(Policy Address 2025) HK to promote ethnic minority integration through care teams and enhanced language service

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at supporting ethnic minorities (EMs) during his policy address on Wednesday, emphasizing their vital role in the Hong Kong community. 

The measures focus on enhancing Chinese-language learning, daily living, community integration, and employment opportunities for EMs.

To foster greater community integration, the Home Affairs Department (HAD) will establish additional Ethnic Minority Care Teams under the Support Service Centres, covering the North and Islands Districts.

Additionally, the HAD will launch a Youth Network and a Women's Network across its 10 Support Service Centres to organize targeted activities for EM youth and women.

Starting in December, the government will open a new Interpretation and Translation Service Centre to better serve EMs. Efforts to promote racial integration will also be strengthened through expanded messaging and radio programs.

The Health Bureau will introduce a pilot project providing emotional support and counseling services for EMs through a dedicated service center. To boost employment opportunities, the government will continue its internship program for EM post-secondary students, offering basic workplace Chinese training.

Government departments may also design job-oriented language tests to provide alternative pathways for EM applicants to meet language proficiency requirements. Recruitment information will be actively disseminated to attract EM talents to the civil service.

For non-Chinese-speaking students, Lee announced that learning materials for the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi Chinese Proficiency Test will be extended to junior secondary levels starting in the 2026/27 school year.

The government will also continue offering after-school Chinese language courses and support cross-school teacher-learning communities to enhance educational support.