Hong Kong national security law: wire taps, warrantless searches, extraditions and deportations – what the new legislation means for you
- The law applies to anyone living or any company operating in Hong Kong
- Beijing’s new agency in city gets law enforcement powers, while decisions by new local committee will not be subject to judicial reviews
The legislation, in six chapters consisting of 66 articles, led to widespread concern about its implications, despite officials reiterating that it was targeted at a small minority in the city.
The Post looks at how various parties could be affected under the law:
Beijing’s new office in city
The Office for Safeguarding National Security, Beijing’s new agency in Hong Kong, can carry out law enforcement in the city, but its staff are not subject to local laws while executing their duties.
They could “provide opinion and make proposals” on important policies for national security, as well as oversee the Hong Kong government’s implementation of relevant policies, collection of intelligence and handling of national security cases. The office, together with local authorities, will also strengthen the management of “organs of foreign countries and international organisations”, non-governmental organisations and news agencies of foreign countries in the city.
A holder of an identification card issued by the office will not be subject to inspection or detention by local law enforcement officers.