This undated photo shows the Immigration Tower in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. (PHOTO / IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, HKSAR)
Declaration of criminal convictions will be a must for entry visa and permit applicants, including dependants, foreign domestic helpers, imported workers and students and those coming for training and working holiday, with effect from June 19.
The Immigration Department (ImmD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region announced the adjustment to the application procedures for visa and entry permits on Wednesday.
The ImmD will continue to process applications received on or before June 18, regardless of whether declaration on criminal convictions has been made
“Applicants will be required to declare whether they have any criminal convictions when they apply for relevant entry visa/entry permits,” the Immigration Department said in a notification.
As a transitional arrangement, the department will continue to process applications received on or before June 18, regardless of whether a declaration on criminal convictions has been made.
Application procedures for extension of stay will not be included in this adjustment, it said.
Foreign domestic helpers currently working in Hong Kong applying for contract renewal with the same employer or for completing the remaining or extended period of the current contract with the same employer and for change of employer in Hong Kong will not be included in this adjustment either, according to the statement.
Earlier on Feb 22 and 27, the Immigration Department made adjustments to the application procedures for entry for talent admission schemes.