Hong Kong Considers Draft Law Requiring Companies to Report on Modern Slavery

Proposed Bill or Initiative

Authors: Michael G. Congiu, Shareholder; Stefan Marculewicz, Shareholder; & Lavanga V. Wijekoon, Associate – Littler Mendelson, P.C.

The legislature recently proposed draft legislation to require companies to publish a statement outlining the steps taken to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in their businesses. The Draft Modern Slavery Bill 2017 creates criminal and civil offenses related to modern slavery and empowers courts to issue orders to deter future violations. The Draft Bill would apply to any “body corporate” or partnership that “conducts business or part of a business in Hong Kong.” There is a strong possibility that the Draft Bill will be enacted.