The SUN HK : Immigration to allow non-PRs to extend visas from outside HK

By The SUN

Many non-permanent residents find it difficult to return because of HK's strict pandemic rules

From tomorrow, non-permanent residents on employment visas, students, dependants and mainland professionals who are outside Hong Kong, can apply to have their visas extended online or through a representative, the Immigration Department announced today.

At present, all those applying for an extension of stay are required to be physically present in Hong Kong both at the time of application and the collection of their e-visa for an extension of stay.

The only exception are first-time domestic helpers who have been stuck in their home countries because of Hong Kong's strict travel and quarantine requirements.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

According to a statement from Immigration, the severe and prolonged Covid outbreak in the city has made it difficult for some non-permanent residents to return in time to apply for an extension of stay.

Thus, the following residents whose limit of stay is about to expire in four weeks but are still unable to return may be allowed to apply for an extension under the new measure:

1. General Employment Policy (including both employment and investment as entrepreneurs);

2. Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals;

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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 programs.

The new measure is tentatively set to last until the end of the current year.

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Eligible applicants may submit their applications online (www.immd.gov.hk/eng/evisaonline.html) or through their sponsors/authorised representatives in Hong Kong.

Immigration says approval will depend on whether the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria.

Successful applicants may download the "e-Visa" for an extension of stay upon payment of the fee. Applicants will be able to complete the whole process and activate the "e-Visa" for an extension of stay from outside Hong Kong.

PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE

The move came after six local lawmakers and a group made up of elite mainlanders who have moved to Hong Kong wrote an open letter, saying many professionals and students, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding mothers across the border face difficulty activating their visas here.

The difficulty they face in traveling between Hong Kong and the mainland because of strict pandemic rules could result in many of them giving up their visa, the letter said.

For details on the new scheme, visit the homepage of the ImmD: www.immd.gov.hk pr call 2824 6111. Enquiries may also be sent by fax at 2877 7711 or by email at enquiry@immd.gov.hk.