From June 19th, entry visas must declare criminal records. Who will be affected?

label： 2023-06-06

Important reminder!

Since June 19, multiple entry permits in Hong Kong must declare criminal records.

Expand the scope of "no criminal record" declaration

The official website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department announced that after the Immigration Department adjusted the entry application process of the Imported Talents Program on February 22 and 27, 2023, it will adjust other visas/entry permits (including dependents, foreign families) from June 19. Helpers, imported labor, students, training and working holiday schemes), applicants must declare whether they have a criminal conviction record when applying for relevant entry visas/entry permits.

After the Hong Kong government required visa applicants for the "High-end Talent Pass Scheme", "Excellent Talent Entry Scheme", and "Mainland Talents Admission Scheme" to declare no criminal record in February, the requirement has recently been expanded to include dependents, foreign nationals, etc. Visa applicants such as domestic helpers, imported laborers and students, which means that almost all visas coming to Hong Kong (except tourist and consular are still not affected), need to declare whether they have criminal conviction records.

Existing personnel are not affected

According to the official news released by the Hong Kong Immigration Department, this adjustment does not include the application process for extending the period of stay, nor does it include the remaining/extended period for foreign domestic helpers who are currently working in Hong Kong to renew their contracts with the same employer or complete their existing contracts and the application process for changing employers in Hong Kong.

Regarding the transitional arrangements, the official stated that for applications that arrive at the Immigration Department on or before June 18, regardless of whether the applicant has declared whether he has a criminal conviction record, the Immigration Department will still process the application.

This means that all those who have been granted visas in Hong Kong and have been renewed will not be affected. Once they leave Hong Kong and apply again, they must declare.

14 years in prison for providing false information

The Immigration Department emphasizes that applicants must provide correct, complete and true information when processing applications.

Anyone who knowingly and deliberately declares false information when handling any application for going to Hong Kong, or fills in information that he knows to be false or does not believe to be true, is guilty of a crime and will be dealt with seriously by the relevant law enforcement agencies. Sentenced to a fine of 150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years.

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What are the ways to obtain a visa to immigrate to Hong Kong

According to the website of the Immigration Department, visas or entry permits for entering Hong Kong are mainly divided into five categories. The first category is to attract talents, which includes 7 programs, such as the "High-end Talent Pass Scheme", "Quality Talent Admission Scheme" and "Mainland Talents Admission Scheme". "wait.

Among them, the first two plans are especially favored by high-net-worth individuals and outstanding talents, and many elites choose these two methods to plan their Hong Kong identity.

The remaining four categories are foreign domestic help/imported labor, investment/training/other employment, study/residence and tourism.

As an Asian financial center and an international business hub, Hong Kong has an open economic environment and a superior geographical location, making it an ideal destination for relocation in the eyes of many people. The Hong Kong government also attaches great importance to talents and provides many preferential welfare policies.

With a Hong Kong identity, you can not only enjoy global business opportunities and low tax benefits, but also allow your children to enjoy high-quality educational resources, and your family to enjoy comprehensive social welfare and high-quality medical care. If you are interested in planning your Hong Kong identity, please contact Xingyunhai International!

Xingyunhai International is headquartered in Hong Kong, China, occupying regional advantages and possessing strong resources. Professional consultants, senior copywriters, and post-service teams follow up the whole process, providing comprehensive and considerate services such as Hong Kong immigration, further education, and investment.