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The Immigration Department announced today (July 23) the detailed arrangements and application procedures concerning the admission of degree or above level Mainland students graduating from University Grants Committee (UGC)-Funded Institutions for employment in Hong Kong.
"The new arrangement will be implemented on 1 August 2001. The Immigration Department will start to receive applications from that date onwards", an Immigration Department spokesperson said.
"The new arrangement aims to attract Mainland students who had completed their bachelor degree or higher level studies in Hong Kong in 1990 or afterwards to re-enter here for employment. The ultimate aim is to build up a critical mass of quality personnel so as to enhance the competitiveness of local companies in the knowledge-based global economy with a view to facilitating the economic development of Hong Kong," she added.
The arrangement is open to degree or above level Mainland students graduating from UGC-funded institutions in 1990 or afterwards except exchange students and those attending short courses. The applicants must possess skills or knowledge not readily available or in shortage locally. They must secure a job offer with a term of appointment of not less than one year and the salary must commensurate with the prevailing market rate. Besides, Mainland residents must obtain consent from the relevant Mainland authorities before entering Hong Kong for employment.
An information leaflet ID(C)946 (Chinese version) / ID(E)946 (English version) is now available which sets out the details on the above arrangements and application procedures. The information leaflet and entry visa application form ID(C)936(Chinese version) or ID(E)936(English version) can be obtained free of charge from the Immigration Department Headquarters, Immigration branch offices, District Offices, and the Immigration Section of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing. The forms can also be downloaded from the website at: http://www.info.gov.hk/immd/. Completed application forms with the necessary supporting documents may be submitted in person or by post directly to the Entry Visa (Talents and Professionals) Section of the Immigration Department. Subject to the provision of all necessary information, it normally takes 4 weeks for the Immigration Department to complete the processing. Failure to submit all necessary documents will cause delay in the processing of the application.
The Immigration Department will issue an employment entry permit to the successful applicant. Unless the applicant is holding a Chinese ordinary passport and currently residing overseas, he/she will need to return to the Mainland first to obtain an Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to Hong Kong and Macau (EEP) with an exit endorsement from the relevant public security bureau office in the Mainland before re-entering Hong Kong for employment. The entry permit issued by the Immigration Department should be affixed onto the EEP.
Successful applicant will normally be granted an initial stay of 12 months upon entry. Extension of stay will be approved if the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria. Application for change of employment will not normally be considered in the first year of admission.
"Under the laws of Hong Kong, it is an offence to make a false representation to an immigration officer. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years," the spokesperson added.
End/Monday, July 23, 2001
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