28 August 2023
The Ministry of Justice presented the “Explanation in relation to the Decision on Extension of the Authorization of the State Council to Carry out Pilot Programs for Hong Kong and Macao Lawyers to Obtain Mainland Lawyer Practicing Qualifications and Engage in Legal Professional Work in the Nine Cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (“the Greater Bay Area”) (Interim Measures)” on August 28, 2023. According to the relevant regulations, the pilot program allowed Hong Kong legal practitioners and Macao lawyers (collectively as “Hong Kong and Macao lawyers”) to obtain Mainland legal practicing qualifications and engage in legal professional work in the nine cities in the Greater Bay Area is set to expire on 4 October 2023. In order to further leverage the professional role of Hong Kong and Macao lawyers, it is proposed to extend the pilot program for an additional three years, until 4 October 2026.