The Hong Kong Training Visa is a specialized visa that permits individuals to undertake training in Hong Kong for a limited period of not more than 12 months. The purpose of the training should be for the individuals to acquire special skills and knowledge not available in their country. This visa is particularly advantageous for those intending to offer structured internal or client training, internships, management trainee programs, and regional rotation programs.
Every year, the Hong Kong government create a list of economic and other objectives. In order to meet these objectives, the import of relevant abilities, knowledge and expertise of foreign talents and professionals is necessary. As such, this list of annual objectives in turn becomes the driving force of the in-demand employment areas and talent list that the Hong Kong government updates regularly.
Hong Kong is a world-famous international business and financial hub. Despite the tumultuous recent years due to the social unrests followed by the pandemic, Hong Kong remains one of the most business-friendly jurisdictions attracting a multitude of businesses and foreign investments. To maintain its economic growth and competitiveness in the new global economy, a strong international workforce is inescapable.
Change of employment: A foreign employee (or the Hong Kong employer) is required to notify the IMMD if they have applied for a work visa to enter Hong Kong under the General Employment Policy but later finds the working environment unsatisfactory and changes his or her job.
Public opinion claims that foreign workers are the biggest competitor for local jobs seekers – especially workers at the technician level or below – therefore affecting the labor market in Hong Kong. Some further conjecture that overseas workers are willing to accept jobs at lower salaries, therefore affecting the local salary level in the long run. In fact, the Hong Kong Immigration Department (IMMD)
Notwithstanding that the materials required have been furnished, applicants, accompanying dependant(s) and sponsors may still be required to submit further supporting documents and information in connection with the application(s) when necessary.
Who Requires an Entry Visa?Every person who wishes to enter Hong Kong for employment, investment, education, training or residence is required to obtain an entry visa. Every applicant for an entry visa, irrespective of the category of visa, needs to have a sponsor. In the case of an application for an employment visa, the Immigration Department usually insists that the employer act as the sponsor where the employer is a company.