In a recent development, Hong Kong’s new social work licensing body has suspended the qualifications of 11 social workers for up to three years, with eight of them having convictions related to the protests in 2019. The Social Workers Registration Board released notices in the South China Morning Post and Sing Tao Daily, listing the names, offences, and duration of the suspensions.
These social workers were convicted of various offences, including participating in unlawful assemblies and assault with the intention to prevent arrest. The board stated that the suspensions were necessary because the offences could bring the profession of social work into disrepute and are punishable by imprisonment.
The overhaul of the Social Workers Registration Board in July aimed to enhance national security protection. Government-appointed members now hold the majority on the board, and individuals convicted of national security crimes are barred from working as social workers. In a separate incident, Sze Tak-loy and Ben Chung had their qualifications permanently revoked due to their involvement in a national security case.
With approximately 28,000 licensed social workers in Hong Kong, the board requires annual license renewals. Social workers who have been convicted of offences can be denied renewal. Eddie Tse, a veteran social worker, criticized the board’s decision, questioning the inconsistency in approving licenses by the previous board.
The suspensions of the social workers varied in duration based on the nature of their convictions. Six were convicted of unlawful assembly charges related to the 2019 protests, with some receiving three-year suspensions. Other social workers faced suspensions for different offences, such as making false statements under the Housing Ordinance and theft.
Herman Hui, the chairperson of the restructured Social Workers Registration Board, emphasized the importance of improving the image of social workers in the city. He raised concerns about clients’ willingness to disclose personal matters if their social workers had criminal backgrounds. Lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen urged the board to evaluate renewal applications without political bias.
The case highlights the challenges faced by social workers in Hong Kong and the importance of upholding professional standards within the field. The actions taken by the licensing body reflect a commitment to maintaining integrity and trust in social work practices. It also underscores the broader implications of criminal convictions on professional licenses and the need for accountability within the profession.
