Posted by
whattodo
19 yrs ago
Hi all,
I am currently allowed to work/live in HK until Aug 2008 based on current employer and conditions, however, I have now a new job offer. Want to know what happens with my work permit, (is still applicable?, do I have to re-apply again, can my current employer cancel it, any other implications, or am I worrying too much!?) current firm will not be happy, as they brought me over from UK, I am British, any advice?
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Thanks for info, that would be the best case, but I don't have time, as the company is setting up regional office in HK, so I assume that it will take some time to register etc, (which there doing now), anyway I will make them aware, just don't want to jump too soon!, I'm sure there is only a small risk, but still want to be sure
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Your visa is only applicable to your current job. If you change jobs you need a new visa and your old employer has the obligation to inform Immigration of your leaving the company.
Visa applications usually take about 4 to 6 weeks if all documents are in order. If extra urgent, you can ask Immigration to hurry up. If your lucky, it works. I once managed to get a visa within 10 days! Very unusual though and only due to the very nice Immigration officer that handled my application.
In any event, I highly recommend to talk to the Immigration. Call them up. It sometimes takes some time and effort to get through, but they are very competent and can tell you exactly what you need to know.
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exactly the next step from me, i remember from the first time I did it, it was around 4 weeks, I wasn't sure of the implications of leaving current employer, but you've answered that thanks, as mentioned above they gave me 2 year working visa last year, (I assume that for the first year, you cna only get a 1 year one, anyway, this seems irrelevant if the company cancels it, how about HKID card?, will this have to change/re-issued, e.g could I still use it for entering/exiting HK. I have currently been working in HK for 2 years now.
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Goloh
19 yrs ago
I was in a similar situation once. Not only does the old employer have the right to notify Immigration, they have the obligation to do so, I think. Cross-checks are available to the Government if they want to see who your sponsor is as against who is paying your salary.
Having said all that, and having dealt with Immigration people all over Asia, the ones in Hong Kong are exceptionally reasonable and helpful. But my personal advice is to assume a worst-case scenario, that something goes wrong with the new company before they can sponsor you. (I mean, of course you don't think this can happen, but what if it did?) Would your old company take you back? Otherwise, follow what ppoutdoor and Wupper say just above. Sure you can make the new company aware--but only you can protect yourself.
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whattodo - I believe that you can keep your HKID card if you change from one employer to another and have obtained the proper visa. Howeer, I don't think that you can or should try to use your HKID card to enter Hong Kong without having a valid employment visa. Would likely be seen as illegal entry. But again - in doubt ask Immigration.
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TC
19 yrs ago
You can exit using the ID card, but when you re-enter (provided your old employer has notified Immigration as per its obligation) you will have to enter on a tourist visa.
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thanks again, only seems to confirm my "slight" fears over the issue, it would be easier if the company already has an office, however, as I mentioned it is just establishing one, the immigration department is helpful and my next stop and for me to make new company aware of the steps etc, trouble is I've got to rely on them more than I want as I need to start relatively soon, for sure no chance of old company taking me back!
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Best of luck! I hope it works out for you. But as long as the company is serious about setting-up, I think you don't need to worry too much.
Just fyi (not sure whether it applies to you). If you are marrried and your spouse is working on an employment visa in Hong Kong, you can apply for a dependant visa, which also allows you to take up employment.
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Just what I needed a little confidence booster, cheers!, company's relatively big on a global basis, and have secured premises etc, just need to make them aware of rules/regs etc.
I'm sure that i am not the first gweilo to move jobs in HK!
Yes looked into this as well but for other way around! planning on getting married this year, and then hopefully she can find work easier.
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When i switched job, the immigration officer asked for a letter from my ex-employer to proof that they have cancel my previous work visa in order for me to reaply for a new one. They also need me to supply a new employment contract with the new offer.
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yes I assume that is standard, i think that the new employer will also have to write a letter giving reasons for employing etc, or reason why HK citizen could not fill the post
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kin hell!, I thought that this was getting easier and less worrying!, can't seem to get through to anybody at immigration so I'll have to turn up in person and confess everything (switching jobs in HK sounds like a crime here!).
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Not to worry - hotline can be tricky but you need patience... lots of it ;-) Call them up, once you have chosen your language, dial 0, which will put through to officers serving the hotline. If your lucky, they put you straight in queue (music will play and evey minute or so they will tell how many callers are in front of you). Mind you, the system crashes quite a bit and more often than not, the music will stop and they will not tell you anymore how many are in friont of you. Nevermind, dont hang up! You are still in queue. Just be patient. Can easily take 15 minutes.
With regards to "asking for permission". Well, they cannot deny you yourright to terminate an employment. Just be aware that your visa is then not valid anymore. And if you have advance knowledge (as you always do) it is no harm in informing the Immigration asap.
I can only repeat myself, once you gone through the trouble or reaching the hotline, the people there are really good and friendly. Make sure that you ask all your question though. Otherwise, you need to call them again ;-)
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Will give it a go then!, thanks.
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TC
19 yrs ago
Another option is to send them an email in which you can take your own time to set out all of your issues/questions. If you give them a phone number they will call you back. As stated above, when you do get to speak with one of the officers they are usually VERY helpful.
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