Tag: IMMD

Immigration Department To Accept Extension of Stay Applications from Outside Hong Kong

With effect from 8 April, eligible non-permanent residents who are admitted into Hong Kong under the following immigration policies/schemes and whose limit of stay is about to expire – but are presently outside Hong Kong may apply for an extension of stay under the new measure:

  1. General Employment Policy (including both employment and investment as entrepreneurs);
  2. Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals;
  3. Quality Migrant Admission Scheme;
  4. Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates;
  5. Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents;
  6. Technology Talent Admission Scheme;
  7. Capital Investment Entrant Scheme;
  8. residence as dependants; and
  9. students enrolled in full-time study programmes.

Eligible applicants may submit the applications online (www.immd.gov.hk/eng/evisaonline.html) in accordance with the prevailing application procedures for an extension of stay. If the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria under the relevant visa the ImmD may approve his/her application for an extension of stay. Successful applicants can then download the “e-Visa” after having paid the relevant fee.

Applicants will be able to complete the whole process and activate the “e-Visa” for an extension of stay from outside Hong Kong. The new measure will replace the temporary measure announced by the ImmD on 31 December, 2020.

Non-Permanent Residents Outside of Hong Kong

The Immigration Department has announced it will accept applications for return to Hong Kong from Hong Kong non-permanent residents stuck outside of Hong Kong due to the pandemic.

The Hong Kong Immigration Department announced on 31 December, 2020 that in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hong Kong non-permanent residents who are currently outside Hong Kong with their limit of stay about to expire/expired may apply for a visa/entry permit to return to Hong Kong.

In general, persons admitted into Hong Kong under various immigration policies/schemes may apply for extension of stay within four weeks before their limit of stay expires. Applicants should be physically present in Hong Kong both at the time of applications and collection of the relevant labels.

Due to the pandemic, if persons (except foreign domestic helpers and imported workers) are outside Hong Kong, with their limit of stay expiring within four weeks/expired for less than 12 months, and are not able to return to Hong Kong timely to apply for extension of stay, they may submit a duly completed application form together with the required supporting documents for application for extension of stay under the relevant immigration policy/scheme.

They are also required to furnish a letter setting out the details on their inability to return to Hong Kong timely for the extension of stay formalities.

If the application is approved, the applicant will be issued with a visa/entry permit for their return to Hong Kong within the validity of that visa/entry permit.

For details on the arrangement, please visit the Homepage of ImmD: www.immd.gov.hk.

The press release is here: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202012/31/P2020123100764.htm