China asks personal data from Hong Kong consulates

China has told foreign consulates in Hong Kong to share personal information about their local staff within one month.

This came on Tuesday after several media reports cited documents sent by Chinese govt to the consulates. These consist of a letter in both English and Chinese, dated Monday, originating from Beijing’s Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (OCMFA).

Additionally, two forms are included, intended for consulates to complete with information about their local employees. The letter sets a deadline of 18th October for consulates to “submit the completed forms to the protocol division.”

According to the mini-constitution of Hong Kong, Beijing manages foreign affairs concerning the city. In recent years, China has increased its control over the semi-autonomous city and enacted a comprehensive national security law in 2020 after significant pro-democracy demonstrations.

Two diplomatic sources have confirmed receiving these documents, noting that this is the first time they have been asked to provide personal details of their local staff. One source stated, “We are currently examining the document and will investigate further.”

Hong Kong Free Press also reported on this letter, stating that missions were required to complete the form within 15 days of the commencement of new staff members’ engagement.

A spokesperson for the EU office for Hong Kong and Macau mentioned they are “carefully reviewing the matter” and declined to provide further comments.

Both the OCMFA and the Hong Kong government’s Protocol Division, responsible for consular affairs and official visits to the city, have been contacted for their response.

The letter instructs all consulates in Hong Kong to “supply information about all locally employed staff, including both permanent residents and non-permanent residents.”

One form, titled “notification of locally engaged staff,” mandates consulates to furnish details about staff members’ names, job positions, home addresses, and identity document numbers.

The other form obliges consulates to inform authorities about any changes in employment status, including terminations.

(With inputs from agencies)