HK Green Card (Construction) key terms

The Hong Kong law that establishes mandatory registration for construction workers, defines which workers must hold a valid registration card before working on construction sites, and sets out offences and penalties.

A person who performs construction work of a type specified under the Ordinance and who must therefore be registered before being employed on a construction site in a prescribed trade or skill.

A trade or occupation listed under the registration regime, such as bricklaying, concreting or scaffolding, whose workers are subject to compulsory registration before site work.

The smart card issued to a registered construction worker showing identity, registration status, trades and validity period; workers must carry it and produce it for inspection on site.

The statutory body responsible for administering worker registration, maintaining the register, issuing registration cards and handling related applications and reviews under the Ordinance.

The official record maintained by the Authority containing particulars of every registered worker, including identity details, registered trades, qualification status and card validity dates.

The computerised database and processing platform used to record worker registrations, track card issuance and renewals, and support verification of a worker's registration status.

The formal submission by a worker, with identity documents and supporting evidence of trade competence, requesting entry on the register and issue of a registration card.

A practical skills assessment administered under the registration regime to confirm that an applicant meets the required standard for a designated trade before registration is granted.

A certificate, trade test result or other credential accepted by the Authority as evidence that an applicant has the skills required for a particular designated trade.

The identity papers, qualification certificates, photographs and other evidence an applicant must attach to a registration application for the Authority to verify eligibility.

The period for which a registration card remains effective, after which the worker must renew registration to continue lawful employment on construction sites.

The process by which a registered worker applies to extend registration and obtain a new or updated card before the existing card expires.

A card whose validity period has ended; a worker holding only an expired card is not validly registered and may not lawfully work on a construction site.

A limited form of registration, where permitted under the regime, allowing a worker to work while completing outstanding requirements such as a trade test within a set period.

Registration status granted to a worker who has satisfied all qualification requirements for a designated trade, without the conditions attached to provisional registration.

The chip-based design of the registration card that stores worker data securely and allows electronic reading for identity and registration verification at site access points.

The process of checking a worker's card and registration status, whether visually or by electronic reader, to confirm the holder is validly registered for the work being done.

The practice of requiring workers to present a valid registration card before entering a construction site, often integrated with turnstiles or card readers.

The duty on contractors and employers not to employ a person on construction work unless that person holds a valid registration card for the relevant trade.

The criminal consequences under the Ordinance for working without valid registration or for employing an unregistered worker, which may include fines and imprisonment.

A formal request by an aggrieved applicant or registered worker asking the Authority to reconsider a decision such as refusal of registration or cancellation of a card.

The statutory challenge brought before the designated appeal body against a review decision, seeking to overturn or vary the Authority's determination.

The independent panel or tribunal constituted under the Ordinance to hear and determine appeals against review decisions concerning worker registration.

The internal unit or officer of the Authority that reconsiders a decision at first instance before any appeal to the independent appeal mechanism.

The prescribed number of days within which a person must lodge a review application after being notified of the Authority's decision, failing which the decision stands.

The written notification from the Authority informing an applicant of the outcome of an application and the reasons, together with any review or appeal rights.

A physical office operated for worker registration where applicants can submit forms, have documents checked, be photographed and collect registration cards.

The step at which a registered worker, or an authorised representative, picks up the issued registration card at a service centre after production.

In-person assistance at a service centre covering application submission, document verification, enquiries about registration status and card-related requests.

A telephone service staffed to answer questions about registration requirements, application progress, card renewal and review or appeal procedures.

The range of assistance measures, including information, advice and help with applications or renewals, provided to registered and prospective construction workers.

The entry or marking on a registration card showing which designated trade or trades the worker is registered to perform on site.

The removal of a worker from the register by the Authority on specified grounds, after which the worker may no longer lawfully work in the affected trade.

A temporary disabling of a worker's registration status for a defined period or pending resolution of a matter, during which site work is not permitted.

The offence of knowingly providing false or misleading information in a registration application or renewal, punishable under the Ordinance.

A person permitted to act on a worker's behalf in submitting or collecting documents at a service centre, subject to proof of authorisation.

A query, made through the CWRS or at a service centre, confirming whether a named worker is currently registered and for which trades.