobile Library Stops * Adjacent to water feature at 2984-9417

DB Plaza, Discovery Bay ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 99 * Adjacent to water feature at 2984-9417 Fu Tung Estate, Tung Chung * Carpark at the junction of 2984-9417 South Lantau Road & Chi Ma Wan Road * Shui Hau Public Carpark 2984-9417 South Lantau Road * Tong Fuk Public Carpark, adjacent 2984-9417 to Tong Fuk Bus Terminus * Adjacent to Tung Chung Tree Bank 2984-9417 Man Tung Road, Tung Chung

Museums

From fascinating museums about the territory’s colourful past to breath-taking science shows previewing tomorrow’s wonders, Hong Kong has museums to suit a wide range of interests:

HONG KONG ISLAND

Museum Address Telephone & Opening Hours

Flagstaff House 2869-0690 Museum of 10 Cotton Tree Drive 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily Tea Ware Central Closed on Tuesdays Hong Kong 175 Tung Hei Road 2569-1500 Museum of Shau Kei Wan 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily (last admission at Coastal Defence 4:30 p.m.) Closed on Thursdays Hong Kong Hong Kong Park 2521-3008 Visual Arts 7A Kennedy Road 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily Centre Central Closed on Tuesdays Law Uk Folk 14 Kut Shing Street 2896-7006 Museum Chai Wan 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. daily 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays & public holidays

Closed on Thursday ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 100 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Hong Kong 50 Lei King Road 2739-2139 Film Archive Sai Wan Ho Main Foyer: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily Closed on Thursdays Resource Centre: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturdays 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sundays and public holidays Closed on Thursdays

KOWLOON

Museum Address Telephone & Opening Hours

Hong Kong 10 Salisbury Road 2721-0116 Museum of Tsim Sha Tsui 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily Art Closed on Thursdays Hong Kong 100 2724-9042 Museum of South, Tsim Sha Tsui 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily History 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sundays & public holidays Closed on Tuesdays Hong Kong 2 Science Museum 2732-3232 Science Road, Tsim Sha Tsui 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. daily Museum East 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Weekends & public holidays Closed on Thursdays Hong Kong 10 Salisbury Road 2721-0226 Space Tsim Sha Tsui 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. daily Museum 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Weekends & public holidays Closed on Tuesdays Lei Cheng Uk 41 2386-2863 Han Tomb Sham Shui Po 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Museum 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. daily 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays & public holidays

Closed on Thursdays ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 101 NEW TERRITORIES

Museum Address Telephone & Opening Hours

Sam Tung Uk 2 Kwu Uk Lane 2411-2001 Museum Tsuen Wan 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily Closed on Tuesdays Sheung Yiu Folk Pak Tam Chung 2792-6365 Museum Nature Trail 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily Sai Kung Closed on Tuesdays Hong Kong 1 Man Lam Road 2180-8188 Heritage Sha Tin 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily Museum 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sundays & public holidays Closed on Tuesdays Hong Kong 13 Shung Tak Street 2653-3455 Railway 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily Museum Tai Po Closed on Tuesdays

Civic Centres and Stadiums

Concerts, cultural performances and sports events all take place in Hong Kong’s civic centres and stadiums. You can buy admission tickets at the venue’s box office, which is usually open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

HONG KONG ISLAND

Civic Centre Address Telephone and Indoor Stadium 5 , Central 2921-2840 Queen Elizabeth 18 Oi Kwan Road 2591-1346 Stadium Wan Chai Sai Wan Ho Civic 111 3184-5760 Centre Sheung Wan Civic 5/F, Sheung Wan 2853-2668 Centre Municipal Services Building

345 Queen’s Road Central ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 102 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ KOWLOON

Civic Centre Address Telephone and Indoor Stadium 9 Cheong Wan Road 2355-7234 Hung Hom Hong Kong 10 Salisbury Road 2734-2009 Cultural Centre Tsim Sha Tsui Ko Shan Theatre 77 Ko Shan Road 2740-9222 Hung Hom Ngau Chi Wan 2/F & 3/F, Ngau Chi Wan 2325-1970 Civic Centre Municipal Services Building 11 Clearwater Bay Road

NEW TERRITORIES

Civic Centre Address Telephone and Indoor Stadium Kwai Tsing Theatre 12 Hing Ning Road 2408-0128 Kwai Chung North District 2 Lung Wan Street 2671-4400 Town Hall Sheung Shui 1 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin 2694-2509 Tai Po Civic Centre 12 On Pong Road, Tai Po 2665-4477 Tsuen Wan Town 72 Tai Ho Road 2414-0144 Hall Tsuen Wan Tuen Mun Town 3 Tuen Hi Road 2450-4202 Hall Tuen Mun 9 Yuen Long Tai Yuk Road 2476-1029 Yuen Long

Swimming pools

Public swimming pools in Hong Kong are very reasonably priced and include full changing facilities. Generally, non-heated pools are open from April to October. For the pools marked with an asterisk (*) below, the water is heated during the winter months (normally from November to March), after which these pools remain open for

the rest of the year as normal cold-water pools. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 103 HONG KONG ISLAND

Swimming Pool Address Telephone

Chai Wan Swimming Pool 345 San Ha Street 2558-3538 Chai Wan *Island East Swimming Pool 52 Lei King Road 2151-4081 Sai Wan Ho Kennedy Town Swimming Pool 12N Smithfield 2817-7973 Kennedy Town *Morrison Hill Swimming Pool 7 Oi Kwan Road 2891-7335 Wan Chai Pao Yue Kong Swimming Pool 2 Shum Wan Road 2553-3617 Wong Chuk Hang Victoria Park Swimming Pool Victoria Park 2570-8347 Hing Fat Street Causeway Bay

KOWLOON

Swimming Pool Address Telephone

*Hammer Hill Road 30 Lung Cheung Road 2350-6173 Swimming Pool Wong Tai Sin *Ho Man Tin Swimming Pool 1 Chung Yee Street 2715-0139 Ho Man Tin Jordan Valley Swimming Pool Choi Ha Road 2305-5919 Ngau Tau Kok *Kowloon Park Swimming Pool Kowloon Park 2724-3577 22 Austin Road Tsim Sha Tsui Kowloon Tsai Swimming Pool Kowloon Tsai Park 2336-5817 13 Inverness Road 10 Kai Lim Road 2717-9022 Kwun Tong *Lai Chi Kok Park 1 Lai Wan Road 2745-5234

Swimming Pool Sham Shui Po ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 104 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Lei Cheng Uk Swimming Pool 25 Kwong Lee Road 2387-4224 Sham Shui Po Morse Park Swimming Pool 80 Fung Mo Street 2320-2023 Wong Tai Sin * 733 2360-2329 Swimming Pool Sham Shui Po Tai Wan Shan Swimming Pool 7 Wan Hoi Street 2333-1335 Hung Hom

NEW TERRITORIES

Swimming Pool Address Telephone

*Fanling Swimming Pool 73 San Wan Road, Fanling 2675-6951 Hin Tin Swimming Pool 68 Road 2607-3423 Tai Wai, Sha Tin Kwai Shing Swimming Pool 360 Kwai Shing Circuit 2426-2081 Kwai Chung Ma On Shan Swimming Pool 33 On Chun Street 2641-0776 Ma On Shan, Sha Tin Mui Wo Swimming Pool Chung Hau, Mui Wo, Lantau 2984-2496 North Kwai Chung Jockey 290 Wo Yi Hop Road 2422-1779 Club Swimming Pool Kwai Chung Sai Kung Swimming Pool Wai Man Road, Sai Kung 2792-7285 *Sha Tin Jockey Club 10 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin 2604-6787 Swimming Pool Sheung Shui Swimming Pool 38 Tin Ping Road 2679-4844 Sheung Shui *Shing Mun Valley 21 Shing Mun Road 2416-0522 Swimming Pool Tsuen Wan Tai Po Swimming Pool 11 Ting Tai Road, Tai Po 2661-2244 The Jockey Club Yan Oi Tong Tsing Chung Koon Road 2464-6561 Swimming Pool Tuen Mun Tin Shui Wai Swimming Pool 1 Tin Pak Road 2446-9057

Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 105 *Tseung Kwan O Swimming Pool Wan Lung Road 2706-7646 Tseung Kwan O Tsing King Road, Tsing Yi 2435-6407 Tsuen King Circuit Wu Chung 178 On Yat Street 2413-5523 Swimming Pool Tsuen King Circuit Tsuen Wan *Tuen Mun Swimming Pool Hoi Wong Road, Tuen Mun 2458-8022 *Yuen Long Swimming Pool Tai Yuk Road, Yuen Long 2475-0184

Parks and open spaces

Hong Kong actually has many green areas within the city where you can enjoy a relaxing walk in the outdoors, meet with friends or simply get away from it all for a while. One favourite with locals is the Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens. Located in Central, this scenic spot is home to many rare species of birds and wildlife. Some of the park’s attractions include the orang-utan and huge flocks of bright pink flamingos and scarlet ibises. The zoo is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, while the rest of the park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Admission is free.

Hong Kong Park is another oasis in Central. In addition to landscaped areas, children’s playgrounds, fountains and a greenhouse, this is where you’ll find a spectacular walk- in aviary with over 90 species of birds and the largest squash centre in Hong Kong.

Victoria Park in Causeway Bay provides a welcome retreat from the sometimes stressful pace of urban Hong Kong. Many regulars come here for their early morning exercise or to practise martial arts; others enjoy quiet moments among the trees and gardens. Sports facilities include tennis courts, swimming pools, hard-surface games pitches and a jogging track.

On the other side of the harbour, Kowloon Park in Tsim Sha Tsui offers wooded landscapes, a small lake and aviary, a traditionally designed Chinese Garden and a “Sculpture Walk” of modern art. There is also a sports complex boasting the most popular heated indoor swimming pool in Hong Kong.

In the New Territories, provides both active and passive recreational facilities. It is only five or so minutes’ walk from the . The ornamental

lake and waterfall in its Western design concept give visitors a sense of tranquillity. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 106 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The special features of Tuen Mun Park include an artificial lake for boating, a water cascade, an amphitheatre and a reptile house. Located at Tuen Mun Centre, it is a special place to spend leisure time and enjoy the natural environment.

The centrepiece of Yuen Long Park is an aviary built in the shape of a pagoda. Surrounding the pagoda are gardens, a lake, bridge, cascade, waterfall and pavilions. A children’s playground and ball game areas are also provided. The park is in the south- west of .

Tai Po Waterfront Park features a spiral lookout tower providing panoramic views of nearby and the mountains in the distance. Other attractions include the Insect House and the Ecological Garden, which are interesting educational amenities for children. The park overlooks Tolo Harbour and is bounded by Fu Shin Estate on the west and on the north.

The North District Park in Sheung Shui provides a wide choice of active and passive recreation facilities for visitors’ enjoyment. On the active side there are courts for soccer, handball, basketball and volleyball, plus a roller-skating rink, fitness stations and a children’s playground. Passive facilities include an artificial lake, cascade, rock garden, conservation corner, trendy pebble walking trail and scented garden.

Sha Tin Park has a Main Plaza featuring an Amphitheatre with striking yellow tensioned canopy. In the South Garden, teenagers can spend their leisure time at the multiple children playground that provides challenging recreation games. Park goers can also take a leisurely walk through the Rock Garden, Scented Garden, Aviary Garden and Verandah. The park is situated along the western side of Shing Mun River.

Major Parks Address Telephone

Chai Wan Park Tsui Wan Street, Chai Wan 2898-7560 Hong Kong Hong Kong Park 19 Cotton Tree Drive 2521-5041 Central, Hong Kong Hong Kong Albany Road 2530-0154 Zoological and Central, Hong Kong Botanical Gardens Kowloon Park 22 Austin Road 2724-3344 Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Lei Yue Mun Park Chai Wan Road, Hong Kong 2568-7455 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 107 Ma On Shan Park On Chun Street, Ma On Shan 2643-5320 Sha Tin, N.T. North District Park Jockey Club Road 2670-6155 Sheung Shui, N.T. Tai Koo Shing, Quarry Bay 2513-8523 Hong Kong 2 Yuen Wo Road 2695-9253 Sha Tin, N.T. Shing Mun Shing Mun Road 2413-9665 Valley Park Tsuen Wan, N.T. Tai Po Waterfront Dai Fat Street 2664-2107 Park Tai Po, N.T. Tin Shui Wai Park 6 Tin Shui Road 2445-5792 Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long, N.T. Tsing Yi Park Tsing Luk Street 2435-0533 Tsing Yi, N.T. Tsuen Wan Park Yeung Uk Road 2408-7814 Tsuen Wan, N.T. Tuen Mun Park Heung Sze Wui Road 2451-1144 Tuen Mun, N.T. Victoria Park Causeway Road 2890-7485 Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Yuen Long Park Town Park Road North 2473-6511 Yuen Long, N.T.

Sight-seeing

Hong Kong abounds with places of interest and events you may wish to see. Free brochures and maps are available from the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Visitor Information and Services Centres at the Star Ferry Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui, and G/F, The Centre, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong.

Some of the more interesting places to visit in Hong Kong include: ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 108 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Ocean Park, southern Hong Kong Island: One of the world’s largest and most entertaining marine theme parks.

Repulse Bay, southern Hong Kong Island: The prime attraction here is the beach, which always attracts huge crowds on hot weekends for swimming.

Shek O, southeast Hong Kong Island: With one of the best beaches in Hong Kong, Shek O is popular for its beautiful scenery and spectacular homes overlooking the sea, as well as a barbecue site by the shore.

Stanley Bay, southeast Hong Kong Island: This beach town is best known for the Stanley Market, which attracts tourists from all over the world for its bargains on clothes, knick-knacks, souvenirs, paintings, hardware and so on.

Victoria Peak. You haven’t really seen Hong Kong until you take an exhilarating ride by up to the Peak for one of the world’s most spectacular views — our magnificent harbour and the amazing urban sprawl on either side of it.

Outdoor markets. Hong Kong has several famous outdoor markets where you can find all kinds of bargains, from clothes to leather goods and accessories. They include the Ladies’ Market (, Mong Kok), Temple Street Night Market (Jordan), Marble Road Market (North Point), and Cross Street Market (Wan Chai).

Finally, you might wish to witness horseracing at either the Happy Valley or Sha Tin Racecourses. The “Sport of Kings” is one of Hong Kong’s most popular pastimes,

and the racing season runs from early September to late June. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 109 Chapter 14: Education and Vocational Training

Hong Kong’s education system

The following is a general introduction to the system. If your immediate interest is in schooling for non-Chinese speaking children and/or opportunities for non-Chinese speaking adults, please turn to the section below on Education and support services for non-Chinese speaking children.

Kindergartens

Kindergarten education is offered to children in the 3-5 age group. Kindergartens are run by voluntary organisations or private bodies. The level of charges varies and it is wise to shop around before making a choice.

Primary Education

Primary schooling starts at the age of 6. There are three modes of operation, namely AM, PM and whole-day. Under the encouragement of the Government, more and more primary schools are adopting whole-day operation. Free primary education exists in all government primary schools and in most aided primary schools. Chinese is the language of instruction in most schools with English taught as a second language.

Secondary Education

On completion of primary education, pupils are allocated Secondary 1 (S1) places in government and aided schools through the Secondary School Places Allocation Sys- tem to receive a three years’ free junior secondary education. The system consists of the Discretionary Places (DP) stage and the Central Allocation (CA) stage. In the DP stage, secondary schools may admit students in accordance with their admission criteria. In the CA stage, S1 places are allocated according to school net, students’ scaled inter- nal assessment results, parents’ choice of schools and random number.

A Junior Secondary Education Assessment system is adopted to allocate subsidized Secondary 4 places to Secondary 3 graduates. The performance of students in the school and parental choices form the basis for allocation. Students may also choose to

further their studies in Senior Secondary Schools (SSS). SSS operated market-led, ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 110 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ diversified and practical courses to provide an additional education option for S3 leavers who are interested in alternative curricula. All secondary 3 students in publicly- funded schools who have the ability and wish to continue their study are provided with subsidized secondary 4 and training places.

Most secondary schools offer three-year basic and two-year senior secondary courses leading to the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE), to be fol- lowed by a two-year sixth-form course leading to the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination for admission to tertiary institutions. By making use of an open, coherent and flexible curriculum framework composed of three interconnected components: key learning areas, generic skills and values and attitudes, schools are now offering their students a broad and balanced curriculum. The school curriculum is sufficiently diversified, providing students at all levels with a variety of options to cater for their different aptitudes, abilities and learning needs. The orientation of the subjects under the relevant key learning areas could be academic, social, practical and/or vocational at the appropriate level of schooling. Uniform tuition fees are charged for Secondary 4- 7 in government and aided secondary schools.

Medium of instruction: Schools are required to use the appropriate medium of instruction (MOI) having regard to student ability, teacher capability and language learning-support strategies and programmes for students. Since the appropriate MOI for most students is their mother tongue, about 300 aided and government secondary schools have been using Chinese as the MOI for junior secondary classes. There are 112 secondary schools which adopt English as the MOI.

International Schools and Schools operated by English Schools Foundation

Some 50 international schools and 15 schools operated by the English Schools Foun- dation were operating in Hong Kong. They offered non-local curricula and their stu- dents are not prepared to sit for local examinations. They cater mainly for the needs of children from the various expatriate communities and for children of Hong Kong resi- dents who have at some time emigrated and subsequently returned to Hong Kong. The languages of instruction are those appropriate to the curricula in question and include, among others, English, French, German, Korean and Japanese.

Special Education

There are currently 62 special schools, including a hospital school providing places for children with visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical disability, maladjust- ment and mental handicap. In addition, 117 mainstream schools adopted a whole-

school approach to supporting about 800 students with special educational needs. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 111 The Government administers an integrated programme for mildly disabled children in kindergartens, runs intensive remedial teaching programme in government and aided schools for children with learning difficulties and provides special education class in government schools for children with visual impairment. It runs special education services centres providing audiological, psychological and speech assessment, diagnostic, remedial school based services as well as placement service for children with special educational needs. Other services include free issue of hearing aids, ear- mould production and special education teaching resources. It also operates intensive remedial teaching programmes for children with learning difficulties and children with physical disability, and adjustment programmes for children with behavioural and emo- tional problems. Primary and secondary schools have been supported to adopt a whole school approach to integration.

Beyond the schools

Post-secondary Education

Many higher education institutions have responded positively to the Chief Executive’s policy initiative to provide more post-secondary education opportunities to secondary school leavers by offering self-financing programmes. In 2004-05, around 190 full- time accredited self-financing programmes are offered by 20 post-secondary institutions, providing some 14,200 full-time places at sub-degree level or above. These are in addition to some 10,500 publicly funded places at sub-degree level offered by the City , the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Hong Kong Institute of Education, the VTC and the for Performing Arts.

Higher Education

Hong Kong has 12 degree-awarding higher education institutions, eight of which are publicly-funded through the University Grants Committee (UGC). The other four not funded by the UGC are the publicly funded the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, the self-financing the Open University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Shue Yan College and Chu Hai Post Secondary College.

At present, 14,500 first-year first-degree places are available in institutions funded by the UGC, covering about 18 per cent of the 17-20 age group. On top of this, a further 35 per cent of people in the same age group have access to other local higher education opportunities (for example, sub-degree programmes and vocational training) or go to

universities overseas. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 112 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Adult Education

The EMB has commissioned school operators to provide evening courses at primary to senior secondary levels for about 3,000 adult learners in 2004-05 school year. It also subvented a variety of adult education programmes operated by non-governmental organisations, offering a total of 17,100 places.

Project Yi Jin

The Government launched Project Yi Jin in October 2000 to provide an alternative route to continuing education for secondary school leavers and adult learners. The programme aims to upgrade students’ knowledge in biliteracy, trilingualism, and infor- mation technology application through combining academic pursuits with practical skills training. Successful completion of the programme will lead to a qualification comparable to five passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination for employment and continuing education purposes. The programme is run by member institutions of the Federation for Continuing Education in Tertiary Institutions, and has both full-time and part-time modes.

Vocational and Continuing Education

Vocational Education

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) was established in 1982 to provide and promote a cost-effective and comprehensive system of vocational education and training for school leavers and adult learners to acquire skills and knowledge for lifelong learning and enhanced employability.

The VTC provides high quality and internationally recognized full-time pre-employment education and training courses, at various levels ranging from the craftsman level to higher diploma level, through its Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, VTC School of Business and Information Systems, and training and development centres. It also operates industry-wide training schemes and a voluntary trade testing and certification scheme.

A self-funded Continuing Professional Development Centre has been set up to pro- mote continuing professional education by providing short courses and organising pro- fessional examinations such as the Insurance Intermediaries Qualifying Examination and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Examination.

Altogether, some 138,000 full-time and part-time places were available during 2004 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 113 for both school leavers and people in employment.

Enquiries: 2836-1000; Website: http://www.vtc.edu.hk.

Technical Training

The Construction Industry Training Authority provides training for the construction industry. It operates three construction training centres as well as a management train- ing centre, a trade testing centre and a safety training centre. The Authority is funded by a levy of 0.4 per cent on the value of all construction works exceeding $1 million. It offered a total of 3,669 full-time and 64,097 part-time training places in the 2004-05 training year. In addition, the Authority conducts trade tests for construction workers to assess the standards of skills achieved, and certification tests for operators of con- struction plants.

Enquiries: 2870-0183; Website: http://www.cita.edu.hk.

The Clothing Industry Training Authority provides training courses for the clothing and footwear industries. It is financed by a levy of 0.03 per cent on the Free-on-Board value of clothing and footwear items produced in and exported from Hong Kong. It operates two training centres to deliver both full-time and part-time courses at techni- cian and craftsman levels. In 2004-05, the Authority provided training to 458 full-time and 4,338 part-time students.

Enquiries: 2754-4802; Website: http://www.clothingtraining.org.hk.

Five skills centres, three run by the VTC and two by non-governmental organisations, prepare people with a disability for open employment or mainstream vocational education and technical training. Collectively, they provide 1,222 full-time places, 360 of them residential, for the 2003-04 training year.

Financial assistance for needy students

The Government tries to ensure that no student is deprived of education due to lack of financial means. The Student Financial Assistance Agency (SFAA) provides financial assistance to needy students at all levels below. Enquiries can be made to the SFAA at 2802-2345.

• Pre-schooling: Parents of eligible kindergarten pupils may apply for tuition fee

remission through the Kindergarten Fee Remission Scheme. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 114 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ • Primary and secondary school students: Assistance takes the form of Senior Secondary Fee Remission, grants for the purchase of textbooks, and/or travel subsidies. • Post-secondary students: Eligible students are provided with grants and/or loans for their tuition fees, and/or academic living expenses during the school year.

Education and Support Services for non-Chinese speaking children

The Government’s objective is to integrate non-Chinese speaking children with right of abode in Hong Kong into the educational mainstream, and to prepare them for integration into the local community as soon as practicable. The Government is also committed to provide nine-year free universal basic education to all eligible children (local children usually refer to Chinese speaking), including non-Chinese speaking children.

Placement Service

Non-Chinese speaking children are encouraged to study in public sector schools so that they could integrate into the community as early as possible. Children holding one of the following documents are eligible for public sector school places –

(a) Hong Kong Birth Certificate (i) For birth registered before 1 January 1983, the birth certificate alone is sufficient proof of the holder’s eligibility for admission to such schools; (please check with the latest circular on admission of alien children whether this condition is still included because those born before 1.1.1983 may be too “old”) (ii) For birth registered between 1 January 1983 and 30 June 1987, column 12 of their birth certificates must indicate their Hong Kong belonger status as “Established”; (iii) For birth registered on or after 1 July 1987, column 12 or 11 of their birth certificates must indicate their Hong Kong permanent resident status as “Established”; (iv) Children whose Hong Kong belonger status or Hong Kong permanent resident status is shown as “Not Established” in the birth certificate should have a Permit to Remain in Hong Kong – ID 235B or valid travel documents, with one of the endorsements listed in (c) below.

(b) Hong Kong ID Card A Hong Kong ID card issued on or after 1 July 1987 that does not bear the

symbol ‘C’ (for conditional stay) at . If the symbol ‘C’ is shown, the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 115 holder must have a valid travel document with one of the endorsements listed in (c) below;

(c) Travel Document A valid travel document with any of the following endorsements (i) to (viii): (i) “Permitted to remain until (date) ” (the date showing the stay in Hong Kong to be still valid at the time of admission to school); (ii) “Permission to remain extended until (date) ” (the date showing that the stay in Hong Kong is still valid at the time of admission to school); (iii) “The holder of this travel document has the right to land in Hong Kong (Section 2AAA, Immigration Ordinance Cap. 115, Laws of Hong Kong)”; (iv) “The holder arrived Hong Kong on (date) and was permitted to land”; (v) Permitted to stay with no condition attached; (vi) “Previous conditions of stay are hereby cancelled”; (vii) “Holder’s eligibility for Hong Kong permanent identity card verified”; or (viii) “Admission of Talents Scheme Permission to remain extended until (date)”.

Parents can approach schools with vacancies direct for admission, or they can approach the Regional Education Offices or the Placement & Support Section of the Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB) for assistance in seeking school places. Contact details are as follows -

Address Telephone

Hong Kong Regional Education Office 2863-4646 53/F, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East Wanchai, Hong Kong Kowloon Regional Education Office 2782-8383 11/F, Manulife Provident Funds Place, 345 Nathan Road Kowloon New Territories West Regional Education Office 2437-7272 19/F, Chinachem , 457 Castle Peak Road The New Territories New Territories East Regional Education Office 2639-4876 22/F, , 39 Lung Sum Ave, Sheung Shui

The New Territories ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 116 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Placement and Support Section 2863-4772 57/F, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East 2863-4711 Wanchai, Hong Kong

Under the existing policy, all parents must send their children (aged 6 – 15) who have the right of abode in Hong Kong to attend schools.

Support Services

School-Based Support Scheme (SBSS) Grants

The Government is conscious that newly arrived non-Chinese speaking children may not – at least initially – be able to adapt to the local education system. Therefore, the EMB provides SBSS grants to public sector schools that admit newly arrived non- Chinese speaking children. Schools may use the grants to provide school-based support services for such children, such as language tutorials in Chinese or English.

Induction Programme

The Induction Programme is a 60-hour programme run by non-government organisations (NGOs) with subvention from the Government. The objectives of the Programme are to help the newly arrived children adapt to the local environment and education system. Contents of the Programme include learning of Chinese and English, personal development, social adaptation and basic learning skills. The Programme may be operated during daytime or evening, weekdays or weekends, at the discretion of NGOs and depending on the needs of the children.

Non-Chinese speaking children aged 6 to 15, who have arrived Hong Kong for less than one year or have studied in local schools for less than one year are eligible for enrolment.

Enquiries: 2863-4698 and 2863-4699

Initiation Programme

The full-time six-month Initiation Programme is an integrated programme provided as an alternative mode of support services for the children just arriving Hong Kong. The objectives of the Programme are to provide them with learning experience in local classroom context, to enhance their standards in English and Chinese and to foster their

personal development and social adaptation. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 117 Newly arrived non-Chinese speaking children can choose to attend this programme prior to their joining the mainstream schools. The EMB will undertake to place the children completing the Programme to suitable primary or secondary schools.

Enquiries: 2863-4698 and 2863-4699

Enquiries

Information on education and support services is available from the EMB’s 24-hour automatic telephone enquiry service (2891-0088), or from its website (http://www. emb.gov.hk).

For enquiries about higher education, the relevant information is set out below –

Institution Address Telephone

City University of 83 Tat Chee Avenue 2788-7654 Hong Kong Kowloon Tong, Kowloon Hong Kong 224 Waterloo Road 3411-7400 Baptist University Kowloon Tong, Kowloon Fu Tei, Tuen Mun, New Territories 2616-8888 The Chinese University Sha Tin, New Territories 2609-6000 of Hong Kong The Hong Kong Institute 10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po 2948-8888 of Education New Territories The Hong Kong Hung Hom, Kowloon 2766-5111 Polytechnic University The Hong Kong Clear Water Bay, Sai Kung 2358-6000 University of Science Kowloon and Technology The University of Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 2859-2111 Hong Kong Hong Kong Academy 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai 2584-8579 for Performing Arts Hong Kong Hong Kong Shue Yan Wan Tsui Crescent, 2570-7110 College North Point, Hong Kong The Open University of 30 Good Shepherd Street 2768-6000

Hong Kong Homantin, Kowloon ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 118 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Chu Hai Post Secondary Yi Lok Street, Riviera Gardens 2408-9928 College Tsuen Wan, New Territories University Grants 7 2524-3987 Committee Secretariat 6-8 Harbour Road, Wan Chai

Hong Kong ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 119 Chapter 15: Places of Worship

Roman Catholic

Sunday Mass is celebrated in English at the Cathedral, No. 16 , Hong Kong, and at the Catholic Centre Chapel, 3/F, Grand Building, 15-18 Connaught Road, Central. Sunday Mass in English is also celebrated in many other Catholic churches throughout Hong Kong, including St. Joseph’s Cathedral on Garden Road, Hong Kong Island. For locations and times of services, please refer to the church notices in Saturday’s and Standard newspapers.

Anglican

The Holy Eucharist/Holy Communion is celebrated daily in English (unless otherwise indicated) at St. John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Road, Central (Tel: 2523-4157). The schedules are:

Monday, Tuesday: 7:15 a.m. Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. & 6:15 p.m. Thursday: 8:30 a.m. & 1:15 p.m. Friday, Saturday: 8:00 a.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (in Mandarin), 11:30 a.m. (Mattins), 12:30 noon, 2:00 p.m. (in Filipino), 6:30 p.m. (Evening Song)

The daily Eucharist that falls on a statutory holiday is celebrated at 8:00 a.m.

Other English-speaking Anglican congregations are: • St. Stephen’s Chapel, St. Stephen College, Stanley (Tel: 2813-0408) • Emmanuel Church, West , Sandy Bay Road, Pokfulam (Tel: 2523-4157) • Discovery Bay Church, Sheng Kung Hui Wei Lun Primary School, Discovery Bay (Tel: 2987-4210) • Christ Church, 132 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong (Tel: 2336-0848) • Resurrection Church, Sam Yuk Middle School Chapel, 12 Miles Clearwater Bay Road, Sai Kung (Tel: 2792-1873) • Sha Tin Anglican Church, SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School, Wo Che, Sha

Tin (Tel: 2694-9928) ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 120 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ • St. Andrew’s Church, 138 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (Tel: 2367-1478) • St. Peter’s Church, Mariners’ Club, 11 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (Tel: 2368-8261)

For more information on services held by these churches, please see the church notices in the newspapers.

Aglipayan church

Members of the Philippine Independent Church/Iglesia Filipina Independiente, com- monly known as the Aglipayan Church, gather at St. John’s Cathedral for Holy Com- munion at 2:00pm on Sundays.

For enquiries, please contact: Fr. Dwight Q. de la Torre St. John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel: 2523-4157 / 2523-4381 Fax: 2521-7830 Email: [email protected]

Other Christian churches

Services are also held in English at the: • Kowloon Union Church, 4 Jordan Road (Tel: 2367-2585) • Union Church Hong Kong, 22A Kennedy Road, Mid-level, Central (Tel: 2523-7247) • Methodist Church (English Speaking), 271 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai (Tel: 2575-7817) • Jesus is Lord Church -

Wan Chai (Tel: 2368-8996) Room 201, 2/F, Asian House Building, 1 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tuesday 9:30pm (Prayer Meeting) Thursday 11:00am-1:00pm Friday 3:30pm-5:30pm Saturday 11:00am-1:00pm Sunday 8:30am-10:30am, 11:00am-1:30pm, 1:30pm-3:30pm

North Point (Tel: 2561-0121) 210 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong

Sunday 8:30am-10:30am, 11:00am-1:00pm, 1:30pm-3:30pm ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 121 Shek Kip Mei (Tel: 2778-2201) 223-239 Nam Cheong Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon Sunday 8:30am-10:30am, 1:30pm-3:30pm

Yuen Long Corner Kik Yeung Road, Kik Yeung Football Playground (opposite bus terminal), Yuen Long, N.T. Sunday 10:00am-12:00noon

Discovery Bay Discovery Bay International School, Discovery Bay, Lantau Sunday 10:00am-12:00noon

For more information on services held by these and other Christian churches, please see also the church notices in Saturday’s South China Morning Post and Standard newspapers.

Islamic

The Kowloon Mosque at 105 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon (Tel: 2724-0095) is the largest Islamic centre in Hong Kong. There are few others -

Ammar Mosque Address: 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel: 2575-2218

Jamia Mosque Address: 30 , Central, Hong Kong Tel: 2523-7743

Cape-Collinson Mosque Address: Chai Wan, Hong Kong Tel: 2556-5507

Stanley Prison Mosque Address: Stanley, Hong Kong

Buddhist

Buddhist temples in Hong Kong conduct services in Chinese. However, you may wish to visit the Po Lin Temple on Lantau Island, where you can view the world’s largest bronze Buddha. Another famous Buddhist temple is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Mon-

astery in Sha Tin, the New Territories. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 122 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Hindu temple

The Hindu Temple is at 1B Wong Nei Chung Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong (Tel: 2572-5284).

Every Sunday, Prasad (food offered to deity) is served to everyone free of charge. Sunday programme: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aarati Pooja: 8:20 - 9:00 a.m. and 7:15 - 7:45 p.m. Free Prasad Programme every Monday: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bhajan session followed by Aarati.

Sikh temple

The Sikh Temple (Khalsa Diwan) Hong Kong is at 371 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong (Tel: 2572-4459 and Fax: 2574-9837).

Prayers are held in its congregation hall daily starting in the morning at 5:00 a.m. to

8:00 a.m. and on Sunday till 1:00 p.m. and in the evening 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 123 Chapter 16: Postal Services

General information

Postal services in Hong Kong are mainly provided by , which offers reliable, efficient service at reasonable prices.

In Hong Kong, the postal stamp denominations are 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, HK$1, $1.40, $1.80, $1.90, $2, $2.40, $2.50, $3, $5, $10, $13, $20 and $50.

To ensure your mail is delivered promptly, put stamps on the top right hand corner of the envelope and write the address clearly. If not, the item will be put aside for late handling.

All airmail letters must have a blue “By Air Mail” label. These are available free of charge at all post offices. Put the label on the top left hand corner of the address side of the envelope or close to the address on parcels and packets. If you don’t have an airmail label, write “BY AIR MAIL” on the envelope.

All parcels sent by post must be declared to Customs on special forms available at post offices.

Post offices are closed on Sundays except General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office and Airport Post Office. There are no counter services on public holidays and when typhoon signal No. 8 or above is issued or a black rainstorm warning is issued (see the following chapter).

Mail services

Hongkong Post offers all the usual mailing services for letters, postcards, printed matter and parcels, as well as these other services:

Redirection Service: If you change addresses, you can have your mail redirected automatically to your new address. Applications for this service are available at all post offices or can be downloaded from the website at http://www.hongkongpost.com/ eng/forms/index.htm.

Express Mail: Express delivery is available to the Philippines and other countries listed at the post office for a cost of HK$6. You must put an Express label, obtainable

free at any post office, on each mailed item. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 124 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Speedpost: Provides a fast and reliable service for the transmission of mail items to overseas destinations. Next-day delivery is available to most major cities worldwide. A moneyback guarantee is provided that Hongkong Post will deliver on time. Every post office has a schedule of fees and a Speedpost timetable available on request.

On-Demand or Pick-Up Service: Call the Speedpost Telephone Pick-Up Centre to arrange for collection of items. A service fee for each pick-up is $50 with a maximum of $200 per month for Speedpost account customers. For non-account customers, an extra $75 per item will be charged.

Local Courierpost: An express, reliable, convenient and value-for-money alternative in local courier service. It guarantees that items accepted before the morning cut-off time will be delivered by 5 p.m. the same day; items accepted before the afternoon cut- off time will be delivered by 1 p.m. the following working day.

Registered Mail: Available for letters and packets but not parcels. This service costs HK$13 for mail to all destinations. If you want a receipt to confirm your delivery, an additional HK$11 will be charged. Request for the receipt is accepted only at the time of posting.

Insurance: When you mail anything of value, you may have it insured by Hongkong Post so you can be compensated if the item is lost. The fee is $2.5 for each $500 of insured value. Please check with the post offices of the countries available for this service.

Post Office Box Service: Post Office Boxes are available by applying at the post office.

Recorded Delivery: This service is provided for local postal packets mailed within Hong Kong. The fee for Recorded Delivery is HK$11 and must be prepaid in addition to the postage charge. If you require an advice of receipt, you will need to pay an additional fee of HK$11 at the time of posting. If you want such a receipt, you must ask for it at the time of posting.

International Reply Service: These coupons are exchangeable at overseas post offices for postage stamps and enable the sender of an international letter to prepay the reply. A coupon costs HK$14 and is good for the purchase of international postage stamps for

an unregistered airmail letter not weighing over 20g. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 125 Postal rates

Local mail in Hong Kong

Weight Not Over Letters & Packets

30g HK$ 1.40

50g 2.20

100g 3.00

150g 3.70

200g 4.00

250g 4.40

500g 8.20

1kg 16.40

2kg 28.00

International mail

Hongkong Post divides the world into two zones for airmail purposes. Zone 1 is all destinations within Asia, except Japan. Zone 2 is all other destinations, including Japan. These are the rates for each zone:

Letters & Postcards Second Class Airmail Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 1 Zone 2

Weight not over 20g HK$2.40 HK$3.00 HK$1.90 HK$2.50

Weight not over 30g 4.50 5.30 3.10 4.10

Each additional 10g or 1.20 1.30 0.80 1.00 part thereof

Aerogrammes Uniform rate HK$2.30 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 126 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ International surface mail service is also divided into two parts. Zone 1 is all destinations within Asia except China, Macau, Taiwan and Japan. Zone 2 is all other destinations including Japan but excluding China, Macau and Taiwan. For China, Macau and Taiwan, please see the rates below.

The following are the rates for surface mail.

SURFACE LETTERS & PACKETS LETTERS & PRINTED POSTCARDS PAPERS Weight SMALL not China All Other China All Other PACKETS over Macau Territories Macau Territories Taiwan Zone 1 Zone 2 Taiwan Zone 1 Zone 2

20g $1.80 $2.30 $2.90 $1.50 $1.90 $2.50 $5.60

50g 3.00 4.40 5.00 2.40 4.10 4.40 5.60

100g 5.70 5.80 6.60 3.30 5.20 5.60 5.60

250g 11.40 11.60 13.10 6.90 10.60 11.40 11.40

500g 22.10 22.60 24.80 12.90 19.80 20.90 20.90

1kg 38.50 39.60 42.90 22.00 35.20 37.40 37.40

2kg 59.40 66.00 68.20 33.00 51.70 55.00 55.00

Each additional – – – 16.50 25.90 27.50 – 1kg (Books only up to 5kg)

Post office network

There are 133 post offices in Hong Kong, including two mobile post offices. Addresses of some major post offices are listed below. For addresses of other post offices, call the

enquiry hotline 2921-2222. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 127 HONG KONG ISLAND

District Address Aberdeen G/F, Kam Fung Building, 171 Aberdeen Main Road Causeway Bay Shop G12, G/F, Commercial Podium Elizabeth House, 250-254 Gloucester Road Chai Wan G/F, Administration Building Yue Wan Estate, Chai Wan Road Garden Road G/F, Cheung Kong Centre, 2 Queen’s Road Central General Post Office 2 Connaught Place, Central Gloucester Road 1/F, Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai Harbour Building 1/F, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central Hennessy Road G/F, Asian House, 1 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai Hing Fat Street G/F, Causeway Bay, Kaifong Welfare Association Building, 30 Hing Fat Street King’s Road 275-283 King’s Road, North Point Morrison Hill 28 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai North Point Shop L8, L15-16, LG/F, Fit Fort 560 King’s Road, North Point Queen’s Road Shop 2A & B, Entrance Hall Floor The Centre, 99 Queen’s Road Central Sai Ying Pun 27 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam Shau Kei Wan G/F, Perfect Mount Gardens 1 Po Man Street, Shau Kei Wan Sheung Wan 1/F, Hong Kong Telecom CSL Tower 322-324 Des Voeux Road, Central Tai Koo Shing Shop G1020-1022, G/F, Kam Shing Mansion 1-3 Tai Fung Avenue, Tai Koo Shing Tsat Tsz Mui G/F, Shops 1, 6, 7 & 11, Block C Model Housing Estate, 770 King’s Road, North Point Wan Chai 2/F, 197-213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai Wong Chuk Hang Shop 1-2, G/F, Block 4 Wong Chuk Hang Estate G/F & Basement, Hoseine House

69 Wyndham Street ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 128 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ KOWLOON

District Address

Canton Road G/F, , Government Building 393 Canton Road Cheung Sha Wan 650 Cheung Sha Wan Road Gillies Avenue 140 Gillies Avenue, Hung Hom Shop G3, G/F, Albion Plaza 2-6 Granville Road G/F, Block 14, Cherry Mansion Whampoa Garden, Hung Hom International 80 Salisbury Road Mail Centre Kowloon Bay Shop P4 & P6, Podium Floor, Commercial Complex , Kowloon Bay Kowloon Central G/F & 1/F, 405 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei Kowloon East G/F, Kowloon East, Government Office Building 12 Lei Yue Mun Road Kwong Wa Street Shop 11-14, G/F, Kwong Fai Mansion 3-13 Kwong Wa Street, Mong Kok Kwun Tong G/F, Kwun Tong District Branch Office Building 6 Tung Yan Street, Kwun Tong Mong Kok 1/F, Mong Kok Exchange 37 Bute Street, Mong Kok San Po Kong 21 Yin Hing Street, San Po Kong Sham Shui Po 55 Un Chau Street, Sham Shui Po Sheung Tak Shop No. 229, 2/F, Sheung Tak Shopping Centre Sheung Tak Estate, Tseung Kwan O Tai Kok Tsui G/F, 67 Anchor Street, Tai Kok Tsui To Kwa Wan Arcade Shop D, G/F, Hang Chien Court Wyler Garden, 108 Mei King Street To Kwa Wan Tsim Sha Tsui G & 1/F, Hermes House

10 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 129 NEW TERRITORIES

District Address

Airport 7T 082, Passenger Terminal Building Hong Kong International Airport Lantau Island Fo Tan G/F, Sha Tin Galleria, 18-24 Shan Mei Street Fo Tan, Sha Tin Kwai Fong Shop 4-10, G/F, Kwai Kin House Kwai Fong Estate Sai Kung G/F, Sai Kung Government Offices Building 34 Chan Man Street, Sai Kung Sha Tin Central 1/F, Sha Tin Government Offices 1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Sha Tin Shek Lei Shek Lei Estate, Unit 303, 3/F Shek Lei Shopping Centre, Phase II Shek Wu Hui 112-116 San Fung Avenue, Shek Wu Hui Sheung Shui Tai Po Tai Po Government Office Building G/F, 1 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po Texaco Road Shop 25-30, G/F, Wealthy Garden 28-32 Texaco Road, Tsuen Wan Tsuen Wan 1/F, Tsuen Wan Government Office Building 38 Sai Lau Kok Road, Tsuen Wan Tuen Mun Central Podium Level, Library and Post Office Building 1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun Yuen Long Shop B, G/F, 8 Yuen Long Pau Cheung Square Yuen Long Discovery Bay Shop 12A, G/F, Block C, Discovery Bay Plaza

Discovery Bay, Lantau Island ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 130 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Enquiry hotlines

General Enquiries Service Information 2921-2222 and Information Speedpost/ Account Enquiries 2921-2248 Local Courierpost Opening of Account 2921-2277 Service Hotline 2921-2288 Direct Pick-up Hotline 2921-2266 Philatelic Matters Service Information 2310-1666 Post Office Box Services Service Information 2921-2255 Tracing of Postal Registered Letters 2921-2560 Articles Parcels / Speedpost 2921-2211 E-mail Address [email protected] Web Site http://www.hongkongpost.com

If you have a complaint, please call one of these numbers:

On counter services 2525-5856 On mail delivery 2723-3454

On street posting boxes 2356-2516 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 131 Chapter 17: Social Services

Helping to solve your problems

If you have problems in your personal relationships, family life, or problems related to illness, disabilities, finance, housing and employment, you can call the Social Welfare Department (SWD) hotline: 2343-2255. Social workers are on duty from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays to help you. If you call after the duty hours of the social workers, you can either leave a recorded message or use the transfer system for your call to be transferred to the 24- hour hotline of the Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre.

Integrated Family Service Centres (IFSCs) / Integrated Ser- vices Centres (ISCs)

You may also visit one of the Integrated Family Service Centres (IFSCs) or Integrated Services Centres (ISCs) for help. Operated under the SWD and non-governmental organisations, IFSCs / ISCs offer family casework and other services, including resource corner, enquiry service, volunteer development, outreaching service, family life education, developmental groups, mutual-help groups, support groups and therapeutic groups.

Name of Centre Address Tel

Central, Western and Central and Islands 4/F, Harbour Building 2852-3137 Integrated Family 38 Pier Road, Central Service Centre Hong Kong High Street Integrated G/F, Sai Ying Pun 2857-6867 Family Service Centre Community Complex 2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun Hong Kong Western District Room 202 & 204, 2/F 2810-1105 Integrated Family Wayson Commercial Building Service Centre 28 Connaught Road West

Hong Kong ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 132 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The Neighbourhood 1/F, Carpark 1 3140-6365 Advice-Action Council , Tung Chung Tung Chung Integrated Lantau Island, New Territories Services Centre Hong Kong Sheng Kung 2/F, Fu Tung Shopping Centre 2525-1929 Hui – Tung Chung Tung Chung, Lantau Island Integrated Services New Territories Eastern and Wan Chai District Causeway Bay 1/F, Causeway Bay 2895-5159 Integrated Family Community Centre Service Centre 7 Fook Yum Road, North Point Hong Kong Quarry Bay Integrated Room 1101-1104, 11/F 2562-4783 Family Service Centre Stanhope House 734-738 King’s Road, North Point Hong Kong Chai Wan (West) Level 4, Government Offices 2569-3855 Integrated Family New Jade Gardens Service Centre 233 Chai Wan Road, Chai Wan Hong Kong Chai Wan (East) 3/F, Chai Wan Municipal Services 2556-1839 Integrated Family Building, 338 Chai Wan Road Service Centre Chai Wan, Hong Kong Caritas Integrated Family Unit 112, G/F, Lei Tsui House 2896-0302 Service Centre - Wan Tsui Estate, Chai Wan Shau Kei Wan Hong Kong Hong Kong Eastern Upper G/F, Healthy Village 2832-9700 Centre North Point Phase II, 668 King’s Road Integrated Family North Point, Hong Kong Service Centre St. James’ Settlement 4/F, 85 2835-4342 Wanchai Integrated Wanchai, Hong Kong Family Service Centre Southern District Aberdeen Integrated 23/F, ABBA Commercial Building 2875-8685 Family Service Centre 223 Aberdeen Main Road

Aberdeen, Hong Kong ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 133 Caritas Integrated 1/F, No. 20-22 Tin Wan Street 2555-1993 Family Service Centre – Aberdeen, Hong Kong Aberdeen (Tin Wan / Pokfulam) Kwun Tong District Kai Ping Integrated 8/F, Kowloon East Government 2340-8471 Family Service Centre Offices Building, 12 Lei Yue Mun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon Kwun Tong Integrated 2/F, Kwun Tong Community Centre 2389-0751 Family Service Centre 17 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong Kowloon Lam Tin Integrated 2/F, 2717-9247 Family Service Centre No. 1-17 Sceneway Road Lam Tin, Kowloon Sau Po Integrated Unit 121-126, G/F, Sau Ming House 2775-3578 Family Service Centre Sau Mau Ping (I) Estate, Kowloon Kwun Tong Centre 4/F, Shun Lee Estate 2342-2291 Shun Lee Integrated Community Centre Family Service Centre 2 Shun Chi Street, Shun Lee Estate Kowloon The Family Energizer 7/F, 3 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong 2318-0028 (Integrated Family Kowloon Service) Wong Tai Sin / Sai Kung District¡@ Wong Tai Sin Integrated Unit 105-108, G/F, Lung Tat House 2327-4973 Family Service Centre Wong Tai Sin Lower Estate Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon Tsz Wan Shan Integrated 1 Lung Fung Street, Wong Tai Sin 2326-7575 Family Service Centre Kowloon 2322-5619 Tseung Kwan O (North) Room 301-303, Po Ning House 2701-9495 Integrated Family Po Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O Service Centre Tseung Kwan O (East) Room 304-307, Po Ning House 2701-5703 Integrated Family Po Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O

Service Centre ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 134 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Sai Kung Integrated 6/F, Sai Kung Government 2791-0692 Family Service Centre Offices Building 34 Chan Man Street, Sai Kung Caritas Integrated G/F, Unit 10-16 Wing Tung House 2383-3377 Family Service Centre - , Kowloon Tung Tau (Wong Tai Sin South West) Tseung Kwan O Centre Unit 103-106, G/F 2177-4321 Tseung Kwan O (South) Yan Lam House Integrated Family Tsui Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O Service Centre Kowloon City District Kowloon City Unit 3, 2/F, Chung Hwa Plaza 2760-1347 Integrated Family 5B-5F Ma Hang Chung Road Service Centre To Kwa Wan, Kowloon To Kwa Wan Integrated Room 902, 9/F, To Kwa Wan 2363-8567 Family Service Centre Government Offices Building 165 Ma Tau Wei Road, Kowloon Hung Hom Integrated Upper G/F, Hung Fai House 2761-1106 Family Service Centre Hung Hom Estate, Hung Hom Kowloon Sham Shui Po District Cheung Sha Wan G/F, Cheung Sha Wan 2360-1364 Integrated Family Community Centre Service Centre 55 Fat Tseung Street, Kowloon Shek Kip Mei 2/F & 3/F, Tai Hang Tung 2777-3015 Integrated Family Community Centre Service Centre 17 Tong Yam Street Shek Kip Mei, Kowloon West Kowloon Centre G/F, Lai Tak House, Lai On Estate 2720-5131 Shamshuipo (West) Sham Shui Po, Kowloon Integrated Family Service Centre Sham Shui Po (South) 4/F, Nam Cheong Community 2386-6967 Integrated Family Centre, Nam Cheong Estate

Service Centre Sham Shui Po, Kowloon ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 135 Yau Tsim Mong District Yau Ma Tei Integrated 1/F, Henry G. Leong 2384-4805 Family Service Centre Yau Ma Tei Community Centre 60 Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon Mongkok Integrated 2/F, 466-472 Nathan Road 2171-4001 Family Service Centre Yun Kai Building, Yau Ma Tei Kowloon Family Networks: 2/F, 33 Granville Road 2731-6227 Yau Tsim Integrated Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Family Service Centre Shatin District Shatin (North) 8/F, Shatin Government Offices 2158-6513 Integrated Family Building, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road Service Centre Sha Tin, New Territories Shatin (South) 8/F, Shatin Government Offices 2158-6593 Integrated Family Building, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road Service Centre Sha Tin, New Territories Ma On Shan (North) Shop No. 18-22, G/F, Block C 2691-6499 Integrated Family Sunshine City, 22 On Shing Street Service Centre Ma On Shan, Sha Tin New Territories Ma On Shan (South) Shop No. 18-22, G/F, Block C 3579-8655 Integrated Family Sunshine City, 22 On Shing Street Service Centre Ma On Shan, Sha Tin New Territories Caritas Dr. & Mrs. Olinto Unit 101-107, G/F, Block A 2649-2977 de Sousa Integrated Herring Gull House, Sha Kok Estate Family Service Centre Sha Tin, New Territories Tai Po and North District Tai Po (South) Integrated 4/F, Tai Po Complex 3183-9322 Family Service Centre 8 Heung Sze Wui Street Tai Po Market, Tai Po New Territories Tai Po (North) Integrated 5/F, Tai Po Government Offices 2665-0286 Family Service Centre Building, 1 Ting Kok Road

Tai Po, New Territories ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 136 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Fanling Integrated 2/F, North District Government 2675-1614 Family Service Centre Offices Building, 3 Pik Fung Road Fanling, New Territories Sheung Shui Integrated 4/F, North District Community 2673-1525 Family Service Centre Centre, 2 Lung Wan Street Sheung Shui, New Territories Caritas Integrated Room 217-220, Cheung Lai House 2699-2316 Family Service Centre - Cheung Wah Estate, Fanling Fanling New Territories Yuen Long District Yuen Long (East) 6/F, Yuen Long Government 2475-2632 Integrated Family Offices & Tai Kiu Market Service Centre 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long New Territories Yuen Long (West) 12/F, Yuen Long Government 2470-2729 Integrated Family Offices & Tai Kiu Market Service Centre 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long New Territories Tin Shui Wai Integrated Shop 210C, 2/F, Phase 2 2475-0525 Family Service Centre Kingswood Ginza, 18 Tin Yan Road Tin Shui Wai, New Territories Caritas Integrated 4/F, Tin Shui Community Centre 2474-7312 Family Service Centre - Tin Shui Wai, New Territories Tin Shui Wai Tin Shui Wai (North) 2/F & 3/F, Ancillary Facilities Block 2446-1223 Integrated Family Tin Yuet Estate, Tin Shui Wai Service Centre New Territories Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing District Kwai Chung (East) 5/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices 2428-0967 Integrated Family Kwai Hing MTR Station Service Centre Kwai Chung, New Territories Kwai Chung (West) 7/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices 2421-4281 Integrated Family Kwai Hing MTR Station Service Centre Kwai Chung, New Territories Tsing Yi (North) Room 123, G/F, Wing A 2435-3938 Integrated Family On Yeung House, Cheung On Estate

Service Centre Tsing Yi, New Territories ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 137 Tsing Yi (South) Room 123, G/F, Wing A 2435-0852 Integrated Family On Yeung House, Cheung On Estate Service Centre Tsing Yi, New Territories Tsuen Wan (West) 17/F, 99 Plaza 2439-5429 Integrated Family 99 Tai Ho Road Service Centre Tsuen Wan, New Territories Caritas Integrated Room 106, 9 Shing Mun Road 2402-4669 Family Service Centre - Tsuen Wan, New Territories Tsuen Wan (East) Kwai Chung Centre No. 106, G/F, Kwai Yan House 2426-9621 Kwai Chung (South) Kwai Fong Estate, Kwai Chung Integrated Family New Territories Service Centre Tuen Mun District Tuen Mun (East) 2-4/F, On Ting Yau On 2451-8530 Integrated Family Community Centre, On Ting Estate Service Centre Tuen Mun, New Territories Tuen Mun (South) Room 2203-2210, 22/F, Tuen Mun 2450-4386 Integrated Family Parklane Square, 2 Tuen Hi Road Service Centre Tuen Mun, New Territories Tuen Mun (West) Room 201, 2/F, Tai Hing 2467-4757 Integrated Family Government Offices Service Centre 16 Tsun Wen Road, Tuen Mun New Territories Caritas Integrated Unit 29, 31 & 32, G/F 2466-8622 Family Service Centre - Hing Shing House Tuen Mun Tai Hing Estate, Tuen Mun New Territories

There may be changes in the address of some centres due to the re-provisioning. Please call the centre to confirm if needed.

Refuge centres for women

Women with serious personal or family problems, or who are in immediate danger of violence or sexual abuse, can get help at a refuge centre. They offer a safe retreat as well as help for regaining self-confidence and finding the resources to resume leading

a normal life free from the threat of violence or abuse. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 138 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ If in need, contact one of the following:

Harmony House: 2522-0434 Serene Court: 2787-6865 Sunrise Court: 2890-8330

Wai On Home for Women: 2343-2255. This is the SWD’s general enquiry hotline. Tell the social worker on duty about your case and ask for a referral to a refuge centre.

Temporary shelters

If you have a problem in finding accommodation, temporary shelters are available on a short-term basis. Counselling and guidance services are also available for those seeking long-term accommodation.

There are four temporary shelters in Hong Kong:

1. Street Sleepers’ Shelter Society Trustees Incorporated (a) Wan Chai Shelter 1/F, 83 Kennedy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel: 2893-3390 (b) Sham Shui Po Shelter 15A Un Chau Street, 2/F-4/F, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon Tel: 2386-4700 (c) Yau Ma Tei Shelter 1/F, 345 A, Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon Tel: 2332-9640 2. Missionaries of Charity Home of Love G/F, Cheong Chit House, Nam Cheong Estate Shamshuipo, Kowloon Tel: 2729-0884

The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong

This Association provides birth control and women’s health check-up services at its clinics. Contraceptive counselling and supplies are offered to both female and male clients. The women’s health check-up service includes general physical examination as well as pelvic and Pap smear examination. Women are also taught how to perform

Breast Self Examination. For enquiries, contact the following clinics: ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 139 Female Birth Control Clinics

HONG KONG ISLAND

Name Address Telephone

Wan Chai Clinic G/F, Southorn Centre 2919-7777 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai

KOWLOON

Name Address Telephone Ma Tau Chung 1/F, 105 Ma Tau Chung Road 2711-9271 Clinic Kowloon Mei Fu Clinic 117C, Broadway Avenue 2742-8183 Podium Floor, , Kowloon Wong Tai Sin G/F, 1-2 Lung On House 2326-2447 Clinic Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate II Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon

NEW TERRITORIES

Name Address Telephone Yuen Long Clinic G/F, 149-153 On Ning Road 2477-3201 Yuen Long, N.T. Tsuen Wan Clinic G/F, No. 10 Wing Hong House 2493-3318 Fuk Loi Estate, Tsuen Wan, N.T. Wo Che Clinic 4/F, 18 Wo Che 2604-2720 Commercial Complex Sha Tin, N.T.

Mobile Clinic 2711-9656 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 140 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Male Birth Control Clinics

Name Address Telephone Wan Chai Clinic G/F, Southorn Centre 2919-7777 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai Ma Tau Chung 1/F, 105 Ma Tau Chung Road 2711-9271 Clinic Kowloon Tsuen Wan Clinic G/F, 10 Wing Hong House 2493-3318 Fuk Loi Estate, Tsuen Wan, N.T.

Women’s Health Check-up Service

Name Address Telephone Wan Chai Clinic Room 901, 9/F, Southorn Centre 2574-9523 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai Ma Tau Chung Clinic 2/F, 105 Ma Tau Chung Road 2711-9656 Kowloon Yuen Long Clinic 1/F, 149-153 On Ning House 2477-3201 Yuen Long, N.T. Mei Fu Clinic 117C Broadway Avenue 2742-8183 Podium Floor, Mei Foo Sun Chuen, Kowloon Wong Tai Sin G/F, 1-2 Lung On House 2326-2447 Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate II Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon Wo Che Clinic 4/F, 18 Wo Che Commercial 2604-2720 Complex, Wo Che Estate Shatin, N.T. Mobile Clinic 2711-9656

So you want to get married?

Congratulations! You are required to give a Notice of Marriage on the prescribed form in advance at a Marriage Registry or you may book an appointment for giving of Notice of Marriage through the website http://marriage.esd.gov.hk or the Interactive Voice

Response System (IVRS) at 3102-3883 by using a touch-tone telephone if you intend ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 141 to get married at a Marriage Registry. The booking system provides round-the-clock service and is free-of-charge. Each appointment is given in accordance with the selected date of marriage and on a first-come-first-served basis. Each marrying couple can only make one appointment through the Internet or IVRS within 14 days before the 3- month period from the date of marriage. One party to the marriage must attend the Marriage Registry/office to give the Notice of Marriage with the required documents according to the scheduled appointment. Make sure you bring your Hong Kong ID card or travel document.

The Notice of Marriage will be exhibited at the Marriage Registry where it is given and also at the Marriage Registration & Records Office for at least 15 clear days. If no objection is received after the period of 15 clear days, you and your spouse-to-be can go ahead with the ceremony at the Marriage Registry or a licensed place of public worship on the date and time you have fixed in advance in consultation with the Registrar in charge of the Marriage Registry where the marriage is to take place or with the officiating minister if the marriage is to take place in a licensed place of public worship. Don’t forget to notify the Immigration Department of your change in marital status. For more details, please read the pamphlet “How to apply for Marriage Registration”.

Registering births

Births should be registered at the registry of the district in which it occurred within a period of 42 days. The following original documents are required for birth registration of a child: i) Parents’ marriage certificate; and ii) Parents’ Hong Kong Permanent Identity Cards; or iii) Parents’ identity cards and valid travel documents.

The above-mentioned documents are normally required for the purpose of verifying the Hong Kong permanent resident status of the child under the Immigration Ordi- nance (Cap. 115). You may be required to submit other supporting documents.

No registration fee is payable if the birth is registered within a period of 42 days. A registration fee will be charged if the birth is registered after the period of 42 days but within one year. After one year, a birth can be registered only with the consent of the Registrar of Births and Deaths and upon payment of a registration fee.

For enquiries, please contact the Immigration Information and Liaison Section at 2824-6111, by fax 2877-7711, or E-mail Address: [email protected] or visit the

Immigration Department website: http://www.immd.gov.hk. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 142 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ For more details, please read the pamphlet “How to Apply for Birth Registration”.

Child Care Centres

If you need your child to be cared for when you are at work, the service of a Child Care Centre may be the answer. Different kinds of centres provide different kinds of service - (a) Crèches: For newborn babies to two years old, mainly for full day care. (b) Nurseries: For children aged from two to six, for half day or full day care. (c) Mixed child care centres: For newborn babies up to six years old, for half day or full day care. (d) Residential child care centres: For newborn babies to six years old, for residential care. (e) Special child care centres: For moderately or severely disabled children aged from two to six, for full day care and intensive training. Some special child care centres also provide residential service.

Some child care centres also provide the following services -

(a) Occasional child care service: For children whose carers occasionally have to stay away from home due to various commitments or sudden engagements. The service is provided on a “sessional” (for example, two hours a day), half- day, or full-day basis. (b) Extended hours service: For families with social needs and working parents who need longer hours of child care assistance. (c) Integrated Programme: For mildly disabled children aged from two to six with training and care needs in an integrated setting.

Most child care centres are aided by the Government. Others are operated either by non-profit making organisations or private operators. If you have any questions about them, please contact the Child Care Centres Advisory Inspectorate -

Address : 23/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong Telephone : 2835-2725

For residential child care services, special child care services and Integrated Programmes, you can apply through a centralized referral system at casework settings, such as integrated family service centres / integrated services centres and medical social services units. For other day child care services, you can make applications direct at the child

care centres during office hours. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 143 Fee Assistance Scheme for Child Care Centres

This Scheme assists eligible parents who have difficulty in paying the fees charged by child care centres. Parents wishing to apply for such assistance should approach the Social Security Field Units of the SWD. To be eligible, the child must be -

• A Hong Kong resident; • Below the age of six; and • Receiving full-day care in a day child care centre.

The applicant must - • Be one of the child’s parents/legal guardian; • Be a Hong Kong resident; • Pass the means test; and • Prove that the family is unable to provide adequate care for the child at home during the day.

* The child care centre services and fee assistance scheme are subject to change upon the implementation of Harmonisation of pre-primary services. For enquiry, please contact Child Care Centre Advisory Inspectorate at 2835-2725.

Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme

A Hong Kong resident may suffer financial hardship for various reasons such as old age, disability, illness, unemployment and low earnings. The CSSA Scheme is designed to bring the income of such individuals and families up to a prescribed level to meet their basic needs. It is administered by the SWD to provide a safety net for those who cannot support themselves financially. It is non-contributory but means-tested.

To be eligible for assistance, an applicant must satisfy the following conditions:

1. Residence requirements The applicant must satisfy the following residence requirements:

(a) he/she must have been a Hong Kong resident for at least seven years; and (b) he/she must have resided in Hong Kong continuously for at least one year immediately before the date of application (absence from Hong Kong up to a maximum of 56 days during the one-year period is treated as residence in Hong

Kong). ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 144 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Note

(1) Persons whose presence in Hong Kong is unlawful or persons who are permitted to stay in Hong Kong for a purpose other than residence (for example, imported workers or visitors) are excluded from the Scheme.

(2) Persons who have become Hong Kong residents before 1 January 2004 are exempted from the residence requirement in (a) above.

(3) Hong Kong residents aged below 18 are exempted from the residence requirements in (a) and (b) above.

(4) In exceptional circumstances, CSSA may be granted at the discretion of the Director of Social Welfare to a person who does not satisfy the residence requirements.

2. Financial tests The applicant must pass both the income and assets tests. The applicant and his/her family will be eligible for CSSA if their total assessable monthly household income is insufficient to meet their total monthly needs as recognised under the Scheme. In addition, the total value of the capital assets (i.e. properties, cash, savings, investments and other realizable assets) held by the applicant and his/her family members must not exceed the prescribed limit.

3. Additional criteria for able-bodied adults A person aged 15-59 in normal health has to meet one of the following conditions: • not being available for work for reasons acceptable to the SWD (for example, studying or having to look after young children or sick or disabled family members at home); or

• working full-time and earning a reasonable wage as defined by the SWD; or

• in the case of being unemployed or working part-time or earning less than a reasonable wage as defined by the SWD, actively seeking full-time jobs and participating in the Support for Self-reliance Scheme of the SWD.

The amount of assistance is determined by the resources and needs of an individual applicant or the applicant’s family. The difference between the applicant’s/family’s assessable income and total recognised needs under the Scheme is the amount of

assistance payable. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 145 A person can make an application directly to a social security field unit of the SWD near to his/her place of residence by phone, by fax, by post or in person. An application can also be made through a referral to the SWD by another government department or a non-governmental organisation. Upon receipt of an application, staff of the SWD will conduct investigation and verification of the applicant’s circumstances and information provided through office interview and home visit. Under normal circumstances, and if the applicant can produce all the necessary information, the application process can be completed within four weeks.

Addresses and telephone numbers of social security field units HONG KONG

Office Address Telephone Central and Western/ 3/F, Tung Che Commercial Centre 2546-8003 Islands 246 Des Voeux Road West Chai Wan Level 3, Government Offices 2557-7868 New Jade Garden, 233 Chai Wan Road Causeway Bay Room 1105-1107, 11/F 2562-4788 Stanhope House 734-738 King’s Road, North Point Wan Chai Room 2201, 22/F, Southorn Centre 2835-1907 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai Aberdeen Unit 1105, 11/F, Tower A 2554-6324 Southmark, 11 Yip Hing Street Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen Pokfulam Unit 1522, 15/F, Tower A 2554-6323 Southmark, 11 Yip Hing Street Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen

EAST KOWLOON

Office Address Telephone Lam Tin G/F, Ping Mei House 2346-7583 Ping Tin Estate, Lam Tin Ngau Tau Kok Room 16-19, 17/F, Nan Fung 2750-2659 Commercial Centre

19 Lam Lok Street, Kowloon Bay ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 146 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Sau Mau Ping Shop CX310, 3/F, Sau Mau Ping 2348-9312 Shopping Centre, Sau Ming Road Kwun Tong Unit 1301-1305, Tower II 2775-1158 World Trade Square 123 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong San Po Kong Unit 701, 7/F, Stelux House 2322-9999 698 Prince Edward Road East San Po Kong Tseung Kwan O Shop 201A, Hau Tak Shopping Centre 2701-8843 Hau Tak Estate, Tseung Kwan O Tsz Wan Shan Unit 101, Lung Cheung Office Block 2327-5002 138 Lung Cheung Road Wong Tai Sin Wong Tai Sin Unit 103-106, 1/F, Stelux House 2382-3738 698 Prince Edward Road East San Po Kong

WEST KOWLOON

Office Address Telephone Kowloon City Unit 2, 2/F, Chung Hwa Plaza 2760-1679 5B-5F Ma Hang Chung Road To Kwa Wan To Kwa Wan 7/F, To Kwa Wan Government Offices 2334-5442 165 Ma Tau Wai Road, To Kwa Wan Sham Shui Po Room 804-805, Tower 1 2725-6495 833 Cheung Sha Wan Road Shek Kip Mei 6/F, West Coast International 2776-2877 Building, 290-296 Un Chau Street Sham Shui Chi Kok Room 801-803, Tower 1 2720-8613 Cheung Sha Wan Plaza 833 Cheung Sha Wan Road Yau Tsim G/F, Yau Ma Tei Carpark Building 2384-6707 Stage II, 250 Shanghai Street

Yau Ma Tei ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 147 Mong Kok 22/F, One Mongkok Road Commercial 2396-4052 Centre, 1 Mongkok Road, Mongkok

NEW TERRITORIES EAST

Office Address Telephone Fanling 2/F, North District Government 2675-1624 Offices, 3 Pik Fung Road, Fanling Sheung Shui Shop 202, 2/F, Tin Ping Shopping 2682-4853 Centre, Tin Ping Estate, Sheung Shui Tai Po (South) 4/F, Tai Po Complex 3183-9305 8 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po Tai Po (North) 4/F, Tai Po Government Offices Building 2665-3717 1 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po Sha Tin (South) Room 834, 8/F, Sha Tin Government 2158-6720 Offices, 1 Sheung Wo Che Road Sha Tin Sha Tin (North) Room 511-518, 5/F, Citimark 2605-2112 28 Yuen Shun Circuit, Siu Lek Yuen Sha Tin Yuen Long (East) 6/F, Yuen Long Government Offices 2477-2351 and Tai Kiu Market, 2 Kiu Lok Square Yuen Long Yuen Long (West) 3/F, Yuen Long Government Offices 2443-2500 and Tai Kiu Market, 2 Kiu Lok Square Yuen Long Tin Shui Wai G/F, Wah Yuet House & Wah Yat House 2443-2604 Tin Wah Estate, Tin Shui Wai Yuen Long

NEW TERRITORIES WEST

Office Address Telephone Kwai Chung (East) Room 1712-1722, 17/F, 2428-4444 Tower 1, 223 Hing Fong Road

Kwai Chung ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 148 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Kwai Chung (South) Room 3507-3517, 35/F, Metroplaza 2429-2614 Tower 1, 223 Hing Fong Road Kwai Chung Kwai Chung (West) 8/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices 2422-9510 166 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Chung Tsuen Wan 14/F, Tsuen Wan Government Offices 2417-6316 38 Sai Lau Kok Road, Tsuen Wan Tuen Mun 4/F, Tuen Mun Government Offices 2441-7910 1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun Butterfly Unit 11-18, 27/F, Tuen Mun Parklane 2469-4424 Square, 2 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun Tai Hing Room 304, 3/F, Tai Hing Government 2467-2927 Offices, 16 Tsun Wen Road, Tuen Mun

Methadone Treatment Programme

The Methadone Treatment Programme operated by the Department of Health caters for opiate drug abusers. Two programmes are offered: methadone maintenance programme and methadone detoxification programme. There are currently 20 methadone clinics operating on a voluntary and outpatient mode – four on Hong Kong Island, nine in Kowloon and seven in the New Territories. Their addresses and telephone numbers are as follows –

Region Methadone Clinics Address Telephone Hong Aberdeen 10 Aberdeen Reservoir 2554-1665 Kong Methadone Clinic Road, Aberdeen Eastern Street 45 Eastern Street 2549-5108 Methadone Clinic Sai Ying Pun Shau Kei Wan 8 Chai Wan Road 2560-0582 Methadone Clinic Shau Kei Wan Violet Peel Methadone G/F, 2 O’Brien Road 2835-1761 Clinic Wan Chai Kowloon Ho Man Tin Methadone 50 Princess Margaret 2713-6091 Clinic Road, Ho Man Tin Hung Hom Methadone 22 Station Lane 2333-8957

Clinic Hung Hom ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 149 Kwun Tong Methadone 457 Kwun Tong Road 2345-7103 Clinic Kwun Tong Li Kee Methadone Clinic 99 Carpenter Road 2272-9621 Kowloon City Ngau Tau Kok Methadone 60 Ting On Street 2318-0976 Clinic Ngau Tau Kok Robert Black Methadone 600 Prince Edward Road 2716-5211 Clinic East, San Po Kong Sham Shui Po Methadone 137 Yee Kuk Street 2393-1928 Clinic Sham Shui Po Wu York Yu Methadone 55 Sheung Fung Street 2325-5221 Clinic Tsz Wan Shan Ext. 221 Yau Ma Tei Methadone 143 Battery Street 2770-2584 Clinic Yau Ma Tei New Cheung Chau Methadone Cheung Chau Hospital 2961-1878 Territories Clinic Road, St. John Hospital Ext. 29 East Sha Tin Methadone Clinic 3 Man Lai Road 2604-5355 Tai Wai Shek Wu Hui Methadone 108 Jockey Club Road 2671-9484 Clinic Sheung Shui Tai Po Methadone Clinic 37 Ting Kok Road 2664-5020 Tai Po New Lady Trench Methadone 213 Sha Tsui Road 2942-6736 Territories Clinic Tsuen Wan West Tuen Mun Methadone 11 Chung Yin Street 2452-9113 Clinic Tuen Mun Yuen Long Methadone 269 Castle Peak Road 2470-9307 Clinic Yuen Long

Substance Abuse Clinics

The Hospital Authority operates five substance abuse clinics which provides drug treatment and counselling service to substance abusers. These clinics accept referrals from counselling centres for psychotropic substance abusers, non-government organisations, medical practitioners, and other health care providers. Details of the

clinics are as follows – ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 150 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Substance Abuse Clinics Address Telephone Castle Peak Hospital 1/F, The Jockey Club Serene House 2456-8260 Tuen Mun Substance 13 Tsing Chung Koon Road Abuse Clinic Tuen Mun, N.T. Kowloon Hospital Specialist Out-patient Dept, KL1 3129-6710 Substance Abuse Clinic West Wing, 147A Argyle Street Kowloon Hospital, Kowloon Kwai Chung Hospital 5/F, Block L, 3-15 Kwai Chung 2959-8082 Substance Abuse Hospital Road, Kowloon Assessment Clinic Pamela Youde Nethersole 7/F, East Block, 3 Lok Man Road 2595-7608 Eastern Hospital Substance Chai Wan, Hong Kong Misuse Clinic Prince of Wales Hospital 3/F, North Wing, Li Ka Shing 2632-2584 Substance Abuse Clinic Psychiatric Out-patient Dept Li Ka Shing Specialist Clinic 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, N.T.

Treatment and Rehabilitation Services provided by Non- government Organisations

Non-government organisations also provide different modalities of treatment and rehabilitation services to substance abusers. You may contact the following agencies in case of need –

(a) Voluntary Residential Drug Treatment Centres

Name of Organisation Address Telephone The Society for The Aid 3/F, 15 Hennessy Road, Duke of 2527-7726 and Rehabilitation of Drug Windsor Social Service Building Abusers Wan Chai, Hong Kong Mission Ark Ltd Shop B, G/F, Shepherd Community 2397-6618 Centre, 10 Anchor Street Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon Christian New Life Shop B, G/F, Shepherd Community 2397-6618 Association Centre, 10 Anchor Street

Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 151 Finnish Evangelical 5/F, St. Andrew’s Centre 2369-7052 Lutheran Mission – 138 Nathan Road Ling Oi Centre Kowloon Operation Dawn Ltd G/F, 311D Prince Edward Road West 2714-2434 Hong Kong Kowloon Wu Oi Christian Centre Units 1-5, G/F, Tin Hang House 2782-2779 Shun Tin Estate, Kwun Tong Kowloon Perfect Fellowship Ltd Post Office Box 73756 2764-3975 Kowloon Central Post Office Glorious Praise 47 Siu Lam Village 2451-9802 Fellowship (HK) Ltd 16 ½ Castle Peak Road New Territories Hong Kong Christian No. 33 Tsing Wun Road, Tuen Mun 2468-0044 Service Jockey Club New Territories Lodge of Rising Sun Barnabas Charitable G/F, Lee Wah House, Lee On Estate 2640-1683 Service Association Ma On Shan, Shatin, New Territories Remar Association 191 Tin Liu Tsuen, Yuen Long 3193-4919 Hong Kong Limited New Territories DACARS Limited Enchi Lodge, Sheung Shui 2673-8272 New Territories 8104-2188 Caritas Wong Yiu Nam Hang Hau Road, Sai Kung 2335-5088 Centre (For Cantonese New Territories and English speaking clients only) The Christian New P.O. Box 38, Sai Kung 2329-6077 Being Fellowship Ltd New Territories Christian Zheng Sheng Cheung Chau Post Office 2984-1925

Association Ltd Box No. 68 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 152 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ (b) Counselling Centres for Psychotropic Substance Abusers

Name of Organisation Address Telephone Tung Wah Group of 9/F, TWGHs Fong Shu Chuen 2884-0282 Hospitals – CROSS Centre Social Services Building (For Cantonese, Putonghua 6 Po Man Street, Shau Kei Wan and English speaking Hong Kong clients only) Hong Kong Christian 33 Granville Road, Tsimshatsui 2368-8269 Service PS33 - Centre for Kowloon Psychotropic Substance Abusers Hong Kong Lutheran 2 Horse Shoe Lane, Kwun Tong 2712-0097 Social Service, Evergreen Kowloon Lutheran Centre (Psychotropic Substance Abuse Counselling Centre for Youth) Caritas HUGS Centre Unit 1, G/F, Mei Tai House 2453-7030 (Counselling Service for Fu Tai Estate, Tuen Mun Young Psychotropic New Territories Substance Abusers) Hong Kong Lutheran G/F, Shin Kwan House 2660-0400 Social Service - Cheer Fu Shin Estate, Tai Po Lutheran Centre New Territories

(c) Aftercare Service

Name of Organisation Address Telephone Pui Hong Self-Help Flat C, 4/F, Haven Building 2576-2356

Association Hong Kong 128-138 , Hong Kong ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 153 (d) Other Service Centre

Name of Organisation Address Telephone Yang Memorial Methodist 54 Waterloo Road, Kowloon 2251-0838 Social Service for South

Asian Ethnic Minorities ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 154 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Chapter 18: Living in Hong Kong

Public housing

Hong Kong provides adequate and affordable public housing to eligible residents through the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) and the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS). You may be eligible to apply for various forms of public housing flats offered by these two public organisations.

Housing schemes offered by the Hong Kong Housing Authority

Public rental housing

As there is heavy demand for public rental flats, the HKHA maintains a Waiting List system whereby applicants are offered a rental unit according to their order of registration and choice of districts.

Eligibility criteria

If you are aged 18 or over, you can apply for public rental housing. If you are under 18, you must apply together with your parents or legal guardian(s). To be an eligible applicant, you and your family members must be residing in Hong Kong and have the right to land in Hong Kong without any conditions of stay (except a limit of stay).

As the applicant, you and your family must NOT:

(i) Own or co-own any domestic property in Hong Kong; (ii) Have entered into any agreement to purchase a domestic property in Hong Kong; or (iii) Own more than 50% of share in a company that owns domestic properties in Hong Kong

at the time of registration up to the time when a tenancy agreement is signed upon allocation.

The total monthly income and net asset value of you and your family members also must not exceed the limits as laid down by the HKHA.

By the time you are allocated a flat, at least half of your family members must have

lived in Hong Kong for seven years and still be living in Hong Kong. All children ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 155 under the age of 18, regardless of their place of birth, will be deemed as having satisfied the seven-year residence rule provided that one of their parents has lived in Hong Kong for seven years.

Compassionate re-housing

If you are suffering from hardships such as serious illness, disability or social problems, you can apply for re-housing on compassionate grounds, subject to a recommendation from the Social Welfare Department (SWD).

After investigation of your case and confirmation of your eligibility, the SWD will make a recommendation to the (HD) to allocate a suitable public rental flat to you.

Subsidized home ownership schemes

The HKHA has decided to halt the Tenants Purchase Scheme following the sale of flats under Phase 6, and cease the production and sale of Home Ownership Scheme/Private Sector Participation Scheme flats indefinitely from 2003 onwards. All unsold and returned Home Ownership Scheme/Private Sector Participation Scheme flats would not be sold in the form of subsidized housing before the end of 2006.

Information and enquiries

Please contact the HD for the latest update on these housing schemes. You can call the Housing Department Enquiry Hotline 2712-2712, or visit the Housing Authority / Housing Department Web Site at http://www.housingauthority.gov.hk. Enquiries can also be made to the following offices:

(1) The Hong Kong Housing Podium Level 2, Hong Kong Housing Authority Customer Authority Customer Service Centre Service Centre 3 Wang Tau Hom South Road Kowloon (Lok Fu MTR Exit A) (Tel: 2712-2712 ) (2) Sham Shui Po Housing Un Chau Estate Management Office Information Centre Podium Level, Un Chau Shopping Centre Un Chau Estate, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon

(Tel: 2779-4069 / Fax: 2779-0154) ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 156 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ (3) Tsuen Wan Housing 1/F, Tsuen Wan Station Multi-storey Information Centre Carpark Building, 174-208 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories (situated at the Public Enquiry Service Centre, Tsuen Wan District Office) (Tel: 2411-6410 / Fax: 2492-5284)

All enquiry services are provided in English and Chinese.

Housing schemes offered by the Hong Kong Housing Society

Rental housing

There are 20 HKHS rental estates either on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon or the New Territories which are grouped under Group A or Group B estates, and for which different income eligibility applies. If you hold a valid Housing Authority General Waiting List application number, you may apply for Group A flats, but the applications must be nominated by the HKHA. If you wish to apply for Group B estates, applications can be made direct to the Applications Section of the HKHS. If you are aged 60 or above, you may also be eligible to apply for an elderly person’s flat which may be available in some of these rental estates.

Information and application

Information about the HKHS flats and application forms are available at the HKHS’s Regional Office:

Applications Section Hong Kong Housing Society , 23 Wun Sha Street Tai Hang, Hong Kong (Tel: 2894-3274 / Fax: 2890-5259)

You may also call the 24-hour Information Hotline 2882-1717 or visit the HKHS’s

website at http://www.hkhs.com. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 157 Chapter 19: Tropical Cyclone and Rainstorm Warnings

Tropical cyclone signals

Tropical cyclone normally occurs during the months of May to November, and is particularly prevalent during September in Hong Kong. Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals are to warn the public of the threat of winds associated with a tropical cyclone. You should take note of the latest tropical cyclone information and related announcements broadcast on radio and TV, and given in the ’s website to decide on the actions to take in response to the signal issued. The following table indicates the meaning of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals:

1 Standby signal

3 Strong winds

8 Northwest Gale or storm force winds from the northwest

8 Southwest Gale or storm force winds from the southwest

8 Northeast Gale or storm force winds from the northeast

8 Southeast Gale or storm force winds from the southeast

9 Increasing gale or storm force winds

10 Hurricane force winds ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 158 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Advice: • When the No. 1 Standby signal is issued, you should take the existence of the tropical cyclone into account in planning your activities. • When the No. 3 signal is issued, secure all loose objects, particularly on balconies and roof tops. Secure hoardings, scaffoldings and temporary structures. Winds are normally expected to become generally strong in the harbour areas within 12 hours after this signal is issued. Winds over offshore waters and on high ground may reach gale force. • When the No. 8 signal is issued, complete all precautions before gales strike. Winds are normally expected to reach gale force in the harbour areas within 12 hours after the No. 8 signal replaces the No. 3 signal. • When either the No. 9 or No. 10 signal is issued, all precautions should be completed. Stay indoors and keep away from exposed windows and doors to avoid flying debris.

Rainstorm warning signals

There are three levels of warning: Amber, Red and Black.

The Amber signal is an alert about potential heavy rain that may develop into Red or Black signal situations. There will be flooding in some low-lying and poorly drained areas.

The Red or Black signals warn that heavy rain is likely to cause serious road flooding and traffic congestion.

Response to Amber Rainstorm Warning Signal

• Take sensible precautions to reduce exposure to risk posed by heavy rain, such as flooding. • Listen to radio or television announcements on the weather, road and traffic conditions.

Response to Red Rainstorm Warning Signal

• Employees working outdoors in areas exposed to rain should suspend outdoor duties and take shelter indoors if weather conditions so warrant. • People who have to travel should carefully consider weather and road conditions. • If the signal is issued before working hours, employees should report for duty as usual, provided that transport services are available. Supervisors are encouraged to adopt a flexible attitude in case their staff have genuine difficulties in arriving at

work on time. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 159 • If the signal is issued during working hours, employees working indoors should remain on duty as usual unless it is dangerous to do so. Employees in areas where transport services are about to be suspended can be released exceptionally at the discretion of the supervisor, taking into account the weather and road conditions.

Response to Black Rainstorm Warning Signal

• Stay indoors or take shelter in a safe place until the heavy rain has passed. • Employees working outdoors in exposed areas should stop work and take shelter. • Employers are advised not to require their employees to go to work unless prior agreement has been reached on work arrangements during rainstorms. • People who are already at work should stay where they are unless it is dangerous to do so.

The Hong Kong Observatory will issue the Landslip Warning in consultation with the Geotechnical Engineering Office whenever landslips are considered to be likely as a result of heavy rain which has occurred and is expected to continue in the next few hours. If you have received a notice to evacuate because of landslip danger, or if you believe that your home is endangered by an unstable slope or retaining wall, or overhanging boulders, you should make immediate arrangements to move to a safe shelter.

Ways to obtain weather information: Dial-a-weather 187-8200 Hong Kong Observatory’s Website http://www.weather.gov.hk

Home Affairs Department (HAD) emergency hotline

Whenever a Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 1 or above or a Landslip Warning or a Rainstorm Red/Black Warning is issued, the HAD’s emergency hotline (2835-1473) will be activated round-the-clock to answer enquiries of a non-technical nature on the general weather situation.

Temporary shelters

Hong Kong experiences frequent rainstorms and tropical cyclones during the summer. If you need temporary accommodation in such bad weather conditions, you may stay at one of the HAD’s temporary shelters which are opened when the tropical cyclone signal

No. 8, landslip warning or rainstorm Red/Black warning is issued. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 160 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ These shelters are also available in winter when the Observatory forecasts that the overnight temperature will drop to 12oC in the urban area and a few degrees lower in the New Territories, or when the Observatory issued the cold weather warning. To find where these temporary shelters are situated, please call 2835-1473.

Emergency Coordination Centres

When tropical cyclone signal No. 8 is issued or the Red/Black rainstorm warning signal is announced, Emergency Coordination Centres in all 18 districts will go into action to answer enquiries about the availability of temporary shelters. For further details, contact:

Central Telephone Enquiry Centre Tel: 2835-2500 (Office Hours) - for general enquiry

Home Affairs Department Headquarters Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2835-1473

Central and Western District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2549-3596

Wan Chai District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2835-1996

Eastern District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2886-6534

Southern District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2814-5753

Yau Tsim Mong District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2399-2139

Sham Shui Po District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2150-8138, 2150-8134

Wong Tai Sin District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 3143-1188

Kowloon City District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2621-3400

Kwun Tong District Emergency Co-ordination Centre

Tel: 2171-7426 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 161 Islands District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2852-4324, 2852-4338

Kwai Tsing District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2494-4500

North District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2675-1600

Sai Kung District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2163-9415

Sha Tin District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2158-5388

Tai Po District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2658-4040

Tsuen Wan District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2414-2144

Tuen Mun District Emergency Co-ordination Centre Tel: 2451-3033

Yuen Long District Emergency Co-ordination Centre

Tel: 2470-1113 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 162 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Chapter 20: Government Structure

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China is headed by the Chief Executive. He is assisted by the Executive Council in policy making.

The HKSAR has a two-tier system of representative Government. At the central level is the Legislative Council that legislates, controls public expenditure and monitors the performance of the Administration. At the district level, 18 District Councils advise on the implementation of policies in their respective areas.

The main administrative and executive functions of the Government are carried out by 11 policy bureaux in the Government Secretariat, and various departments and agencies, mostly staffed by civil servants. Bureaux in Government Secretariat formulate policies and initiate legislative proposals while departments implement laws and policies and provide direct services to the community.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, the Financial Secretary, the Secretary for Justice and 11 Directors of Bureaux are the most important officials within the Government. The Chief Secretary for Administration is the most senior among the three Secretaries of Departments to deputise for the Chief Executive. The Chief Secre- tary for Administration and the Financial Secretary assist the Chief Executive in super- vising the policy bureaux as directed by him and play a key role in ensuring harmoniza- tion in policy formulation and implementation.

The Civil Service provides the staff for all Government departments. It is a unified service in the sense that its officers are all subject to common appointment procedures and similar disciplinary codes. In accordance with the Basic Law, civil servants ap- pointed on or after 1 July 1997 must be HKSAR permanent residents, save for those who fall within specified exceptions.

The Judiciary of the HKSAR operates independently on the principles fundamental to

the Common Law system. The Court of Final Appeal has the power of final adjudication. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 163 164 165 Chapter 21: Public Enquiries and Hotlines

Home Affairs Department’s Public Enquiry Centres

The Home Affairs Department plays a particularly important role in the community since it serves as a bridge between the Government and the public. Its general enquiry services can direct you to the correct department if you are not sure where to go for the services you require. You can access these enquiry services by going to the public enquiry centres at the Department’s District Offices or by calling their Central Telephone Enquiry Centre at 2835-2500.

Public Enquiry Service Centres (PESC)

PESC Address Telephone Fax No. Central & Unit 5, G/F, The Centre 2189-2819 2189-2815 Western 99 Queen’s Road Central, H.K. Eastern G/F, Eastern Law Courts Building 2886-6531 2904-8744 29 Tai On Street, Sai Wan Ho, H.K. Southern G/F, Ocean Court, 3 Aberdeen 2814-5720 2552-5424 Road, Aberdeen, H.K. Wan Chai G/F, 2 O’Brien Road, Wan Chai, H.K. 2575-2477 2572-7471 Kowloon Rm 1707, One Harbourfront 2621-3401 2621-3199 City 18-22 Tak Fung Street, Hung Hom Kowloon Kwun Lower G/F, Kwun Tong District 2342-3431 2797-8521 Tong Branch Offices Building 6 Tung Yan Street, Kwun Tong Kowloon Sham G/F, Cheung Sha Wan 2728-0781 2387-9805 Shui Po Government Offices 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road Sham Shui Po, Kowloon Wong Unit 201, 2/F, Lung Cheung 2322-9701 2352-1841 Tai Sin Office Block, 138 Lung Cheung Road

Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 166 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Yau Tsim G/F, Mong Kok Government Offices 2399-2111 2397-3425 Mong 30 Luen Wan Street, Mong Kok Kowloon Islands - G/F, 22 San Hing Street 2981-1060 2986-9782 Cheung Chau Cheung Chau Islands - G/F, Mui Wo Government Offices 2984-7231 2984-0423 Mui Wo 2 Ngan Kwong Wan Road, Mui Wo Lantau Island Islands - 1/F, Tung Chung Post Office 2109-4953 2109-1147 Tung Chung Building, 6 Mei Tung Street Tung Chung, Lantau Island Kwai Tsing 2/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices 2425-4602 2489-1083 Building, 166-174 Hing Fong Road Kwai Chung, N.T. North G/F, North District Government Offices 2683-2913 2677-0929 3 Pik Fung Road, Fanling, N.T. Sai Kung - 1/F, King Lam Neighbourhood 2701-3218 2704-9429 Tseung Community Centre Kwan O King Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O Sha Tin G/F, Sha Tin Government Offices 2606-5456 2695-4305 1 Sheung Wo Che Road, Sha Tin, N.T. Tai Po G/F, Tai Po Government Offices 2654-1262 2653-2948 Building, 1 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po, N.T. Tsuen Wan 1/F, Tsuen Wan Station 2492-5096 2412-0244 Multi-storey Carpark Building 174-208 Castle Peak Road Tsuen Wan, N.T. Tuen Mun 2/F, Tuen Mun Government Offices 2451-1151 2450-3014 1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, N.T. Yuen Long G/F, Yuen Long District Office 2474-0324 2474-7261 Building, 269 Castle Peak Road

Yuen Long, N.T. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 167 Useful hotlines

Government Department / Bureau Telephone Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department 2708-8885 Architectural Services Department 2867-3628 Auxiliary Medical Service 2762-2033 2626-1616 Census and Statistics Department 2877-1818 Civil Engineering and Development Department 2762-5111 Correctional Services Department 2511-3511 Customs and Excise Department 2815-7711 Department of Health 2961-8991 Drainage Services Department 2877-0660 Education and Manpower Bureau 2891-0088 Electrical and Mechanical Services Department 2333-3762 Employees Retraining Board 2311-6696 Environmental Protection Department 2838-3111 Estate Agents Authority 2598-9550 Equal Opportunities Commission 2511-8211 Fire Services Department Emergency Hotline 999 General Enquiries 2723-8787 Food and Environmental Hygiene Department 2868-0000 2926-4111 Home Affairs Department 2835-2500 Hong Kong Observatory Dial-a-Weather 187-8200 General Enquiries 2926-8200

Hong Kong Monetary Authority 2878-8222 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 168 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Hong Kong Police Force Emergency Hotline 999 Police Hotline 2527-7177 Complaint against Police Office Hotline 2866-7700 Hong Kong Post 2921-2222 Hospital Authority 2300-6555 Housing Department 2712-2712 Immigration Department 2824-6111 Independent Commission Against Corruption 2526-6366 Inland Revenue Department 187-8088 Judiciary 2869-0869 2530-4411 Labour Department Telephone Enquiry Service 2717-1771 2231-3294 Legal Aid Department Hotline (24 hours) 2537-7677 Leisure and Cultural Services Department 2603-4567 Legislative Council Secretariat 2869-9287 Marine Department 2542-3711 Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority 2918-0102 Office of The Ombudsman 2629-0555 Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data 2827-2827 Office of the Telecommunications Authority 2961-6333 Planning Department 2231-5000 Radio Television Hong Kong 2339-6300 Rating and Valuation Department 2152-2152 Social Welfare Department 2343-2255 Student Financial Assistance Agency 2802-2345 Trade and Industry Department 2392-2922

Transport Complaints Unit 2889-9999 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 169 2804-2600 Treasury 2845-8866 Vocational Training Council 2836-1000 Water Supplies Department 2824-5000

Utility Companies Telephone

Electricity China Light & Power Company Limited Customer Services 2678-2678 Emergency Service 2728-8333 Hong Kong Electric Company Limited Customer Account Enquiries 2887-3411 Emergency Reporting (English) 2555-4000

Gas The Hong Kong & China Gas Company Limited Customer Service Hotline 2880-6988 Emergency Hotline 2880-6999

Telecommunications Hong Kong Broadband Network Limited 128100 Hutchison Global Communications Limited 1220 New World Telecommunications Limited 1239 PCCW-HKT Telephone Limited PCCW Hotline 1000 Directory Inquiries (Chinese) 1083 Directory Inquiries (English) 1081 International Directory Inquiries 10015 Fault Reporting 109 Wharf T & T Limited 121121

Transportation Citybus Limited 2873-0818 Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Ltd 2815-6063

Hong Kong Tramways Ltd 2548-7102 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 170 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ KCRC 2929-3399 Kowloon Motor Bus Company Ltd 2745-4466 Long Win Bus Company Ltd 2745-4466 MTR/Airport Express 2881-8888 New Lantao Bus Company Ltd 2984-9848 New World First Bus Services Ltd 2136-8888 New World First Ferry Services Ltd 2131-8181

The Star Ferry Company Limited 2367-7065 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 171 Chapter 22: Local and International Tele- phone Calls

Hong Kong has high quality telephone services so you should not have any trouble making or receiving calls.

The major operators providing local and international telephone and fax services are PCCW-HKT Telephone Ltd., Hutchison Global Communications Ltd., New World Telecommunications Ltd., Wharf T&T Ltd. and Hong Kong Broadband Network Ltd. In addition, there are many international telephone service providers providing international calling card/prepaid card services.

You can make local or international calls from private phones at home or payphones at various locations, e.g. on the street, at the airport, in hotels, department stores, fast food shops and retail shops.

Local calls

Private telephone service is provided at a flat monthly charge per line with unlimited usage. In other words, no fee is charged for individual local voice calls.

The cost of making a local call from a payphone is HK$1 for every 5 minutes. However, emergency calls (999) and directory enquiries (1081 for English speakers; 1083 for Cantonese speakers; 1088 for Putonghua speakers) are free.

International calls

International calls can be made from Hong Kong to 233 countries and regions; and most cities and towns in Mainland China. You may choose between direct dialling (IDD), operator-assisted calls or collect calls to most destinations, both for calling from Hong Kong and calling back to Hong Kong from overseas.

In addition to calling on a private phone, you can use coins, calling cards (including both prepaid cards and calling card services provided by the service providers) or credit

cards on a payphone. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 172 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ How to make an international call

To make an international call from an IDD registered phone or payphone with IDD call capabilities, simply dial the appropriate access code provided by the service providers followed by the country code, area code, and telephone number.

To make an international call with a calling card, use a touch-tone phone, then dial the calling card access number, PIN, country code, area code, and telephone number.

Post-paid calling card users are required to pre-register with corresponding service providers. Prepaid phonecards are available from the service providers’ sales outlets, retail shops and convenient stores.

Advice: • Operator-assisted calls guarantee connection to the right person, but the rates are usually higher than IDD rates. • Collect or reverse-charge calls are the most expensive. • Coin payphones with IDD capabilities accept HK$1, $2, $5 and $10 coins. There may be a surcharge for using coin phones to make international calls depending on the service provider. • You may have to pay a surcharge if you make international calls at public payphones depending on the service provider. • It is advisable to check beforehand with the service provider: (i) the terms and conditions of using the service; and (ii) the charging principles, for example, rate per minute or unit, per call access

charge or surcharge, minimum charge, etc. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 173 Chapter 23: Organisations Just for You

Consulates General

The following contact information on Consulates General may be useful to you when- ever you need their assistance. For details of their service and business hours, please call their office direct.

Consular Post Address Telephone & Fax (in alphabetical order) 1. India 16-D United Centre Tel: 2528-4028 95 Queensway, Hong Kong Fax: 2865-4617 2. Indonesia 127-129 Leighton Road Tel: 2890-4421 Causeway Bay Fax: 2895-0139 3. Nepal Unit 715, Seapower Tower Tel: 2369-7813 (North Tower), Concordia Plaza Fax: 2824-2970 1 Science Museum Road Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon 4. Pakistan Room 3706, China Resources Tel: 2827-1966 Building, 26 Harbour Road Fax: 2827-6786 Wan Chai, Hong Kong 5. Philippines 14/F, United Centre Tel: 2823-8500 95 Queensway Fax: 2866-9885 Admiralty, Hong Kong Tel: 2823-8534 (labour issues) 6. Thailand 8/F, Fairmont House Tel: 2521-6481 8 Cotton Tree Drive Fax: 2521-8629 Central, Hong Kong

Migrant organisations, unions and NGOs (in alphabetical order)

1. Asian Domestic Workers Union (ADWU)

ADWU, registered in 1989, is one of the first trade unions of foreign domestic workers

established in Hong Kong and Asia as a whole. ADWU members include Filipino, Thai, ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 174 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Indian, and other Asian domestic helpers. The union provides the following services: • Counselling; • Para-legal and court assistance; • Shelter/refuge house; • Trade union education and training; • Social and recreational activities.

For enquiries, please contact: c/o Coalition for Migrants’ Rights 8/F, Century House, 3-4 Hanoi Road Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Tel: 2031-3412

2. Asian Migrant Centre (AMC)

The Asian Migrant Centre was set up in 1989 to provide services for Asian migrant workers. Among its main activities are research, documentation, publishing and community education focusing on human rights and migrant concerns. AMC is engaged in training, education and organising programmes to strengthen and build migrant organisations, unions and support NGOs.

AMC publishes the “Asian Migrant Yearbook”, multi-lingual handbooks for migrants and training resource materials. The Centre also has a pioneering programme on the Migrant Savings and Alternative Investment (MSAI) programme. This involves organising and training migrant savings groups and helping them establish alternative livelihood projects in their home countries.

AMC works with local groups and networks (e.g. Coalition for Migrants’ Rights), as well as the Migrant Forum in Asia, an Asia-wide network of over 200 migrant organisations. It is a member of the Global Committee for the Ratification of the UN Migrant Convention and the UN Regional Task Force on HIV & Mobility. AMC has Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN.

For enquiries, please contact: 9/F, Lee Kong Commercial Building 115 Woosung Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon Tel: 2312-0031 Fax: 2992-0111 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.asian-migrants.org ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 175 3. Association of Indonesian Migrant Workers in Hong Kong

This independent and non-profit making organisation was established on 1 October 2000. Its objective is to protect the rights and welfare of Indonesian migrant workers. Through para-legal training, counselling and hotline service, it aims to educate fellow Indonesians to raise their awareness of their rights as workers and as migrants.

For enquiries, please contact: 4 Jordan Road, Jordan, Kowloon Tel: 2314-7316 Fax: 2735-4559 Email: [email protected]

4. Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge

This Refuge was established in 1986 to provide charitable assistance and social counselling as well as emergency relief and a place of refuge for needy and distressed Asian migrant workers. It also maintains a social centre where present and past residents can interact and provide mutual support in raising distressed women’s self-esteem and dignity. Education and training programmes are also conducted such as para-legal training, cultural workshops, current affairs in the host country and back home, women’s issues, stress management and handicraft making.

For enquiries, please contact: St. John’s Cathedral, Garden Road Central, Hong Kong Tel: 2721-3119 Fax: 2314-3766 Email: [email protected]

5. Caritas - Hong Kong Asian Migrant Workers and the Filipino Social Service Projects

Caritas - Hong Kong is the official social service agency of the Roman Catholic Church in Hong Kong to provide social service to people in the community. Originally, the Filipino Social Service Project served only the needs of Filipino domestic helpers, but in 1991 these services were extended to other Asian domestic helpers with the setting up of the Asian Migrant Social Service Project. Services include: • Mutual support group for foreign domestic helpers; • Labour concern group of foreign domestic helpers; • Orientation programme for new arrivals;

• Para-legal advice on labour and immigration laws; ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 176 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ • Education programmes (H.K. style child minding course, stress management workshop, etc.); • Free monthly legal consultation service; • Community education (newsletter, exhibition, calendar card etc.).

For enquiries, please contact: Room 7-8, 1/F, Lee Ga Building 131 Sai Wan Ho Street, Hong Kong (Monday to Friday)

G/F, 28A Road, Fortress Hill, Hong Kong (Sunday only)

G/F, Yue Tung House, Tung Tau Estate Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon (Sunday only)

Tel: 2147-5988 / 2810-0092 (10 am - 5 pm) Fax: 2147-5388 Email: [email protected]

6. Domestic Helpers and Migrant Workers Programme – Christian Action

The Domestic Helpers and Migrant Workers Programme (DMW) offers free para-legal advice, counselling and practical assistance to migrant workers in Hong Kong. The service is open to anyone regardless of gender, religion or nationality. It aims to ensure that workers understand their rights and liabilities in Hong Kong and use those rights to defend themselves against abuse and exploitation. It can assist you with your labour claims and with Employees’ Compensation cases if you have been injured at work. It can prepare statements and submissions for court hearings and accompany you to hearings.

In addition to the paralegal advisory service, it operates two shelters and a service centre for domestic helpers and migrant workers. It also provides language education (sponsored by the Home Affairs Bureau), skills training, computer training, reintegration programmes, orientation courses and more.

For enquiries, please contact: Room 1, 2 Jordan Road, Jordan, Kowloon Tel: 2739-6193 Fax: 2724-5309

Email: [email protected] ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 177 7. Far East Overseas Nepalese Association (FEONA)

Established in 1993, FEONA aims to build up the capacity and promote the dignity of migrant and immigrant Nepalese workers as well as other minority groups and provide all kinds of support and assistance to the person in need. It provides information on various sectors such as labour laws, immigration laws, government policies and other social welfare. It advocates to empower working people with the knowledge of work- ers’ rights and other kinds of human rights and actively participates in campaigns for social justice and equality of race, gender, culture, religion, etc.

The association provides the following services - • Counselling and escorting; • Para-legal and court assistance; • Advocacy workshops and other skill training; • Social and cultural activities; • Providing information; • Temporary shelter; • Periodicals.

For enquiries, please contact: 12/F, Flat B, Arthur Commercial Building 33 Arthur Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon Tel: 2388-7554 Fax: 2626-9396 Email: [email protected]

8. Filipino Migrant Workers’ Union (FMWU)

FMWU was founded in 1998. It is one of the biggest trade unions of Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong. FMWU’s distinct thrust is the organising, unionisation and empowerment of migrant workers for defence of their own rights/welfare, and the promotion of migrant savings, empowerment and other sustainable alternatives to migration.

FMWU actively participates on various campaigns; all members are part of the Migrants Empowerment and Economic Sustainability (MEES) programme. The union also conducts basic courses on union administration, leadership training, para-legal training, newsletter writing, bookkeeping, computer literacy, carving fruit, vegetables and soap, socio/cultural, national and migrant issues.

FMWU’s official newsletter is “The Union”, published quarterly to help promote the

union’s objectives and programmes. This also serves other migrants by supplying ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 178 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ information on different migrant issues.

For enquiries, please contact: Flat 2D, Fung Yuen Building, 408 Shau Kei Wan Road Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong Tel: 2915-9468 Fax: 2791-2264

9. Friends of Thai in Hong Kong

Friends of Thai in Hong Kong was established in 1991. It was formed by Thai domestic helpers to help other Thai workers solve their problems. It provides the following activities – • labour law enquiry; • helping Thai domestic helpers to renew their contracts, passports and visas; • educational and vocational training programme (e.g. courses on Thai and English languages, and on beauty); • leadership training programme; • cultural activities; • newsletter and promotion; • co-operation with other migrant workers’ organisations in Hong Kong and overseas.

For enquiries, please contact: 4/F, 5 , San Po Kong, Kowloon Tel: 2718-6498 Fax: 2716-4244 Email: [email protected]

10. Hong Kong Bayanihan Trust

Founded in 1993, Bayanihan is a registered charitable organisation that aims to provide vocational, social, recreational and cultural activities to the overseas domestic helpers in Hong Kong. With the assistance of the Hong Kong SAR Government, it has estab- lished a permanent centre in Kennedy Town and operates six Sunday-only centres in strategic places in Hong Kong.

Throughout the years, the Trust has strengthened its programmes by forging partner- ships with Philippine institutions like TESDA, TLRC and UPOU and also with some Hong Kong institutions like YMCA and Hong Kong St. John’s Ambulance. The Trust also works together with the Home Affairs Department and different consulates in

implementing their programmes and activities. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 179 The Trust offers entrepreneurial training and livelihood courses like computer operation, baking, international cuisine, food processing, hair and beauty culture, sewing and design, tailoring, fruit and soap carving and other interest courses. It also offers skills development courses like adult home nursing and first aid.

Permanent centre: Bayanihan Kennedy Town Centre 55 Victoria Road, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong Tel: 2817-8928 Fax: 2523-3715 Email: [email protected]

Sunday-only centres:

1. Clementi Secondary School 2. Ho Tung Technical School for Girls 30 Fortress Hill Road 5 Eastern Hospital Road North Point, Hong Kong Causeway Bay, Hong Kong (Hall capacity: 200 people) (Hall capacity: 200-250 people)

3. Jockey Club Government 4. Po Leung Kuk Yu Lee Mo Fan Secondary Technical School Memorial School 2B Oxford Road 19 Wharf Road, North Point Kowloon Tong, Kowloon Hong Kong (Hall capacity: 200-300 people) (Hall capacity: 100 people)

5. Kowloon Technical School 6. King George V School 332-334 Cheung Sha Wan Road 2 Tin Kwong Road Sham Shui Po, Kowloon Ma Tau Wai, Kowloon (Hall capacity: 200-300 people) (Hall capacity: 250-370 people)

11. Hong Kong Nepalese Federation

Set up in 1998, the Federation is an umbrella organisation of 25 registered Nepalese groups and aims to solidify the Nepalese community in Hong Kong and to co-ordinate their programmes. Its main objectives are – • to bring forward one sole voice of the Hong Kong Nepalese community; • to foster and enhance harmony with the local community; • to support Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability; • to familiarise the Nepalese community with Hong Kong systems; • to support the growth of productive relationships between the Government of Nepal, People’s Republic of China, and HKSAR;

• to encourage and facilitate the Nepalese to take up civil and corporate jobs; ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 180 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ • to support the entrepreneurial growth in Nepalese community in Hong Kong; and • to play a vital role in co-ordinating different Nepalese established and registered groups.

For enquiries, please contact: Room 7, 7/F, Boss Commercial Centre 28 Ferry Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon Tel: 2445-2319 / 9837-6744 Fax: 2445-8771 Email: [email protected]

12. H.K.S.K.H. Lady MacLehose Centre

H.K.S.K.H. Lady MacLehose Centre has been providing various kinds of services to all age groups in Kwai Chung, Tsing Yi and Tsuen Wan for 30 years. Its objectives are to — • Promote equal opportunities in the communities; • Provide information and service enquiry; • Promote social integration, mutual understanding, respect and acceptance between different ethnic groups; and • Provide tangible services to different target groups to enhance their social integration.

Types of Services • Induction programme for children to adapt to life in Hong Kong; • Multi-language class learning; • Volunteer service to train volunteers and serve the community; • Case referral and service enquiry like housing, employment or social welfare; • Social and recreational activities like barbecue, picnics and camping for all ethnicities; • Hotline service for ethnic minority.

For enquiries, please contact: 22 Wo Yi Hop Road, Kwai Chung Tel: 2423-5064 or 2423-5062 (10:00am - 10:00pm) Hotline: 6413-7373 (English and Cantonese speaking from Monday to Friday: 4:30-6:30pm and 7:30- 9:30pm) (Urdu speaking from Saturday to Sunday: 2:00-5:00pm) Fax: 2494-7786

Email: [email protected] ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 181 13. Indian Businessmen’s Association

The Indian Businessmen’s Association started in 1985 and is a representative body of a wide spectrum of Businessmen and persons in various vocations in Hong Kong of Indian origin.

The members meet once a month over luncheon to exchange ideas of common and current interest. Guest speakers are usually invited to speak on subjects of interest to the members. Many well known personalities of Hong Kong have spoken at the luncheons.

The Association also organises social family get-togethers giving members’ an opportu- nity to get to know other members of the Indian Community in a social setting. It also celebrates important Indian festivals with cultural programmes. The functions tend to be of great entertainment value.

The Association is actively involved in matters concerning ethnic issues in Hong Kong with the idea of promoting social harmony and integration with the Chinese Community in Hong Kong.

For enquiries, please contact: Room 501, Car Po Commercial Building 18-20 , Central, Hong Kong Tel: 2524-0018 Fax: 2810-6073 Email: [email protected]

14. Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (IMWU)

The Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (IMWU) is a trade union of Indonesian domes- tic helpers in Hong Kong. It was formally registered with the Hong Kong Registry of Trade Unions in October 1999.

Its main objective is to protect and advance the rights and welfare of its members and all Indonesian domestic helpers in Hong Kong. As a union, IMWU officially represents its members, now over 2,000 Indonesian domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

For enquiries, please contact: 15/F, Flat 11, Room 5, Kam Kwok Building 23 Marsh Road, Wan Chai Tel: 2375-8337 Fax: 2992-0111

Email: [email protected] ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 182 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 15. International Social Service Hong Kong Branch (ISS-HK) Migrants Programme

ISS-HK is a non-profit, non-religious, non-political, non-governmental organisation committed to helping individuals and families with personal or social problems resulting from migration and international movement. It is part of an international network of branches, affiliated bureaux and correspondents in over 100 countries with a General Secretariat in Geneva.

The Migrants Programme started in 1995 and assists ethnic minorities and non-Chinese nationalities in adjusting to their living and working life in Hong Kong.

Services and programmes include: • assistance to new arrivals through the Mobile Information Service (MIS) at the Hong Kong International Airport Arrivals Area; • shelter facilities in the Anthony Lawrence International Refuge for newcomers to Hong Kong; • inter-country assistance for children needing immediate protection and the families left in the Philippines through the ISS Philippines, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Bantay Bata 163; • assistance to vulnerable victims of human trafficking; • advocacy for child protection, family and migrants rights; • telephone enquiry and hotline services; • individual and group counselling; • leadership training and group support activities; • low-cost livelihood courses such as computers; • language courses – basic and advanced levels in practical Cantonese and English; • volunteers training and development; • jail and hospital visits; • referrals and linkages with government and non-governmental organisations in Hong Kong and other countries.

For enquiries, please call the ISS-HK Migrant Workers Programme at: ISS-HK Head Office 6/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel: 2834-6863 Fax: 2834-7627

Email: [email protected] ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 183 ISS-HK Service Centre for Migrants Flat F and G, 2/F, King’s Centre 193-209 King’s Road, North Point, Hong Kong Tel: 2836-3598 Fax: 2388-0045 Email: [email protected]

Mobile Information Service at the Hong Kong International Airport Airport Hotline: 9220-0270 / 9226-3907 Office Telephone: 2261-0420

16. Pakistan Association of Hong Kong Ltd.

Activities / Facilities Sports Teams - Hockey, cricket, volley ball, etc. Sports Trainings - Cricket, hockey, squash, volley ball. Functions - Jinnah Ghall with 200 seats available for seminars, conferences, cultural programmes, national days celebrations, religious ceremonies, students debate competitions, marriage/ birthday parties, anniversaries and any other functions.

For enquiries, please contact: 150 , Kowloon Tel: 2780-2157 (Pakistan Club) / 2865-3591 (President) / 2368-9318 (Hon. Secretary) Fax: 2865-3258 (President) / 2721-6910 (Hon. Secretary)

17. Pakistan Islamic Welfare Union Incorporated (HK) Limited

This Union was established in 1988. It provides the Pakistani community with these services –

Social activities It carries out many activities to help the Pakistani community in different fields including religious, social, youth problems, health, family affairs, drug abuse, education, cultural and moral education. An Islamic centre was established in 1997 in Yuen Long where young and adult Pakistanis can learn the values of their religion and culture. It conducts prayers five times a day plus sermons on Friday, conducted by a learned Imam (scholar)

from Pakistan. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 184 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Special functions These are organised on an annual and monthly basis. Cultural functions such as, Milad- Nu-Nabi festival (Prophet’s birthday) and Eid-ul-Duha celebration (Festival of sacrifice for God) is one of the biggest annual functions.

Library A library with (Urdu, English, Arabic) books is established since 1996 in union office. Books are available for studies. Free of charge to members and also to other persons.

For enquiries, please contact: Room 57, 1/F, Mirador Mansion 62 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Tel: 2366-7206 / 2369-9886 Fax: 2369-9883

18. Salvation Army Migrant Workers’ Counselling and Referral Centre

It is a religious and charitable organisation. It provides • counselling and support to domestic helpers facing difficulties while working here in Hong Kong; • pastoral and spiritual care for everyone in need; and • referral services for Asian migrant workers.

For enquiries, please contact: 2/F, 8 Salvation Army Street Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel: 2893-0081 Fax: 2388-6513

19. Society for Community Organisation (SoCO)

SoCO is a human rights organisation fighting for the rights of ethnic minorities. If you are interested in fighting for fair and equal policies that do not discriminate ethnic minorities, please contact SoCO. You may also contact SoCO if you have problems related to immigration, hospitals or racial discrimination.

Main services – 1. Immigration service; 2. Help with communication problems in hospitals; and 3. Racial discrimination.

You are most welcome to contact SoCO if you are interested in being a volunteer. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 185 For enquiries, please contact: 3/F, 52 Princess Margaret Road Ho Man Tin, Kowloon

1/F, 117 Kweilin Street Sham Shui Po, Kowloon (MTR Exit C2)

Tel: 2713-9165 Fax: 2761-3326 Email: [email protected]

20. Thai Regional Alliance in Hong Kong (TRA)

TRA was established in December 2001 during the proposed wage cut for Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH). The Thais organisation and individuals with other Asian migrant workers were in solidarity against the issue. Through the campaigns, TRA was developed with objectives to enhance the community spirit and solidarity, protect and promote the rights and welfare of migrants.

It provides the following programmes - • Education and Training – to provide courses on English and Cantonese, vocational and organising skills, paralegal seminars and leadership training on Sundays. – to provide the counselling and legal supports through telephone on a daily basis and interviews on Sundays. • Campaigns – to help the Thai workers safeguard their rights. • Networking – to link up with different Thai groups, migrant groups, NGOs and individuals both local and overseas. • Research – to conduct research on the root causes of migration and its solutions to problems.

For enquiries, please contact: Flat B1, Block B, 9/F Hay Wah Building, 72-86 Lockhart Road Wanchai, Hong Kong Tel: 9217-4793, 6108-9924, 9122-8343 Fax: 2792-0633

Email: [email protected] ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 186 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 21. The Hong Kong Coalition of Indonesian Migrant Workers Organisations (KOTKIHO)

The Hong Kong Coalition of Indonesian Migrant Workers Organisations (KOTKIHO) was formed on the basis of togetherness, destiny and solidarity by six Indonesian migrant women’s organisations in Hong Kong.

It was set up in December 2000 and registered with the Hong Kong Societies Office in August 2001. The six organisations altogether have over 7,000 members and its objec- tives are: • To empower women and migrant workers in Hong Kong, especially those who are victims of exploitation. • To enable migrant women workers to express the problems which they encounter. • To support migrant women workers to strive for better conditions and positions in society. • To struggle for migrants’ rights, human dignity, and against abuses, exploitation and discrimination.

In addition, KOTKIHO provides a shelter and a training centre for Indonesian domestic helpers. When female migrant workers file a case against their employers due to unfair treatment, KOTKIHO provides a temporary place for them. KOTKIHO also pro- vides educational services for migrant workers quarterly, including English, Cantonese, computer, guitar, dancing, makeup, sewing classes and other trainings in relation to empowerment skills.

For enquiries, please contact: Block A, No. 32, 4/F, Jardine’s Mansion Jardine’s Bazaar, Causeway Bay Tel: 2576-4563 Fax: 2992-0111 Email: [email protected]

22. Unison Hong Kong

Established in 2001, Unison Hong Kong is a registered organisation of a group of people including school principals, social workers, artists and others who are con- cerned about Hong Kong’s ethnic-minority residents. Its services — • Counselling; • Assistance in school placement and job hunting; • Public education including research, seminars and forums; • Recreational and cultural exchange activities;

• Youth development programme. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 187 For enquiries, please contact: Flat B, 16/F, Skyline Tower 18 Tong Mi Road, Mong Kok, Kowloon Tel: 2789-3246 Fax: 2789-1767 Website: www.unison.org.hk Email: [email protected]

23. United (UNIFIL-HK)

Founded in May 12, 1985, the UNIFIL-HK is in the forefront of the migrant workers movement in Hong Kong. An alliance of more than twenty Filipino organisations and allied with five other Filipino migrant federations, alliances and unions, UNIFIL-HK is one of the biggest and longest running migrant organisation in Hong Kong.

It is a founding member of the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body (AMCB), an alliance of organisations of Asian migrants from Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. It is continuously building relations with migrants of other nationalities, labor unions, women’s organisations and migrant-serving institutions in Hong Kong and in other parts of the world. UNIFIL-HK is also a founding partner of MIGRANTE International, the biggest global alliance of organisations of overseas Filipinos and their families.

In Hong Kong, it handles employment and immigration-related problems encountered by Filipinos most of whom are domestic workers. It extends assistance to distressed migrant workers by providing welfare services such as counselling, para-legal assistance and temporary shelter. UNIFIL-HK is the main organisation taking up campaigns against anti-migrant policies of both the Philippine and host governments.

It also provides technical assistance in organising and developmental programmes. It conducts leadership training, study circles, arrival/survival orientation, cultural work training and social awareness education promoting racial harmony, gender equality and human rights.

For enquiries, please contact: 2/F, New Hall, St. John’s Cathedral 4 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong Tel: 2810-4379 Fax: 2526-2894

Emails: [email protected] / [email protected] ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 188 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 24. Yang Memorial Methodist Social Service - Multicultural Service Centre for South Asian Ethnic Minorities

This centre was established in 2002 to provide services for South Asian ethnic minority groups in Hong Kong. It hopes to provide its target groups with tailor-made services in order to suit their different cultural backgrounds. With the hope of building a harmonious and caring community, it encourages the communication and understanding between local Chinese and the South Asian counterparts.

Services include – individual counselling, information and referral service, social adjustment service, employment service, school support service, integration service, promoting cultural harmony activities, mutual support groups and community education.

Starting from 1 June 2005, three specified services will be provided for South Asian Ethnic Minorities. They are: (1) Supporting Service for South Asian Youth; (2) Employment Service; and (3) Alliance of South Asian Anti-drug Leaders.

For enquiries, please contact: 54 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tel: 2251-0888 Fax: 2770-1417

Language programmes for ethnic minorities

The Home Affairs Bureau has sponsored three non-governmental organisations to pro- vide Cantonese and English courses to help ethnic minorities to adapt life in Hong Kong. For enquiries, please contact:

Hong Kong Island Caritas Adult and Higher Education Service 2741-3767 International Social Service Hong Kong Branch 2836-3598

Kowloon Caritas Adult and Higher Education Service 2337-5487 Christian Action (Jordan / Sau Mau Ping) 2739-6193 / 2709-5333 International Social Service Hong Kong Branch 2836-3598

New Territories Caritas Adult and Higher Education Service 2741-3767

International Social Service Hong Kong Branch 2446-1223 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 189 Chapter 24: Leaving Hong Kong

As the major gateway to Mainland China and much of East Asia and Southeast Asia, Hong Kong provides excellent air connections to over 140 destinations worldwide.

Hong Kong International Airport is one of the world’s busiest international airports. Its modern facilities are designed to make smooth the way towards a pleasant flight. Within the terminal, there are 74 moving walkways, a fully automated train system, lifts and escalators as well as easy-to-read signs to guide you.

Taking a flight

If you have already bought an air ticket, confirm your seat first with your airline. This can be done by phone or through Internet.

After reaching the airport on the day of your departure, go to the Departures Level and check the large flight information display boards to see where the check-in counter of your airline is located. Also check the board to see if your flight has been delayed.

Go to the check-in counter and present your passport and ticket. Normally the departure tax of HK$120 is included in the ticket, but if it is not, you will have to pay cash at the counter. All large pieces of luggage must be checked in. Most airlines allow 20 kilos of check-in baggage. If you are well over this limit, you will be charged for excess baggage.

Each passenger is allowed one item of hand baggage not exceeding 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches). Do NOT put into this carry-on luggage knives, knife-like objects or bladed articles such as household cutlery, cutters, scissors, razor blades, nail clippers or files. All such potentially dangerous articles must go into your check-in bags.

Having received your boarding pass from the check-in counter you can now enter the restricted area through the Immigration Hall. Here the Immigration officer will check your passport. Next, you have to go through the security check and your carry-on baggage will go through an X-ray inspection machine.

Afterwards, proceed to your boarding gate. For gates 33-80, you may take the fully automated train at the basement level to the West Hall of the terminal.

Take a seat near the boarding gate that is marked on your boarding pass. Any last-

minute changes will be announced by airline staff at the gate. Please note that there ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 190 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ will be no passenger paging announcement for boarding. Above the gate there will be a flight information monitor giving the latest boarding information. Once your flight has started boarding, take your place in the queue. Bon voyage!

IMPORTANT: Make sure you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time. If you arrive late, you run the risk of missing your flight.

Prayer room

For those wishing to seek peace before their journey, there is a small and intimate Prayer Room in the public area on the Departures Level. Open from 6:00 a.m. till mid- night, it is designed to accommodate all faiths and therefore does not contain religious symbols although it has a foot wash and a font. The room is appropriately decorated to create the right setting for contemplation and prayer.

Getting to the airport

The passenger terminal connects conveniently to various forms of road and rail transport to downtown Hong Kong.

The Airport Express is a dedicated airport railway line providing fast and reliable daily service at 12-minute intervals from 05:50 until after midnight (i.e. 01:15). Note that the last trains leave the Airport and Central Stations at 00:48. The journey to or from Central takes about 23 minutes. In-town check-in services are available for most Airlines at both the Hong Kong and Kowloon stations. Please confirm with your travel agent or Airline in advance.

You can also take a Citybus, Long Win Bus or New Lantao Bus to the airport from the following: Routes Destination Operating Hours

“A” Routes - Airbus Services A11 North Point Ferry Pier 0610 - 2400 A12 Siu Sai Wan (Island Resort) 0600 - 2400 P12 Siu Sai Wan (Island Resort) Twice per day (Mon to Fri) 1735 / 1755

A21 Hung Hom KCR Station 0600 - 2400 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 191 A22 Lam Tin MTR Station 0600 - 2400 A31 Tsuen Wan (Discovery Park) 0600 - 2400 A33 Tuen Mun (Fu Tai) 3 departures daily 1730 / 1830 / 1930 A41 Sha Tin (Yu Chui Court) 0600 - 2400 A41P Ma On Shan (Yiu On) 0705 - 2400 A43 Fanling (Luen Wo Hui) 0700 - 2400 A35 Mui Wo 0630 - 0025

“E” Routes - External Bus Services E11 Tin Hau MTR Station 0520 - 2400 E21 Tai Kok Tsui () 0530 - 2400 E22 Lam Tin (North) 0530 - 2400 E22P Yau Tong Three times per day 1735 / 1755 / 1815 E22A Tseung Kwan O (Po Lam) 0700 - 2350 E23 Choi Hung 0530 - 2400 E23P Ground Transportation Centre Once a day at 0715 (Mon – Fri) from Choi Hung E32 Kwai Fong MTR Station 0530 - 2400 E33 Tuen Mun Central 0530 - 2400 E34 Tin Shui Wai Town Centre 0530 - 2400 E41 Tai Po Tau 0530 - 2400 E42 Sha Tin (Pok Hong) 0530 - 2400

“N” Routes - Overnight Bus Services N11 Causeway Bay (Moreton Terrace) 0015 - 0445 N21 Tsim Sha Tsui (Star Ferry Pier) 0020 - 0500 N23 Tsz Wan Shan (North) Twice per day 0015 / 0110 (from Tung Chung) N26 Yau Tong Once a day 0020

(from Tung Chung) ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 192 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ N29 Tseung Kwan O (Po Lam) Twice a day 0015 / 0110 (from Tung Chung) N30 Yuen Long (East) Twice a day 0020 / 0110 (from Tung Chung) N31 Tsuen Wan (Discovery Park) 0020 - 0500 N35 Mui Wo Three times per day 0130 / 0300 / 0500 N42 Ma On Shan (Yiu On) Once a day at 0020 (from Tung Chung)

“S” Routes - Shuttle Bus to Airport S1 Tung Chung MTR Station to 0530 - 2400 Passenger Terminal # S52 Tung Chung Yat Tung (via MTR 0528 - 2328 Station) to Aircraft Maintenance Area (from Tung Chung) 0550 - 2350 (from Maintenance Area) S52P Tung Chung Yat Tung (via MTR 0716 - 0856 Station) to Asia Airfreight Terminal # (N/A on Sun & PH) S56 Tung Chung New Development 0600 - 2320 Ferry Pier (via Tung Chung North) to Passenger Terminal # S64 Tung Chung Yat Tung (via MTR 0525 - 2400 Station) to Passenger Terminal # S64P Tung Chung MTR Station (via Tung 0555 - 2315 Chung New Development Ferry Pier) to Cargo & Catering Area

“DB” Routes - Discovery Bay Airbus Services DB02R Discovery Bay to Passenger Terminal 24 hours

# Circular ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 193 Enquiry

Airport Enquiry Hotline 2181-0000 (English) 2181-8888 (Chinese) New World First Ferry (Tuen Mun to Tung Chung) 2131-8181 Citybus Ltd (City Flyer) 2873-0818 Long Win Bus Company (Air Bus) 2261-2791 MTR Corporation Ltd (Airport Express) 2881-8888 Discovery Bay Transit Services Ltd 2987-0208 New Lantao Bus Co (1973) Ltd 2984-9848

Limousine services

Dah Chong Hong (Motor Leasing) Ltd 2262-1888 Farrington American Express 2808-2333 International Hire Cars Ltd 2261-2188 Swire Travel 2116-3133 Deluxe 2303-1828 Parklane 2261-0303 Tai Fung 2186-6883

Airport-Mainland coach services

China Travel Express 2261-2472 / 2764-9803 Eternal East 2261-0176 / 2261-2696 GoGo Bus 2261-0886 / 2375-0099 Trans-Island Chinalink 2261-2636 / 9747-1202 Golden Trip Express 2261-2623

Major airlines

Airline Address Telephone

Aeroflot Room 23, 2/F, New Henry House 2845-4232 10 , Central Air Canada Room 1621, Tower I, New World 2122-8124 Tower, 18 Queen’s Road Central, Central Air France Room 2502-2510, 25/F, Jardine 2769-6662

House, 1 Connaught Place, Central ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 194 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Air India Room 3008-9, The Centre 2522-1176 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central Air Mauritius Room 608, St. George’s Building 2523-1114 2 Ice House Street, Central Air New Suite 1701, Jardine House 2862-8988 Zealand 1 Connaught Place, Central All Nippon Room 501, One International Finance 2810-7100 Airways Centre, 1 Harbour View Street, Central Asiana Airlines Room 3407, Gloucester Tower 2523-8585 , 11 Pedder Street, Central Biman Room 216, Houston Centre 2721-5393 Bangladesh 63 Airlines Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon British Airways 24/F, Jardine House 2822-9000 1 Connaught Place, Central 5/F, South Tower, Cathay Pacific City 2747-5000 Airways 8 Scenic Road, HKIA, Lantau 2747-1888 China Airlines 3/F, St. George’s Building 2868-2299 2 Ice House Street, Central China Eastern General Sales Agent: China National 2861-0322 Airlines Aviation Corporation (Hong Kong) Ltd G/F, CNAC Building 10 Queen’s Road Central, Central China Northern As above As above Airlines China Northwest Airlines China Southern Airlines China Southwest Airlines Continental Room M1, New Henry House 2180-2180 Micronesia 10 Ice House Street, Central El Al Israel Room 2205, Tower 1, 2380-3362

Airlines 89 Queensway, Hong Kong ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 195 Emirates 11/F, Henley Building 2526-7171 5 Queen’s Road Central, Central EVA Airways Room 901, Jardine House 2810-9251 1 Connaught Place, Central Finnair Room 2312, Cosco Tower 2117-1238 183 Queen’s Road Central, Central Garuda Room 1501-05, Dah Sing Financial 2840-0000 Indonesia Centre, 108 Gloucester Road Gulf Air Room 2508, Caroline Centre 2882-2892 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay Hong Kong Dragonair House, 11 Tung Fai Road 3193-3193 Dragon Airlines HKIA, Lantau Japan Airlines 30/F, Tower 6, The Gateway, Harbour 2523-0081 City, 9 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Japan Asia 20/F, Gloucester Tower, The Landmark 2847-4577 Airways 11 Pedder Street, Central KLM Royal Room 2201-03, World Trade Centre 2808-2118 Dutch Airlines 280 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay Korean Air 11/F, Tower 2, South Seas Centre 2368-6221 75 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Lufthansa Room 1109, Nam Fung Tower 2868-2313 German Airlines 173 Des Voeux Road, Central Malaysia 23/F, Central Tower 2525-2321 Airlines 28 Queen’s Road Central, Central Northwest Room 1908, Cosco Tower 2810-4288 Airlines 183 Queen’s Road Central, Central Pacific Airlines Suite 1006, Tower 2, China 2377-9100 Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Road Tsim Sha Tsui Pakistan Room 401A, Empire Centre 2366-4770 International 68 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East Airlines Philippine 6, G/F, East Ocean Centre 2301-9350

Airlines 98 Granville Road, Kowloon ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 196 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Qantas Airways 24/F, Jardine House 2822-9000 1 Connaught Place, Central Royal Brunei Room 2505A, Caroline Centre 2869-8648 Airlines 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay Royal Nepal Room 704, Lippo Sun Plaza 2375-9151 Airlines 28 Canton Road Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Scandinavian 1401, 14/F, Harcourt House 2865-1370 Airlines System 39 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai 17/F, United Centre 2529-6821 Airlines 95 Queensway, Admiralty South African 6/F, Club Lusitano 2722-5768 Airways 16 Ice House Street, Central SriLankan Room 2703, 27/F, Tower 1 2521-0708 Airlines Lippo Centre, 89 Queensway, Admiralty Swiss 33/F, Unit 1-3A, 2861-8888 International Air 60 Wyndham Street, Central Thai Airways Room A, 24/F, United Centre 2876-6899 International 95 Queensway, Admiralty United Airlines 29/F, Gloucester Tower 2810-4888 The Landmark, Central Varig Brazilian 29/F, Gloucester Tower 2511-1234 Airlines The Landmark, Central Vietnam Room 3012 2810-6680 Airlines One International Finance Centre 1 Harbour View Street, Central Virgin Atlantic 27/F, Kinwick Centre 2532-6060

Airways 32 , Central ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 197 Chapter 25: Helpful Chinese Place Names and Cantonese Phrases

Not all Chinese people speak English well and this sometimes makes communication difficult. The idea of this chapter is to take the hassle out of asking for directions, shopping and just getting around.

Chinese place names

This list of place names will be helpful in general but if you are taking public transport it is simpler to show the driver your destination, which he/she will immediately know from the Chinese characters.

Hospital

Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital Caritas Medical Centre Fanling Hospital Kwong Wah Hospital Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital Pok Oi Hospital Prince of Wales Hospital Princess Margaret Hospital Queen Elizabeth Hospital Queen Mary Hospital St. John Hospital Tang Shiu Kin Hospital Tuen Mun Hospital United Christian Hospital Yan Chai Hospital

Police Stations

Hong Kong Island Central Waterfront

Peak ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 198 ○○○○○○ Western Aberdeen Stanley Wan Chai Happy Valley North Point Chai Wan

Kowloon Wong Tai Sin Ngau Tau Kok Tsz Wan Shan Sai Kung Kwun Tong Tseung Kwan O Sau Mau Ping Tsim Sha Tsui Yau Ma Tei Sham Shui Po Cheung Sha Wan Mong Kok Kowloon City Hung Hom

New Territories Kwai Chung Tsing Yi Tsuen Wan Sha Tin Tin Sum Ma On Shan Lantau North Mui Wo Airport District Tai Po Sheung Shui Tuen Mun Castle Peak

Yuen Long ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○ 199 Tin Shui Wai Pat Heung Sha Tau Kok Lok Ma Chau Ta Kwu Ling

Places of Interest

Hong Kong Island Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter Cat Street City Hall Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware Happy Valley Race Course Hong Kong Arts Centre Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences Hong Kong Park Hong Kong Racing Museum Hong Kong Stadium Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens Man Mo Temple Museum of Chinese Relics Ocean Park Police Museum St. John’s Cathedral Stanley Market Victoria Park

Western Market ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 200 ○○○○○○ Kowloon Clock Tower Hong Kong Coliseum Hong Kong Cultural Centre Hong Kong Museum of Art Hong Kong Museum of History Jade Market Kowloon Park Park Ladies’ Market (Tung Choi Street) ( ) Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum Temple Street Wong Tai Sin Temple Yuen Po Street Bird Garden

New Territories Che Kung Temple Ching Chung Koon Fung Ying Sin Koon Hong Kong Railway Museum (Kam Tin Walled Village) Lok Ma Chau Lookout Point Po Lin Monastery’s Giant Buddha Sai Kung Sheung Yiu Folk Museum Sam Tung Uk Museum Sha Tin Race Course Tai Fu Tai Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery Yuen Yuen Institute

Transportation

Ferry Pier to Outlying Islands

Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○ 201 Hong Kong International Airport Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Pier Hung Hom Railway Station Peak Tram Lower Station Peak Tram Upper Station Star Ferry Pier

Major Buildings

Hong Kong Island Admiralty Centre Bank of America Tower Bank of China Tower Central Plaza Citibank Plaza Citibank Tower CTS House Exchange Square Fairmont House Hongkong Bank Headquarters Building Hopewell Centre Jardine House Landmark Lippo Centre Pacific Place Shun Tak Centre United Centre World Trade Centre World Wide House

Kowloon Argyle Centre Bank Centre Cameron Plaza Carnarvon Plaza Cheung Sha Wan Plaza Chinachem Tower

Chungking Mansions ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 202 ○○○○○○ Hollywood Plaza New World Centre Ocean Centre Ocean Terminal The Palace Mall Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard Sino Centre

Handy phrases in Cantonese

These handy phrases, with a pronunciation guide cover the basics, will help you to communicate in Cantonese. The main thing to remember is that Cantonese is a “tonal” language. A word can have different meanings depending on how high or low it is pronounced. However, with practice, you’ll eventually get it right.

We have also put in the Chinese characters so that if the person you are speaking to does not understand, you can just point to the Chinese text. The Chinese text will also help if you want to ask your Chinese friends to teach you the exact pronunciation.

Basics

English Pronunciation Chinese I Ngoh (“ng” sounds like the “ng” in “sing”) You Nei (“n” is sometimes pronounced like “l” as in “lei”) He, she, it Kui We Ngoh dei You (plural) Nei dei They Kui dei 0 Ling 1 Yat ( ) 2 Yi, leung ,

3 Saam ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○ 203 4 Sei 5Ng 6 Luk 7 Chat 8 Baat 9 Gau 10 Sap 11 Sap yat 12 Sap yi 20 Yi sap 30 Saam sap 100 Yat baak 1,000 Yat chin 10,000 Yat maan

Hellos and how-are-you

English Pronunciation Chinese Hello / Nei ho how are you? Good morning Jo san Goodbye Joi gin ( ) (but often just “bye-bye”) Thank you M goi (when someone helps you) Doh je (when someone gives you something) You’re welcome M sai m goi / M sai haak hei / I’m sorry Dui m jue

At home

English Pronunciation Chinese Mother Ma ma A ma Mummy Father Ba ba A ba

Daddy ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 204 ○○○○○○ Uncle Baak baak (A baak) ( ) Suk suk (A suk) ( ) Aunt A yi / Kaau mo / Son Jai jai (A jai) ( ) Daughter Nui nui (A nui) ( ) Kitchen Chue fong Bathroom Chung leung fong Bedroom Sui fong Living room Haak teng Dining room Faan teng Table Toi Chair Dang Dishes Dip Carpet Dei jin Sofa Soh fa Lamp Dang Laundry Sai saam Cleaning / washing Maat / Sai /

Getting around

English Pronunciation Chinese Taxi Dik si Bus Ba si Mini-bus Siu ba MTR station Dei tit jaam KCR station Foh che jaam LRT station Hing tit jaam Star Ferry pier Tin sing ma tau New ferry terminal San ma tau Ticket Fei Turn left Juen joh Turn right Juen yau Turn around Juen goh wan Stop here Ting Keep going Gai juk How much? Gei chin a? Which way is ...? Dim hui ...? I want to go to ... Ngoh seung hui … … I’m lost Ngoh dong saat lo / /

Ngoh m sik lo ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○ 205 In the market

English Pronunciation Chinese Rice Faan Bok choy Baak choi Choy sum Choi sam Broccoli Gaai laan Carrot Loh baak Green onion Chung Onion Yeung chung Ginger Geung Garlic Suen tau Bamboo shoot Sun Mushrooms Gwoo Dung gwoo Moh gwoo Chicken Gai Fish Yue Shrimp Ha Pork Jue yuk Beef Ngau yuk Catty Gan Half Yat boon Quarter Yat goh gwat / / Sei fan yat How much is it? Gei doh chin? That’s too Taai gwai / expensive Ho gwai

What’s cooking?

English Pronunciation Chinese Breakfast Jo chaan Lunch Ng chaan / Aan jau / Dinner Maan chaan Snack Ling sik Are you hungry? To ngoh mei a? I’m full Ngoh ho baau

Soup Tong ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 206 ○○○○○○ That’s delicious Ho mei do / / Ho sik It’s not delicious M ho mei / / M ho sik Salt Yim Pepper Woo jiu fan Water Sui Would you like Yiu m yiu doh di? / / some more? Jung yiu m yiu di? Yes Hai / Ho / Dak / / No M hai / M ho / M dak / / Big Daai Small Sai Too big Taai daai Too small Taai sai Too much Taai doh

Useful words and phrases

English Pronunciation Chinese Wait a moment Dang (yat) jan ( ) I don’t understand Ngoh m ming / / Ngoh m sik I want ... Ngoh yiu / / Ngoh oi Do you have? Nei yau mo? Yes, we have (ngoh) yau ( ) No, we don’t have (ngoh) mo ( )

Daily necessities

English Pronunciation Chinese Soap Faan gaan Toilet paper Chi ji Tissue / napkin Ji gan / “tissue” Sanitary pads Wai sang gan Tampons Wai sang min tiu Toothpaste Nga go Comb Soh

Brush Soh / Chaat / ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○ 207 Writing paper Ji Pen Bat Envelope Sun fung Stamps Yau piu

Emergencies

English Pronunciation Chinese I feel sick Ngoh beng joh I am injured Ngoh seung joh / / Ngoh sau seung Hospital Yi yuen Fire! Fok juk! Police! Ging chaat! Help! Gau meng! Thief! Yau chaak a! / Chaak a! Rapist! Keung gaan a!

Remember:

• The ‘a’ sound is like the ‘u’ in ‘cut’ or the ‘o’ in ‘mother’- not like the ‘a’ in ‘bang’. • The ‘ei’ sound is like ‘ay’ in ‘day’. • The ‘eu’ is like ‘er’ in ‘were’ but there is no ‘r’ sound. • The letter ‘i’ is pronounced ‘ee’ and so ‘yi’ sounds like ‘yee’. The ‘i’ in Cantonese is longer than the ‘i’ but shorter than the ‘ee’ in English. • ‘Leung’ is like ‘lurk’ but without the ‘r’ and ‘k’ sounds, and with the ‘ng’ sound of

‘song’ at the end. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 208 ○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○ 209 210 KCRC Rail Networks

SHENZHEN East Rail / Tsim Sha Tsui Extension

LO WU Ma On Shan Rail

SHEUNG SHUI FANLING

TAI WO TAI PO MARKET

WU KAI SHA UNIVERSITY MA ON SHAN HENG ON

RACECOURSE TAI SHUI HANG FO TAN

SHA TIN SHEK MUN TAI WAI CITY ONE SHA TIN WAI CHE KUNG TEMPLE

KOWLOON TONG

MONG KOK

HUNG HOM

EAST TSIM SHA TSUI ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○ 211 Wetland Long Ping Tin Heng Park Hong Lok Tai Tong Road Road Tin Yat Kam Sheung Road

Tsuen Wan West Tin Sau Tin Fu Mei Foo Fung Nin Road Chung Fu Tin Yuet Yuen Long Nam Cheong Tin Wing Shui Pin Wai Terminus Chestwood Ginza Tin Wu Tin Tsz

Ping Shan Sam Shing Terminus-Siu Hong

Tin Shui Ferry Pier Terminus-Tin King Wai Tong Fong Ferry Pier Terminus-Yuen Long Terminus Ferry Pier Terminus-Yuen Long Terminus

Hung Tin Road Ferry Pier Terminus-Siu Hong Locwood Tin Yiu Emergency Platform Tin Shui Hang Mei Ferry Pier Terminus-Yuen Long Terminus Tsuen Ferry Pier Terminus-Siu Hong Chung Uk Tsuen Tin Shui Wai Circular Nai Wai Tin Shui Wai Circular Tin Yat - Yau Oi

Tin Wing-Yuen Long Terminus

West Rail Kei Lun Siu Hong Interchange with MTR

Interchange with West Rail Tuen Mun Fung Tei San Wai Hospital Leung King Tin King Kin Sang Ching Chung

Affluence

Prime Ngan Wai View Shek Pai Tai Hing Tai Hing (North) (South) Choy Yee Bridge San Hui Shan King (North) Ho Tin Ming Kum Shan King (South) Hoh Fuk Tong Tuen Mun Kin On Pui To Tsing Wun Town Centre

Tsing Shan Tsuen Yau Oi On Ting

Ferry Pier Terminus Siu Lun Lung Mun Goodview Garden LTR Depot Sam Shing Butterfly Terminus

Melody Garden Siu Hei Tuen Mun Swimming Pool

212 West Rail Route Map

SHENZHEN

LONG PING TIN SHUI WAI YUEN LONG

KAM SHEUNG ROAD NEW TERRITORIES

SIU HONG

TUEN MUN

TSUEN WAN WEST MEI FOO

NAM CHEONG ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○ 213 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 214 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 215 216 217 Committee on the Promotion of Racial Harmony

It is a joint non-governmental organisation (NGO) and Government committee. Its function is to advise the Government on public education and publicity to foster racial harmony in the community and to enhance mutual understanding between persons of different ethnic origins.

The Race Relations Unit

It is a dedicated office of the Home Affairs Bureau, established with the task of improv- ing Government’s services to the ethnic minorities. The unit’s functions are to:

• maintain a hotline for enquiries and complaints on racial discrimination; • administer the Equal Opportunities (Race) Funding Scheme; • serve as secretariat to the Committee on the Promotion of Racial Harmony and to implement the Committee’s programmes; • improve and update the “Your Guide to Services in Hong Kong”; • provide language courses through NGOs; • provide outreach work to schools; • co-ordinate and provide induction courses for ethnic groups, with assistance from NGOs.

Contact us

Our office hours are – Mondays – Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For complaints and enquiries on race, please contact us via –

• telephone: 2835-1579 • fax: 2121-1716 • e-mail: [email protected] • by post: Race Relations Unit, Home Affairs Bureau 31/F Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road

Wan Chai, Hong Kong ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 218 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○