Batgung

on whether you are an HK resident or not.

MrB

Hello Huiling,

I've heard something similar (maybe read it somewhere) but on the Immigration Dept.'s FAQ it says:

"Q7:Why the new policy does not grant dependants automatic right to work?

A7:
The review on the dependant policy has taken into account the practices adopted in other major developed economies, such as Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK and the USA. The requirement on dependants to seek prior permission before taking up employment in Hong Kong is in line with the international practice. It should be stressed in particular that the requirement of obtaining prior permission before dependants may take up employment is not a wholesale prohibition. Dependants who satisfy the criteria similar to those applicable under the General Employment Policy1 may be given permission to work in Hong Kong. As the sponsors of the dependants are themselves subject to an application and vetting process before they are allowed to work in Hong Kong, there is no reason why their dependants should have the automatic right to work in Hong Kong without prior permission.

1The relevant criteria are:

1. the applicant should have a good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field, but in special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence would also be accepted;

2. the applicant must have a confirmed offer of employment before making the application. The employment secured must be relevant to the applicant's academic qualification or working experience, and the job cannot be readily taken up by the local work force; and

3. the remuneration package is broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level for similar jobs in HK."

http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/faq_hkv.htm

The policy has been in effect for 3 years
http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/20030702.htm

My immigration lawyer said this:
--
Secretary of Security has announced that sometime in June, dependents of persons with employment visas will be allowed to work again without specific sponsorship but procedures to implement this change is not in place yet.
--
So it seems the timing is in June, sorry if this info has already been posted.

Cheers,
Lewi