Exco approves proposal to promptly remove convicted Hong Kong social workers, bar national security offenders
- Those convicted of serious offences including endangering national security, ill-treating a child, rape or murder, can be permanently removed by social work regulator
- Number of members on board will increase from current 15 to 27, with 17 appointed by city leader and eight elected
The city’s key decision-making body on Tuesday also approved a proposal to expand the Social Workers Registration Board, which oversees 27,000 employees in the sector, to include more government-appointed members than elected ones.
“Their actions and decisions have damaged the professionalism and credibility of social workers. We see the urgency to amend the ordinance immediately so that the board can get back on track,” Sun added, referring to the Social Workers Registration Ordinance.
The proposed legislative amendments would empower the board, which handles social workers’ registration and disciplinary matters, to promptly disqualify those convicted of certain crimes.
Sun said there was currently no mechanism for the speedy removal of a convicted social worker, who could remain in the profession until their registration was up for renewal.
