The agreement between the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Portuguese Republic on surrender of fugitive offenders was formulated in line with international custom and principles adopted internationally concerning such issues.

The Secretary for Administration and Justice, Ms Chan Hoi Fan, told reporters on Thursday (1 August) that the agreement also complied with the existing legal framework of each side.

Macao and Portugal signed the agreement during the latest Macao-Portugal Joint Committee meeting held in Portugal in May 2019.

The Secretary said Macao had completed its internal work relating to procedures required for the official implementation of the agreement. It was currently awaiting notice from Portugal regarding completion of its internal process.

The agreement would come into effect 30 days after Macao had received such notice from Portugal, Ms Chan added.