Hong Kong proposes pay adjustment for judges and judicial officers in 2026-27
The Hong Kong government announced on 7 October 2026 that it will seek LegCo approval for pay adjustments for judges and judicial officers for the 2026-27 fiscal year, based on a report from the Judicial Officers Pay and Conditions of Service Commission.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government announced on Wednesday 7 October that it will seek approval from the Legislative Council's Finance Committee for a pay adjustment for judges and judicial officers for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
A government spokesman said the Judicial Officers Pay and Conditions of Service Commission had formulated its recommendations on the basis of upholding the principle of judicial independence. The commission adopted a balanced approach, taking into account a basket of factors approved by the Chief Executive in Council in May 2008, as well as the position of the judiciary.
The basket of factors includes: a comparison of judges and private practice lawyers in terms of duties, working conditions and workload; the judiciary's ability to recruit and retain judges and judicial officers; the retirement age and retirement benefits for judges and judicial officers; the benefits and allowances they receive; the characteristics of judicial service, such as tenure protection, prestige and high status; the prohibition on returning to private practice in Hong Kong after leaving office; overseas remuneration arrangements; cost-of-living adjustments; Hong Kong's overall economic situation; the government's fiscal position; private-sector salary levels and trends; and public-sector pay as a reference.
The Judicial Officers Pay and Conditions of Service Commission submitted its 2026 judicial remuneration review report to the Chief Executive on 31 August. The report has been published on the website of the Joint Secretariat for the Public Service and Judicial Officers Pay and Conditions of Service Consultative Councils.
For this pay adjustment proposal, the government will seek approval from the Legislative Council's Finance Committee.