More than 40 per cent of Hong Kong civil servants dismissed over the past five years were sacked over not complying with the city’s vaccination requirements when Covid-19 rules were in place.
Out of the 50 dismissal cases as a result of misconduct, 21 were related to violating a policy requiring staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
From February 2022, at the height of Hong Kong’s fifth and most fatal wave of Covid-19, visitors and staff at government buildings and offices were required to meet specific vaccination requirements unless they had valid medical exemptions. The policy was later rolled out to restaurants and other businesses.
Separately, there were 74 dismissals due to criminal offences. Eighteen related to cases of shoplifting or theft, while 14 were in connection with sex-related offences.
In a February Legislative Council document, the Civil Service Bureau said the disciplinary mechanism ensures that “appropriate punishments are meted out to officers who have misconducted themselves under the principles of fairness and impartiality.”
Civil servants suspected of misconduct are given a “fair hearing and sufficient opportunities” to defend themselves, the document added, with the accused allowed to present witnesses to give evidence in hearings, and engage legal representation.
The bureau also said that civil servants who were “aggrieved” by the formal disciplinary punishment could appeal or apply for a judicial review, which are court procedures where a judge examines the decision-making processes of administrative bodies.
On Thursday, a teacher who lost her job at a government secondary school over online comments about police during the 2019 protests challenged the Civil Service Bureau’s decision to dismiss her at the High Court. She was fired last July after authorities determined that her actions had negatively affected students and tarnished the government’s reputation.
Minnesota Uber and Lyft driver pay package beats deadline to win approval in Legislature
Direct flight links China's Fuzhou with Seoul in ROK
In pics: Aohan Banner in Inner Mongolia builds grass grids for sand control
China's road logistics price index up
In pics: Aohan Banner in Inner Mongolia builds grass grids for sand control
China to build pilot zones for special needs education reform
Direct route facilitates Chilean cherry imports for Chinese consumers
Amir Khan's £11.5m luxury wedding venue finally hosts its first marriage: Bride arrives on horse
At least 14 dead and 3 missing as landslides hit Indonesia's Sulawesi island
NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98
NPC spokesperson affirms full support for HK's legislation of Article 23