Visa/ID card problem

Posted by agentsumo (297 days ago)

Hi - searched thread but cannot find anything answering my question. Was employed on a working visa by my previous employer, left after 2 months due to creative differences. Started work with a new company (they are now about to apply for a new visa). However I need to apply for a HK ID card within the next few days as its nearly been one month since I got my working visa approved.
My work visa is from previous employer so I am guessing the HK ID card will relate to that. My new employer suggests I call immigration and tell them I am too busy to come to sort ID card for a month, during which time he will try to transfer my visa.
Anyone else been in this situation? Suggestions? Want to do things by the book, but obviously have been working for my new company on the old company's visa....

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by aemom (297 days ago)

I don't have any good information for you.

Well, you know that you are working illegally. So you need to stop working or risk deportation.

There is no real transfer of employment visas. Your new employer should have applied for a new visa before you started working. You have to submit some of the forms and copies of all your documents again with that application. It can take 4 - 8 weeks for the new visa.

People who enter HK with permission to stay 180 days or more, should apply for an ID card within 30 days of arrival. How did you work for 2 months without an ID card? I know someone who worked here for 2 years without an ID card - he just used his passport everywhere. But he was an odd duck - he applied for the ID card but couldn't be bothered to wait to pick it up.

Sounds like you're in for an interesting time with Immigration! Good luck!

(I am based in Hong Kong)