HK Green Card (Construction) cheat sheet

The Construction Workers Registration Ordinance (Cap. 583) requires every construction worker who performs construction work on a construction site in Hong Kong to be registered.

A registered construction worker is issued a Construction Workers Registration Card (commonly called a "green card"); carrying and producing a valid card is the core statutory obligation.

A person must not be employed on a construction site to perform construction work unless the person is a registered construction worker, and employers/site controllers must not allow unregistered workers to work.

The Ordinance defines "construction work" broadly to cover building, civil engineering, demolition, renovation, maintenance and repair work carried out on construction sites.

Registration is personal and non-transferable; a worker may only use his or her own registration card and must not lend it to another person.

Using or attempting to use another person's card, or a forged/altered card, is an offence under the Ordinance and may lead to prosecution and disqualification.

The Ordinance empowers the Construction Industry Council (CIC) to administer registration, maintain the register, and issue registration cards.

A registration card has a validity period; the worker must apply for renewal before expiry to remain lawfully employable on construction sites.

The Ordinance provides for offences, penalties and powers of inspection, including the authority to require production of a registration card for verification.

An applicant must apply to the Construction Industry Council (CIC) for registration as a construction worker and for the issue of a registration card.

Applications require proof of identity (e.g., Hong Kong Identity Card or valid travel document) and any supporting documents specified by the CIC.

Applicants must satisfy the registration requirements set by the CIC, which may include relevant construction work experience or recognised training/qualifications for the trade.

The application process typically involves submitting an application form, attending an interview or verification, and having identity and qualifications checked.

A prescribed fee may be payable for registration and/or card issue; the CIC publishes the current fee schedule.

On approval, the worker is issued a registration card bearing the worker's name, photograph, registration number, trade/registration particulars and expiry date.

The card must be kept in good condition; if it is lost, damaged or the particulars change, the worker must apply for a replacement card promptly.

Workers must carry their registration card while on a construction site and produce it for inspection on request by authorised persons.

Applicants should apply early, as processing takes time; working on a construction site before registration is issued is not permitted.

The Construction Workers Registration System (CWRS) is the CIC's electronic system that records registered construction workers and supports card issue and verification.

The Register of Construction Workers is the official record of registered workers maintained under the Ordinance.

The register contains particulars of each registered worker, such as name, registration number, registered trade/grade and registration status and validity.

The CWRS enables employers, site controllers and authorised persons to verify whether a worker is registered and whether the card is valid.

Registration status can change (e.g., active, expired, suspended, cancelled); site controllers should check current status rather than relying on the physical card alone.

The CIC may update register particulars; workers are responsible for ensuring their recorded information is accurate and up to date.

Access to and use of register information is subject to the Ordinance and privacy/data protection requirements; misuse of register data may be an offence.

The CWRS supports the issue and renewal of registration cards and helps enforce the requirement that only registered workers perform construction work.

A person aggrieved by a decision of the CIC on registration (e.g., refusal, suspension, cancellation or non-renewal) may seek review of that decision.

The Ordinance sets out the review and appeal mechanism, including time limits within which a review or appeal must be lodged.

A request for review must generally be made in writing, stating the grounds and attaching supporting documents.

The CIC (or a review body established under the Ordinance) reconsiders the decision and may confirm, vary or reverse it.

A further right of appeal may lie to a specified appeal body or the court, depending on the Ordinance's provisions; strict deadlines apply.

Failing to lodge a review or appeal within the prescribed period may result in the original decision becoming final.

A worker whose registration is refused, suspended or cancelled may be unable to lawfully work on construction sites pending the outcome of the review/appeal.

Seeking review or appeal does not automatically suspend the original decision unless the Ordinance or the review body so provides.

The CIC operates service centres where workers can apply for registration, renew cards, and obtain replacement cards.

Service centres provide counter services such as document submission, identity verification, card collection and enquiries about registration status.

Workers can obtain information and assistance on registration requirements, renewal procedures and fees at service centres.

The CIC provides support services to registered workers, including training and trade-related information to help maintain and upgrade skills.

Service centres may operate by appointment or with published opening hours; workers should check current arrangements before visiting.

Enquiries and complaints about registration can be directed to the CIC through its service centres or published contact channels.

Support may include guidance on card replacement when a card is lost or damaged, and on updating personal particulars in the register.

Workers should keep their contact details with the CIC current so they receive notices about renewal and registration status.