Short-term visitor scheme expands to welfare sector
AM730 · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The government has expanded, from October 1, the immigration facilitation scheme for visitors coming to Hong Kong for designated short-term activities, adding the social welfare sector to the list of eligible fields. Labour and Welfare Deputy Secretary Ho Kai-ming said the arrangement allows non-local talent to take part in short paid activities without applying for a work visa or entry permit, but only after invitations are issued through relevant policy bureaux or departments.
Key Points
- The expanded scheme took effect on October 1 and now covers the social welfare sector under the short-term visitor facilitation arrangement for designated activities.
- Under the arrangement, non-local talent may come to Hong Kong for short paid activities without first applying for a work visa or entry permit.
- Ho Kai-ming said participants must be invited by relevant government departments or policy bureaux before coming to Hong Kong under the scheme.
- He said the new welfare-sector arrangement is mainly for internships and familiarisation, with each visit capped at no more than 14 days or about two weeks.
- Responding to criticism that the move could amount to importing more labour, Ho said the government still prioritises local employment and will handle foreign labour applications strictly.
Why It Matters
The government is trying to draw in short-term outside expertise while maintaining that local workers remain the priority, a balance that is likely to stay politically sensitive as labour importation remains contested in Hong Kong. Ho also linked the broader approach to dynamic adjustments based on sectoral demand and unemployment, including stricter scrutiny for catering-sector applications.