Hong Kong extends sex offender record checks to volunteers

Hong Kong has expanded its Sexual Conviction Record Check (SCRC) Scheme to include volunteers, a move aimed at further strengthening protection for children and mentally incapacitated persons.

The expanded coverage took effect on Monday, with a government spokesperson saying the term “volunteers” covers a wide range of roles, including but not limited to volunteer teachers and sports coaches.

To support the expansion, three additional designated police stations have been introduced to provide eligible applicants with round-the-clock fingerprinting services. Applicants can submit their requests through the online platform and make appointments for fingerprinting.

The extension follows recommendations by the Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong to broaden the SCRC Scheme to cover all existing employees, self-employed individuals, and volunteers.

At the end of 2024, the government rolled out the first phase of the expansion, which applied to prospective self-employed persons.

Authorities said they will review the experience gained from the first two phases before considering further expansion to include all existing employees and self-employed individuals, with the aim of fully achieving the scheme’s long-term objectives.

“Further details will be made available nearer the time,” the spokesperson said.