Continuing Education Fund Updates: Upholding National Security Guidelines

Continuing Education Fund Updates: Upholding National Security Guidelines

CEF Undergoes Changes to Safeguard National Security

Following the audit review of the Continuing Education Fund (CEF) last year, the Labour and Welfare Bureau has announced updated terms for operating CEF courses. This change, effective immediately, emphasizes the responsibilities of relevant institutions or schools in maintaining national security. The review had found that some training institutions were employing immigration strategies to attract students, advertising the opportunity to work as an electrician or plumber in the UK.

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Audit Commission’s Recommendations

The Audit Commission’s report highlighted the promotional tactics of some training institutions that painted immigration to the UK as a lucrative prospect. Articles with titles like “Go to the UK to work as an electrician or plumber?” and “How can I go to the UK to work as a plumber or electrician without qualifications?” were common. The Commission recommended the incorporation of national security guidelines to curb these practices.

Revised Terms and Conditions for CEF Courses

In response to the recommendations of the Audit Commission and the Legislative Council Public Accounts Committee, the Labour and Welfare Bureau has updated the terms and conditions of the Fund. These changes specifically address the responsibilities of institutions or schools in maintaining national security. All institutions under the fund have been notified of these responsibilities. It is now imperative for all persons involved in managing, operating, or providing fund courses, including course directors and tutors, to correctly understand and abide by the Hong Kong National Security Law.

Complying with the Updated Regulations

Institutions or schools have been given a notice period of two weeks to confirm in writing that they understand and comply with the updated terms and regulations. The Hong Kong Academic and Vocational Qualifications Assessment Bureau and the Continuing Education Fund Office have also made amendments to the guidelines and documents related to the fund in accordance with these new regulations.

Emphasizing the Importance of Maintaining National Security

A spokesperson for the Bureau stressed the need for all institutions and schools running fund courses to comply with Hong Kong laws, including the National Security Law. They must fulfill their responsibility to maintain national security. The government plans to monitor the situation closely. In case of suspicion of violating the fund’s terms and conditions related to national security, the Labour and Welfare Bureau may suspend or terminate the registration of the institution or school’s fund courses and hand the matter over to law enforcement for follow-up.

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The Audit Report and Its Implications

The Audit Commission released its audit report last November, criticizing the promotion of refundable courses as contrary to the purpose of the fund. The Commission recommended that the Vocational Training Office take measures to ensure compliance with the fund’s terms and conditions related to course promotion, as well as the incorporation of responsibility to maintain national security. The report also included screenshots of related promotional articles, which introduced UK laws and licensing requirements and mentioned that the institution has qualification framework certification and can apply for courses from the Continuing Education Fund.

The recent changes to the CEF terms and conditions signal the government’s commitment to national security and emphasize the need for education institutions to align their operations with national security guidelines.