Job Discussion Forums

[Flabs]

I'm looking for work in Hong Kong and have had a few responses from employers which sound interested, but they all expect me to already have a visa, and don't seem to offer any assistance in how to get one. I've been to the Immigration Dept website and it seems clear that to even apply for the working visa you need a sponsor or potential employer, to fill out most of the form. It seems like a catch 22 situation to me, but I'm sure I'm just missing something obvious. I'm living in the UK, but ready to relocate and happy to pay my own visa fee. So do you have to move out there first before anyone will even look at you? How does the visa system really work out there?
Any relevant insight would be great.

[Ludwig]

No, you are not missing anything. The system works as it states how it works on their website. Yes, of course you require a sponsor and they need to place their certified company or institution 'chop' (HK English for 'stamp') on the 'change of status from visitor visa to employment visa'. Obviously only the larger, more established firms are able to actually sponsor a candidate, and not all that are able are willing. The sponsor, after all, is, if required, responsible for, among other things, your repatriation (if required). Those jobs you have received interest from will be smaller, local centres (or the like) and will be intended for those who are already here (western HK citizens, English-speaking local HK citizens, etc.). All qualifications are checked by immigration and, technically at least you (read, your potential employer) must demonstrate that you are to perform a task that no one already in HK who is willing, able and available could perform. Remember that it is not guaranteed that an employment visa will be issued, they are under no obligation to grant employment visas (another reason for a potential employer to shy away from sponsoring a candidate).

Outside of university, EMB, international, and private school posts, you really need to be in HK to obtain a post in HK (and someone already in HK will always win over someone who is not, for obvious reasons). With a British passport, however, you can remain in HK for up to 3 months on a simple visitor visa (customs stamp this into your passport upon arrival). Although technically you can not actively seek employment on this visa, you can apply for posts by sending out CVs, registering at agencies, etc. If you then receive any interest you can go into Shenzhen, come back into HK on a new visitor visa and then immediately apply for change of status. Bear in mind at all times that HK is not for beginners when it comes to qualifications and experience expected/required and that it may take quite some time to actually secure a post. This time, however, will quickly eat into even the largest of budgets whilst in HK if you are not earning a salary.

My advice would be to just take a 9,000 RMB a month post over the border in Shenzhen as a basic instructor and then actively seek employment in HK from there. That way you would be able to conduct job hunts and - arguably most important of all � be able to attend interviews. Very, very few employers will ever hire someone (read, 'sponsor someone') without having first meet them face to face at least once or twice, how could they?

[Mark-O]

Well done, Ludwig; I knew you could do it. A helpful and informative post.

[once again]

Mark-O , I agree. This may be the first attempt at normal social interaction for Ludwig, and it is right that he be commended on this. Although-Ludwig wrote:

[well-travelled]

I agree that Ludwig covers the question of HK visas etc. in a very comprehensive and helpful manner (and I personally couldn't give a toss about his punctuation).

I would, however, add one point, which almost certainly has been mentioned on this forum before. A number of teaching institutions/language schools in HK (whatever they are called) exist by employing (exploiting?) expat teachers on an illegal basis. So Flabs could come along on a 180 day tourist visa and be employed illegally by the companies concerned. I suspect that that is the import of the replies he has received from the various language schools in HK he has had contact with.

Some young expats do this and enjoy the experience. Basically, however, I feel you're better off in somewhere like Spain and Greece where the lifestyle is far cheaper and you're less likely to be employed in an illegal situation.

well-travelled

[ozman]

Ludwig's advice about the work visa was spot on as was his advice about getting a job in Shenzhen and applying for HK posts from there.
Change of status can be done, but as Ludwig say, you've got to get someone to sponsor you. I do know people who've done it though, so it's not impossible.

[Flabs]

Thanks for the advice Ludwig, really helpful to have it from someone who sounds like they know what they're talking about. Looks like I will have to re-evaluate my plans and maybe look into the Shenzhen idea. Does anyone have experience of this area of China? I've spent some time in the Yunnan province but nowhere else.

[Roger]

Well-Travelled's advice is totally misguided and misguiding; please, ignore that guy's suggestions!
Hong Kong cops are known to raid private homes in the middle of the night; besides you can be stopped anywhere for ID checks. Guess what they are going to do to you if you say "I left my ID card in the school where I work..."

Whites are no conspicuous by their absence rather than by their presence, so it is easier to keep tabs on you. The Immigration man who sees your entry eand exit stamps will make sure you have a good answer for your regular visits!

[dandan]

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are proud to present R-O-G-E-R!!! Star of the one man performance art experience 'Don Quixote goes to China'.

Now in its 12th