Under new provisions passed on Friday by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC), lawyers from Hong Kong and Macao who pass an examination can provide services on specified matters in nine Guangdong cities.
The permanent regulations, which take effect next month, are a continuation of a pilot scheme which began in 2020, and extended in 2023.
As of June, over 650 lawyers have passed the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Legal Professional Examination and obtained a GBA Lawyer’s Licence.
The test is administered by the State Council’s judicial administration department, which also decides on the scope of practice for the applicants.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, NPCSC delegate Starry Lee expressed optimism about the impact of the amendments.
“I expect that more Hong Kong lawyers will be willing, or will continue, to obtain the Greater Bay Area lawyer qualification, and thereby participate in mainland legal work, especially in foreign-related law,” she said.
The Legislative Council president added that as the country pursues a high-level opening-up policy, there has been a consistent emphasis on strengthening the training of legal professionals with expertise in international law.
Lee also highlighted Hong Kong’s unique advantages under its common law system, describing the city as one of the nation’s most open and internationalised jurisdictions.
By practising in the GBA or engaging in cross-border arbitration, she said, Hong Kong lawyers can play a vital role in advancing the mainland’s legal capabilities in foreign-related matters.