Sex crime checks expand to cover self-employed individuals

The government expanded the Sexual Conviction Record Check (SCRC) Scheme to include prospective self-employed persons starting Monday (Dec 16) to strengthen the protection of children and mentally incapacitated individuals.

The prospective self-employed persons include private tutors, music teachers, sports coaches and individuals providing door-to-door services. 

"The SCRC Scheme remains voluntary in nature," a government spokesman said. "Employers may decide whether the SCRC is necessary after assessing the risks." 

Applications can be submitted through the new online platform, and fingerprint-taking appointments can be made at one of the six 24-hour designated police stations in North Point, Yau Ma Tei, Ngau Tau Kok, Tuen Mun, Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan.

The extension of the Scheme follows the recommendation by the Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong in May 2022 to include all existing employees, self-employed persons, and volunteers.

The spokesman mentioned that authorities will implement the recommendations in phases while ensuring that the SCRC system has sufficient capacity.

The government will refer to the experience gained from expanding the scope to prospective self-employed persons in this phase and aim to include all volunteers in the Scheme within the next year.