The government requires civil servants to visit the National Security Exhibition Hall before a deadline. It is reported that some departments require employees to visit outside office hours.

The National Security Exhibition Hall has opened for over three months. It is divided into six exhibition areas. The government requires all civil servants to visit the hall at least once by December 31, 2026. Different departments have various arrangements for these visits. Some will organize group visits during working hours, while others will ask civil servants to attend during their free time. The government will not provide extra leave or payment for these visits.

Some civil service union representatives believe departments should allow employees to visit during working hours. If visits occur during personal time, participation should be voluntary. The Civil Service Bureau confirmed it has issued directives to policy bureaux and departments for these arrangements.

Departments can schedule group visits, provide transportation, or allow individual visits. If civil servants visit outside working hours, they will not receive overtime pay or compensatory time off. Some departments keep records of visits, requiring employees to sign a training log or submit a selfie to confirm attendance.

What are the main concerns civil servants have regarding the National Security Exhibition Hall visits?

Interview with Leung Chau-ting, Federation of Public Service Unions

News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Leung. The National security Exhibition Hall has been open for over three months, and all civil servants are required to visit by December 31, 2026. Could you share your thoughts on this initiative?

Leung Chau-ting: Thank you for having me. This initiative to enhance national security awareness among civil servants is significant. Though, the manner in which visits are organized raises several concerns. It’s crucial that these visits are managed effectively, considering the work-life balance of employees.

News Directory 3: The government has set directives for how departments should arrange these visits.what challenges do civil servants face with the current approach?

Leung Chau-ting: The primary challenge is the requirement for civil servants to visit the hall outside of working hours. While some departments organize group visits during work hours, many expect employees to use their personal time, and this should be voluntary. We find it unreasonable that participation is not incentivized and that there are no extra compensatory options for those attending after hours.

News Directory 3: Some departments are reportedly keeping records of visits, such as training logs or selfies. What is your perspective on this practice?

Leung Chau-ting: Maintaining attendance records through logs or selfies feels invasive to many civil servants. While accountability is vital, the methods used should respect employee privacy and not feel like an intrusion into personal time. It is essential that participation remains voluntary if it occurs outside of work hours.

News directory 3: With the stated goal of enhancing awareness of national security law, do you believe the current approach will effectively engage civil servants?

Leung Chau-ting: Engaging civil servants effectively demands a more thoughtful strategy. Many employees would be more open to visiting if these sessions were framed positively and offered as part of their work schedules. There is still ample time before the deadline, and departments have the possibility to refine their approach to better accommodate staff preferences.

News Directory 3: The Civil Service Bureau has stated that all departments will ensure service continuity while organizing these visits. What is your view on their role in this situation?

Leung Chau-ting: the Bureau has a obligation to ensure that arrangements do not disrupt services while also considering the welfare of civil servants. They should actively promote voluntary participation and explore options for conducting these visits during work hours.Though, the lack of clarity regarding consequences for those who do not comply with the visit requirement is concerning; it creates needless stress among employees.

News Directory 3: Thank you for your insights, Mr. Leung. It seems there are both opportunities and challenges ahead regarding the National Security Exhibition Hall visits.

Leung Chau-ting: Indeed, and it’s vital that conversations continue to ensure that civil servants feel valued and engaged in this national security initiative without compromising their personal time or mental well-being. Thank you.

Leung Chau-ting, of the Federation of Public Service Unions, believes civil servants are happy to visit during work hours but prefer voluntary participation for visits in personal time. He noted there is still more than two years before the deadline for visits. Many departments have also conducted training sessions on the HKSAR National Security Law.

The Civil Service Bureau stated that it aims to boost civil servants’ national security awareness. All bureaux and departments are organizing staff visits without interrupting their services. The Bureau did not clarify any consequences for civil servants who fail to visit the exhibition hall.