HK passes trade union bill to boost oversight, national security

It is set take effect on 5 January 2026.

The Legislative Council has passed the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025, strengthening the Registrar of Trade Unions’ powers to supervise and regulate unions.

The government said the amendments aim to safeguard national security and tighten the trade union regulatory framework.

It noted that the changes will not affect the rights of residents to form or join unions, nor hinder the operations of law-abiding unions.

The amended ordinance will be published in the Government Gazette on 4 July and take effect on 5 January 2026.

The Labour Department will release reference materials and step up publicity to help unions comply with the new rules.