The public is reminded that many offices of Government policy bureaus and departments will not open on Saturday as the Government adopted a five-day week on July 1.

Departments' work schedules may vary and the public is advised to check with the 24-hour Citizen's Easy Link 1823 or to look up the Government's five-day week website before visiting Government offices on Saturdays.

Among offices that have extended their working hours are the Transport Department's licensing offices, which now open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays. Motorists may also renew their driving or vehicle licences from the Transport Department by post or authorise an agent to act on their behalf.

The Home Affairs Department's Public Enquiry Service Centres - except those in Cheung Chau and Mui Wo - now stay open from 9am until 7pm on weekdays, and the Inland Revenue Department's Central Enquiry Counter opens weekdays from 8.15am to 5.30pm.

Traders may obtain most of the services the Trade & Industry Department provides through electronic means around the clock.

Emergency, essential services remain unchanged

The Government has taken care to ensure that people in need of assistance will still be able to get help under the new work pattern. Emergency and essential services have not been affected.

Most Social Welfare Department services such as its hotline services, integrated family service centres and social security field units will be maintained on Saturdays.

The Labour Department's 10 job centres, occupational health clinics and occupational medicine units for sick-leave clearance will operate on Saturdays. The department's enquiry hotline will continue its round-the-clock service.

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 - remain unchanged. Mail delivery will also continue on Saturdays.

The Education & Manpower Bureau's 16 service centres for teachers, parents and students will also remain open on Saturdays.