Hong Kong’s Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun Yuk-han, criticized the Social Workers Registration Board for failing to prevent individuals who committed national security offenses from becoming registered professionals. Sun accused the board of neglecting social interests and professionalism by allowing those who committed serious offenses to remain in the profession.
Sun’s post on Facebook highlighted deviations from amendments to the Social Worker Registration Ordinance introduced after the national security law was imposed in 2020. The amendments prevent individuals convicted of national security offenses from registering as social workers. However, no concrete actions have been taken to enforce this measure almost two years after the amendments were introduced.
Sun emphasized the need for the board to enhance governance to safeguard national security and protect public interests. He cited instances where individuals with serious offenses were allowed to continue as social workers despite concerns.