The EOC welcomes the release of the Direct Investigation Report, “Government’s Arrangements for Engaging Outside Interpretation Services” by the Office of the Ombudsman on 22 July 2021. 

In the past, members of non-Chinese communities have expressed concerns to the EOC over the timeliness and quality of interpretation services when accessing public services in Hong Kong. The EOC is pleased that the report focuses its recommendations on critical areas including the establishment of a central database of interpreters, the service procurement process and the formulation of a code of practice.

The Administrative Guidelines on Promotion of Racial Equality promulgated by the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau require that appropriate language services be provided to service users of different races, so that they can have equal opportunity to access and benefit from public services. It is expected that the recommendations in the report will be conducive to improving the delivery of interpretation services, thereby enhancing access to services as set out in the Administrative Guidelines.

EOC Chairperson Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin said, “Access to public services is the right of everyone in Hong Kong.  Language and cultural barriers should not preclude anyone from receiving these services and public authorities should strive to provide appropriate language assistance to those who may face such obstacles. We look forward to seeing public authorities adopt the valuable recommendations in this report.”

• Read the EOC press release
• Download the executive summary of the Ombudsman’s report