Safety and Compliance

Be aware of deceptions such as telephone and internet scams! Scammers may impersonate different identities, for example, government officials (Police, Immigration, Department of Health, etc.) and staff of different organisations (couriers, banks, etc.). They may offer you good deals or take advantage of your kindness or fears. They can use various fraudulent tricks to ask for personal information and make you believe that you are in certain trouble, and eventually convince you that wiring money to their accounts is a way to solve the problems. Some fraudsters may even be able to provide your personal information obtained from illegal channels when approaching you. Please stay vigilant at all times! NEVER give out your personal information or transfer any money to a suspicious person or organisation. If in doubt, contact the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at (852)18222 for assistance.

Tips to avoid scams:

• Get yourself familiar with the anti-deception information provided by the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre
• Bear in mind that government departments will not contact the public via pre-recorded voice messages, and law enforcement agencies will not ask for personal information or password through phone calls/ emails
• If someone calls/emails you and claims himself/herself to be an officer from a school/government department, your potential employer or express courier service, stay calm and verify with the organisation directly using the official phone number/ email
• Be sceptical of identities of anyone, “too good to be true” offers, and any requests for money
• Do not provide your personal information (e.g., your name, identity card/passport number, bank details, passwords) to unknown individuals
• Resist the pressure from scammers to act immediately
• Hang up suspicious calls
• Never transfer money to unidentifiable bank accounts

Beware of pickpockets, especially when you are in a crowd or on public transport, such as the MTR. Coffee shops, student canteens and libraries are also areas in which thefts are common. Do not leave your personal computer, mobile phone or other belongings unattended. Students may report the loss of identity documents, objects of value and other non-emergency reports to the police via the e-Report Centre. 

Petty crimes are common in tourist spots such as Lan Kwai Fong, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok. Always hang out with people you can trust, especially when clubbing and in bars, and always stay in groups. Serious crime rates are comparatively low in Hong Kong. However, it is in your best interests to remain vigilant regarding your personal safety. 

Under the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, sexual harassment in the education and employment fields is unlawful. CityUHK is committed to providing a harmonious environment for both staff and students, and we adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a breach to staff and student discipline and shall be subject to disciplinary action, which may entail civil liability and even criminal consequences. Students are invited to complete the online tutorial on anti-sexual harassment policy. For more information, please visit the website of the Committee Against Sexual Harassment (CASH).

Under the Dangerous Drug Ordinance, any person who has in their possession; or smokes, inhales, ingest or injects a dangerous drug, shall be liable upon conviction to a fine of HK$1,000,000 and imprisonment for 7 years.

From 1 February 2023, cannabidiol (CBD) has been listed as one of the dangerous drugs under the Ordinance. Trafficking (import and export), sales, possession, and consumption of CBD products are considered to be offences. Offenders will be subject to fines and penalty of imprisonment.

For more anti-drug information, please visit https://www.nd.gov.hk/en/.

Smoking, including the carrying of a lighted cigarette, cigar, or pipe, is strictly prohibited in the University campus and student residence, encompassing all indoor and outdoor areas.

In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance, indoor areas of all restaurant premises, indoor workplaces, public indoor places (such as shopping malls, cinemas, concert halls and public transport carriers), as well as certain public outdoor areas (such as beaches and parks), are no smoking areas. Smoking in these designated areas is prohibited.

Starting from 30 April 2022, it is prohibited for any individual to import, promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes.

To understand more about tobacco control in Hong Kong, please visit the website of the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office.