Understanding Integrity in Seconds

In Hong Kong, whether you are seeking employment, obtaining qualifications, using public services, or even applying for admission to school for your children, you must abide by anti-corruption laws and must never use bribery to achieve your goals. This "Understanding Integrity in Seconds" webpage helps you instantly master the necessary knowledge on anti-corruption laws and contribute to building a clean society in Hong Kong.

To facilitate the understanding of the key points of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, we bring up the five "don'ts" tips for you.

1. Is it okay to present a gift to the principal in order to get my child into the school of my choice?

2. Wouldn't it be a problem to give a gift to my child's class teacher during festivals to express my gratitude?

3. Is it illegal to hire an agency to ensure admission to my desired university in Hong Kong?

4. Is it illegal for a supervisor to ask for tea money from his subordinates as a reward for continuing their employment?

5. Is it illegal to fill in an exaggerated number of working hours on an overtime allowance application form, or to tamper with medical certificate from a doctor in order to obtain additional paid sick leave?

6. Is there a problem with tipping private sector employees in return for their favourable treatment on official business?

7. Is it alright for a candidate to offer a "red packet" to a driving examiner in order to pass the test?

8. When applying for public services, is it illegal to attach "tea money" to the staff in the hope that things will go smoothly?

9. Can I offer advantages to bank staff for assistance in opening or retaining an account?

10. Doesn't "advantage" just refer to money? Will the ICAC not handle cases involving advantages worth only $500 or less?

11. Can "trade practice" and "custom" be used as a defence for accepting bribes?

12. Will the ICAC investigate if an employee accepts an advantage outside Hong Kong as a reward for abusing his official authority in Hong Kong?

13. Will the ICAC ask perpetrators transfer money for investigation purpose?

14. Will the identity of complainant be disclosed during investigation?

15. Does the ICAC accept anonymous complaints?

16. Can the complainant mention to other people any details of the complaint he has lodged with the ICAC?

17. Will the complainant be charged with making a false accusation if he fails to give a complete account of the details when lodging a complaint?

Offering bribes is a serious offence. Ignorance is no excuse.

If you are asked for or offered a bribe, you must refuse it immediately and report to the ICAC as soon as possible.

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Descriptions and explanation of legal requirements under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and other relevant ordinances/laws on the webpage are necessarily general and abbreviated for ease of understanding. Please refer to the original text of the relevant ordinances/laws or seek legal advice on particular issues where necessary.