What Changed
- The Hong Kong SAR Government gazetted the International Organizations (Privileges and Immunities) (The International Criminal Police Organization-INTERPOL) (231st Executive Committee Session and 94th General Assembly Session) Order on October 16, 2026.
- The Order implements an agreement between the Central People's Government and INTERPOL to accord privileges and immunities for sessions scheduled in late 2026.
- The legislative submission is set for negative vetting before the Legislative Council on October 21, 2026, coming into operation on the same day.
Delegates, officials, and personnel connected with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) participating in upcoming governing sessions in Hong Kong SAR will be granted privileges and immunities under a newly gazetted order. On October 16, 2026, the Hong Kong SAR Government published in the Gazette the International Organizations (Privileges and Immunities) (The International Criminal Police Organization-INTERPOL) (231st Executive Committee Session and 94th General Assembly Session) Order.
The Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council pursuant to the International Organizations (Privileges and Immunities) Ordinance (Cap. 558). Its purpose is to implement locally the privileges and immunities stipulated in an agreement signed between the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China and INTERPOL. These legal protections apply to INTERPOL as an organization and to persons connected with it for the duration of the two official sessions taking place in Hong Kong SAR.
The General Assembly (GA) serves as INTERPOL's highest governing body, assembling member country representatives annually to address global law enforcement issues and foster international police cooperation. Hong Kong SAR will host the 94th GA session from November 30 to December 3, 2026. Prior to the assembly, the 231st Executive Committee Session will take place on November 29, 2026. The Executive Committee, chaired by INTERPOL's President, supervises the execution of GA decisions as well as the administration and work of the General Secretariat.
The Order is scheduled to be tabled before the Legislative Council on October 21, 2026, for negative vetting, and will enter into operation on that same day. A Hong Kong SAR Government spokesperson stated that the SAR Government will ensure the delivery of these events hosted by China in Hong Kong SAR to demonstrate the framework of 'one country, two systems'.
Who May Be Affected
INTERPOL, representatives of member countries, executive committee members, and persons connected with INTERPOL attending the 231st Executive Committee Session and 94th General Assembly Session.
Cross-Border Context
Reflects the implementation of a bilateral agreement between China's Central People's Government and INTERPOL within the domestic legal framework of Hong Kong SAR.
What to check next
- Review the full text of the gazetted Order tabled before the Legislative Council on October 21, 2026 to examine the specific extent of granted privileges and immunities.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.