# Hong Kong to Bar National Security Offenders from Teaching New legislation mandates strict certification requirements for all educators across the city. - **Source:** [Hong Kong Free Press](https://hongkongfp.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6a82629c-cbb1-49b1-8e50-a216d58f9310 ## New Legislative Draft The Hong Kong government is set to gazette the Education Amendment Bill 2026 this Friday. This draft law introduces a permanent ban on individuals convicted of national security offences from entering the teaching profession. The bill aims to ensure that all educators are deemed fit and proper persons for the city's schools. ## Legislative Council Timeline Following the gazetting process this Friday, the government plans to formally introduce the bill to the Legislative Council on November 25. This move follows a series of regulatory updates aimed at tightening oversight within the education sector. Authorities claim the legislation will enhance the professional standing and social status of teachers. ## Mandatory Certification System The proposed system introduces a new practising certificate requirement for all teachers. These certificates will be valid for a maximum of three school years, necessitating periodic renewal. By implementing this mechanism, the Education Bureau intends to strengthen teacher management and ensure that educators remain aligned with the city's evolving professional and legal standards. ## Historical Policy Context This legislation builds upon curriculum guidelines introduced after Beijing imposed a national security law in June 2020. Currently, teachers must already pass a test regarding the city's mini-constitution and national security legislation before appointment. These existing measures reflect a broader trend of integrating national security vetting into the local educational framework. ## External Activity Restrictions Beyond individual teacher vetting, authorities have also mandated national security checks for school activities organized by external parties. This policy is explicitly designed to prevent the dissemination of political propaganda within school environments. The Education Bureau maintains that these measures are necessary to safeguard the well-being of students in classrooms. ## Public Expectation Management The Education Bureau stated that parents and the public hold increasingly high expectations for teacher professionalism amid rapid societal changes. Officials argue that the bill addresses actual operational needs within schools. By encouraging teachers to keep pace with current developments, the government hopes to maintain stability and trust in the education system. ## Professional Standards Evolution The shift toward a more rigorous registration mechanism represents a significant change in how the city manages its teaching workforce. By linking professional status to national security compliance, the government is formalizing the political requirements for educators. This approach aligns with the administration's broader goal of maintaining strict control over public institutions. ## Long-term Educational Impact The implementation of the 2026 bill will likely reshape the recruitment and retention landscape for teachers in Hong Kong. Schools will need to adapt to the new certification cycles and vetting protocols. The ultimate success of these measures will be measured by the government's ability to balance security mandates with educational quality. ## Sources covering this story - https://hongkongfp.com/2026/11/12/hong-kong-to-gazette-bill-barring-those-with-national-security-convictions-from-teaching/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._