Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. It is a multi cultural diverse city-state and a second home to a significant number of people hailing from Australia, India, Europe, Japan, and North America, etc., making it a truly international metropolis. The people of Hong Kong, by and large, are quite friendly and helpful to immigrants. Since a remarkable number of them are from other nations they understand the problems and sentiments of the migrants.
Though the famous immigration hotspot is officially under the control of China, it has a separate and independent immigration system. Most visitors visiting the immigration hotspot need not obtain a visa in advance although a visa is still required to enter the mainland China from Hong Kong. This means that, unlike the mainland China, most visitors do not require gaining visas in advance. However, it also means that a visa is still required to enter the mainland China from Hong Kong.
Foreign nationals of the many countries /territories like; for example, United Kingdom (Full British citizens), Brazil, Switzerland, New Zealand, Norway, Zambia, etc., can enter Hong Kong visa-free as a visitor but only for a limited period of time, ranging from seven days to six months.
As a visitor without a visa, you are not allowed to work or go to school in the city-state. Moreover, you have to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay without working, and that you also have a valid return ticket. You also need a valid travel document from your home country.
Hong Kong immigration Visa Classes
Following are the categories:
Employment Visas: If you immigrate to Hong Kong for job purposes, you need to apply for a visa under the General Employment Policy. The permit is usually issued only for a limited period. To be eligible, you must already have a confirmed job offer. Your visa application should include a statement by your potential employer describing the open position. When assessing your application, the Immigration Department is likely to rule in your favor, if you meet the criteria.
If your application is approved you are allowed to bring your spouse as well as unmarried dependent children under the age of 18, provided you should be able to prove that your marriage is genuine and you have enough funds to be able to support your family financially, and guarantee them a certain standard of living and accommodation.
Work-Related Immigration: If you have successfully obtained a degree in Hong Kong, you fall under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-Local Graduates. Under this class, you are entitled to apply to stay in the city for a period of six months. Once you have completed your degree, your stay will be extended and you can look for local employment.
All visitors to Hong Kong has to fill a arrival card when clearing immigration, even while they must return a departure card at immigration control when leaving the country unless you are a Hong Kong resident with a Hong Kong identity card or a passport with a residence/employment/study visa or a Macao permanent resident with a Macao smart identity card or a Chinese citizen with a travel document issued by the Mainland China authorities.
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme Guidebook: The category is quota-based, and seeks to attract highly skilled professionals who are fresh entrants not having the right to enter and remain in the country, to settle in Hong Kong, in order to enhance the nation’s economy in the global market. Successful applicants are not required to secure an offer of local employment before their entry to the nation for settlement.
Hong Kong immigration is possible through many other easy-to-follow options as well. For proper guidance, information as per your specific needs and requirements, it is advisable to take a professional advice from an immigrant expert.
