***********************************************
The public is reminded that many offices of Government policy bureaus and departments will not open this Saturday (July 8) as the Government adopted a five-day week on July 1.
As departments' work schedules may vary, the public is advised to check with the 24-hour Citizen's Easy Link 1823 or to look up the dedicated website at www.info.gov.hk/info/5day before visiting Government offices on Saturdays.
A Government spokesman said that some departments would close their service counters on Saturdays, but keep them open longer from Monday to Friday.
"Among offices that have extended their working hours are the licensing offices of the Transport Department, which now operate from 9am to 5pm on weekdays. These offices used to close at 4pm before July 1," the spokesman noted.
The Home Affairs Department's Public Enquiry Service Centres (except Cheung Chau and Mui Wo) now stay open from 9am until 7pm on weekdays, and the Inland Revenue Department's Central Enquiry Counter from 8.15am to 5.30pm.
"Bureaus and departments have put in place or further enhanced alternative means of service delivery. For example, motorists may renew their driving or vehicle licences from the Transport Department by post or authorise an agent to act on their behalf. Traders may obtain most of the services provided by the Trade and Industry Department through electronic means round the clock," he added.
The spokesman said the Government had taken care to ensure that people in need of assistance would still be able to get help under the new work pattern.
Most services provided directly to the public by the Social Welfare Department will be maintained on Saturdays. Examples include the departmental hotline service, integrated family service centres and social security field units.
Meanwhile, the Labour Department's 10 job centres, occupational health clinics and occupational medicine units for sick leave clearance will operate on Saturdays; and the department's enquiry hotline will continue its round-the-clock service.
The spokesman stressed that the provision of emergency and essential services would not be affected by the new work pattern.
"The opening hours of all post office counters, and all Immigration Department service counters (for registration of births, deaths and marriages, registration and replacement of identity cards, visa and travel document applications, etc) remain unchanged. Mail delivery will also continue on Saturdays."
The Education and Manpower Bureau's 16 service centres for teachers, parents and students, etc. will also remain open on Saturdays.
"Residents may continue to book leisure facilities and enrol in activities at more than 130 leisure venues of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, most of which open seven days a week," the spokesman said.
Ends/Thursday, July 6, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:01
NNNN