Enhanced bill for social workers unveiled

It is set for first and second readings in LegCo on 22 May. 

The Labour & Welfare Bureau announced today that the Social Workers Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024 will be gazetted on 17 May.

The amendments aim to improve the governance of the Social Workers Registration Board to better serve the community and safeguard national security. 


Key changes include expanding the board's membership for broader participation, requiring all members to take an oath, enabling the prompt removal of social workers convicted of serious offences, clarifying the effective date of the Code of Practice and the appointment process for the Disciplinary Committee Panel, and setting new professional development requirements.

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The bill is set for its first and second readings in the Legislative Council on 22 May. 

The bureau said that social workers, given their influence and the trust placed in them by clients, must uphold the rule of law and safeguard national security, social order, and public interest.