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Saturday, September 4, 2010

Hong Kong Immigration Requirments 

I. Introduction

This guidebook sets out the entry arrangements for persons who wish to enter/stay in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for employment as professionals.
2. Applicants who have obtained a degree or higher qualification in a full-time and locally accredited programme in Hong Kong (hereafter "non-local graduates") may apply to stay/return and work in the HKSAR under the "Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates" (hereafter "IANG").
3. Applicants who are not non-local graduates but possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in the HKSAR may apply to come to work under the General Employment Policy (hereafter "GEP"). The GEP does not apply to Chinese residents of the Mainland.
4. Chinese residents of the Mainland who are not non-local graduates but possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in the HKSAR may apply to come to work under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (hereafter "ASMTP").
5. The IANG, GEP and ASMTP are all quota-free and non-sector specific. Apart from professionals in the commercial and financial fields, they are also applicable to talent and professionals in the arts, culture and sport sectors as well as those in the culinary profession with a view to enhancing Hong Kong's status as an Asian world city.
6. The above entry arrangements do not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Albania, Cambodia, Cuba, Laos, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of), Nepal and Vietnam.

II. Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)



Eligibility Criteria
7. Non-local graduates here refer to persons from outside the HKSAR who have obtained a degree or higher qualification in a full-time and locally accredited programme in Hong Kong.
8. Non-local graduates who submit applications to the Immigration Department within six months after the date of their graduation (i.e. the date shown on their graduation certificates) are classified as non-local fresh graduates.
9. Non-local graduates who submit applications beyond six months of the date of their graduation are classified as returning non-local graduates.
10. Non-local fresh graduates who wish to apply to stay and work in the HKSAR are not required to secure an offer of employment upon application. They may be granted 12 months' stay on time limitation without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met. Those who intend to apply to stay and work in the HKSAR but have not yet secured the graduation result may apply for extension of stay to wait for the promulgation of results. Non-local fresh graduates who have not yet obtained their graduation certificate could apply to stay and work by producing a proof from the institution confirming that he/she has graduated.
11. Returning non-local graduates who wish to return to work in the HKSAR are required to secure an offer of employment upon application. The applications will be favourably considered so long as the job is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is set at market level. They may be granted 12 months' stay on time limitation without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met.
Application Procedures
Application forms
12. All non-local graduates should complete application form (ID 990A). The employing company of those returning non-local graduates should complete application form (ID 990B). The application forms (ID 990A and ID 990B) can be obtained free of charge from the following offices:
  1. Immigration Department Headquarters.
  2. Immigration Branch Offices.
  3. District Offices.
  4. Overseas Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions.
  5. Hong Kong's network of offices in the Mainland of China and overseas.
The forms can also be downloaded from the Immigration Department's website at www.immd.gov.hk.
Supporting Documents
13. Please refer to the checklist at Part VII.
Submission of Application
14. All the forms must be duly completed and signed. Where there are accompanying dependants (please refer to information at Part V below), each dependant must complete and sign Part B of application form ID 990A. For an applicant or a child dependant under the age of 16, it must be signed by the parent or legal guardian of the child. Completed application forms, i.e. ID 990A and ID 990B, and all supporting documents should be submitted by the applicant or the sponsor/reference either in person or by post to:
Receipt and Despatch Unit
Hong Kong Immigration Department
2/F, Immigration Tower
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
Travel Documentation Requirement
Mainland residents
15. Entry permit labels will be collected by the sponsor/reference from the Immigration Department for onward transmission to the successful applicants. For successful non-local fresh graduate applicants without a local sponsor/reference, the entry permit labels will be sent to them by registered mail. The applicant should then obtain an Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) and a relevant exit endorsement from the Public Security Bureau office where his/her household registration is kept. The entry permit label should be affixed onto a blank endorsement page of the applicant's EEP on which his/her relevant exit endorsement has been obtained. The applicant should present the EEP for immigration examination upon arrival in the HKSAR.
16. Successful Mainland applicant currently residing in Hong Kong, after being issued with an entry permit label, may apply for the relevant exit endorsement through China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited, as authorized by the Bureau of Exit-entry Administration of the Ministry of Public Security.
Non-Mainland residents
17. Visa/entry permit label will be collected by the sponsor/reference from the Immigration Department for onward transmission to the successful applicants. For successful non-local fresh graduate applicants without a local sponsor/reference, the visa/entry permit labels will be sent to them by registered mail. The visa/entry permit label should be affixed onto a blank visa page of the applicant's travel document for presentation to the immigration officer upon arrival in the HKSAR. Successful applicants other than those from the Mainland, whilst residing in the HKSAR, will be issued with a visa/entry permit label to be affixed onto their travel documents.
Extension of Stay
18. Persons admitted under the IANG may apply for extension of stay to work in the HKSAR within 4 weeks before their limit of stay expires. Upon application, the non-local graduates are required to secure an offer of employment which is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is set at market level. For those who have established or joined in business in the HKSAR, they are required to produce proof of their business. Successful applicants will normally be permitted to remain on time limitation on 2-2-3 years pattern without other conditions of stay.
Change of Employment
19. Persons admitted under the IANG are free to take up and change employment during their permitted stay without the need to seek prior approval from the Immigration Department.

III. General Employment Policy (GEP)



Eligibility Criteria
20. Applicants who are not non-local graduates but possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in the HKSAR may apply to come to work under the GEP.
21. An application for a visa/ entry permit to take up employment under the GEP may be favourably considered if:
  1. there is no security objection and no known record of serious crime in respect of the applicant;
  2. the applicant has a good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field, but in special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence may also be accepted;
  3. there is a genuine job vacancy;
  4. the applicant has a confirmed offer of employment and is employed in a job relevant to his academic qualifications or working experience that cannot be readily taken up by the local work force; and
  5. the remuneration package including income, accommodation, medical and other fringe benefits is broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level for professionals in the HKSAR.
22. Overseas Chinese nationals holding People's Republic of China (PRC) passports who meet the criteria stipulated in paragraph 21 and normal immigration requirements may apply to enter the HKSAR for employment under the GEP if:
  1. the applicant has permanent residence overseas; or
  2. the applicant has been residing overseas for at least one year immediately before the submission of application ("overseas" means countries or territories outside the Mainland, the Macao SAR and the HKSAR) and that the application is submitted from overseas.
Application Procedures
Application forms
23. Applicant should complete application form (ID 990A). The employing company should complete application form (ID 990B). The application forms (ID 990A and ID 990B) can be obtained free of charge from the following offices:
  1. Immigration Department Headquarters.
  2. Immigration Branch Offices.
  3. District Offices.
  4. Overseas Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions.
  5. Hong Kong's network of offices in the Mainland of China and overseas.
The forms can also be downloaded from the Immigration Department's website at www.immd.gov.hk.
Supporting Documents
24. Please refer to the checklist at Part VII.
Submission of Application
25. All the forms must be duly completed and signed. Where there are accompanying dependants (please refer to information at Part V below), each dependant must complete and sign Part B of application form ID 990A. For an applicant or a child dependant under the age of 16, it must be signed by the parent or legal guardian of the child. Completed application forms, i.e. ID 990A and ID 990B, and all supporting documents should be submitted by the applicant or the employing company in either one of the following ways:
(a) By post directly or through a local sponsor/reference in the HKSAR to:
Receipt and Despatch Unit
Hong Kong Immigration Department
2/F, Immigration Tower
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
(b) Applicants residing in overseas countries or territories may submit their application forms together with the relevant supporting documents and their travel documents in person to the nearest Chinese diplomatic and consular missions in their place of domicile.
(c) Holders of foreign passports who are living in the Mainland of China may submit the application forms together with all supporting documents to the Immigration Division of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing (Beijing Office). Applicants are required to produce their travel document to the Immigration Division of the Beijing Office so that a visa/entry permit could be issued if the application is approved. The address of the Beijing Office is:
No. 71, Di'anmen Xidajie, Xicheng District
Beijing 100009
People's Republic of China
Travel Documentation Requirement
26. Visa/Entry permit label will be issued upon successful application. It should be collected by the sponsor from the Immigration Department for onward transmission to the successful applicants. For application submitted to the Chinese diplomatic and consular mission or the Immigration Division of the Beijing Office, visa/entry permit will be issued through the relevant Chinese diplomatic and consular mission or the Immigration Division of the Beijing Office as appropriate. The visa/entry permit label should be affixed onto a blank visa page of the applicant's travel document for presentation to the immigration officer upon arrival in the HKSAR.
Extension of Stay
27. Persons admitted under the GEP may apply for extension of stay to work in the HKSAR within 4 weeks before their limit of stay expires. Such applications will be considered only when the applicants continue to meet the eligibility criteria under the GEP. Extension of stay, if approved, will normally follow the 2-2-3 years pattern, or be in accordance with the duration of the employment contract (whichever is shorter).
Change of Employment
28. Persons who have been admitted under the GEP may apply for change of employment provided that he/she continues to fulfil the eligibility criteria under the GEP and is employed in a job relevant to his/her qualification and expertise.

IV. Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)



Eligibility Criteria
29. Chinese residents of the Mainland who are not non-local graduates but possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in the HKSAR may apply to come to work under the ASMTP.
30. An application for an entry permit to take up employment under the ASMTP may be favourably considered if:
  1. there is no security objection and no known record of serious crime in respect of the applicant;
  2. the applicant has a good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field, but in special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence may also be accepted;
  3. there is a genuine job vacancy;
  4. the applicant has a confirmed offer of employment and is employed in a job relevant to his academic qualifications or working experience that cannot be readily taken up by the local work force; and
  5. the remuneration package including income, accommodation, medical and other fringe benefits is broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level for professionals in the HKSAR.
Application Procedures
Application forms
31. Applicant should complete application form (ID 990A). The employing company should complete application form (ID 990B). The application forms (ID 990A and ID 990B) can be obtained free of charge from the following offices:
  1. Immigration Department Headquarters.
  2. Immigration Branch Offices
  3. District Offices.
  4. Overseas Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions.
  5. Hong Kong's network of offices in the Mainland of China and overseas.
The forms can also be downloaded from the Immigration Department's website at www.immd.gov.hk.
Supporting Documents
32. Please refer to the checklist at Part VII.
Submission of Application
33. All the forms must be duly completed and signed. Where there are accompanying dependants (please refer to information at Part V below), each dependant must complete and sign Part B of application form ID 990A. For an applicant or a child under the age of 16, it must be signed by the parent or legal guardian of the child. Completed application forms, i.e. ID 990A and ID 990B, and all supporting documents should be submitted by the employing company either in person or by post to:
Receipt and Despatch Unit
Hong Kong Immigration Department
2/F, Immigration Tower
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
34. Chinese residents of the Mainland visiting the HKSAR may not request for extending their limit of stay on the grounds of having submitted applications under the ASMTP.
Travel Documentation Requirement
35. Successful applicant will be issued with an entry permit label. The label should be collected from the Immigration Department by his/her employing company for onward transmission to him/her.
36. Successful applicant should apply for an Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) and a relevant exit endorsement from the Public Security Bureau (PSB) office where his/her household registration is kept. The entry permit label should be affixed onto a blank endorsement page of the applicant's EEP on which his/her relevant exit endorsement has been obtained. The applicant should present the EEP for immigration examination upon arrival in the HKSAR.

Extension of Stay
37. Persons admitted under the ASMTP may apply for extension of stay to work in the HKSAR within 4 weeks before their limit of stay expires. Such applications will be considered only when the applicants continue to meet the eligibility criteria under the ASMTP. Extension of stay, if approved, will normally follow the 2-2-3 years pattern, or be in accordance with the duration of the employment contract (whichever is shorter).
Change of Employment
38. Chinese resident of the Mainland who have been admitted under the ASMTP may apply for change of employment provided that he/she continues to fulfil the eligibility criteria under the ASMTP and is employed in a job relevant to his/her qualification and expertise.

V. Entry of Dependants

39. Applicants admitted under the IANG, GEP and ASMTP may apply to bring in their spouse and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to the HKSAR under the prevailing dependant policy. Persons admitted or applying for admission under the respective arrangements will be the sponsors of his/her accompanying dependants to the HKSAR. An application for admission of a dependant may be favourably considered if:
  1. there is reasonable proof of a genuine relationship between the dependant and the sponsor;
  2. there is no known record to the detriment of the dependant; and
  3. the sponsor is able to support the dependant's living at a standard well above the subsistence level and provide him/her with suitable accommodation in Hong Kong.
40. This entry arrangement does not apply to:
  1. former Mainland Chinese residents residing in Macao who have acquired residence in Macao through channels other than the One-way Permit Scheme; and
  2. nationals of Afghanistan, Albania, Cuba and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of).
41. The length of stay of such dependants will be linked to that of their sponsors. Dependants are required to leave the HKSAR when the sponsors leave the HKSAR. Dependants are not prohibited from taking up employment in the HKSAR under existing policy.

VI. Other Information

42. In general, unless a person has the right of abode or right to land in the HKSAR, he/she requires a visa/entry permit to work in the HKSAR. While each application is determined on its individual merits, an applicant should meet normal immigration requirements (such as holding a valid travel document with adequate returnability to his/her country of residence or citizenship; be of clear criminal record and raise no security or criminal concerns to the HKSAR; have no likelihood of becoming a burden on Hong Kong, etc.) as well as the relevant specific eligibility criteria detailed above before he/she may be considered for the grant of a visa/entry permit. It should be noted that the eligibility criteria may be subject to change from time to time.
Re-entry into Hong Kong
43. Non-permanent residents of the HKSAR, irrespective of their nationality and type of travel document held, do not require a re-entry visa/entry permit to enter the HKSAR provided that they return within the validity of their permitted limit of stay and that the circumstances upon which they have acquired their residential status remain unchanged. Non-permanent residents, if returning after a long absence of, say, 12 months or more, may be required to approach the Immigration Department Headquarters to have their residential status verified.
Right of Abode
44. Persons admitted under the IANG, GEP and ASMTP and have ordinarily resided in the HKSAR for a continuous period of not less than 7 years may apply for the right of abode in the HKSAR in accordance with the law.
Payment of Fees
45. If the application is submitted to the Hong Kong Immigration Department direct, payment of fees should be made upon collection of the visa/entry permit either in cash, by EPS or by cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region", properly dated and signed. 46. If the application is submitted to an overseas Chinese diplomatic and consular mission or the Immigration Division of the Beijing Office, the visa fee should be paid direct to the Chinese diplomatic and consular mission or the Immigration Division of the Beijing Office as appropriate.
Processing Time
47. Applications submitted under the IANG by non-local fresh graduates will take about two weeks to process upon receipt of all the required documents. It will normally take four weeks to process other visa/entry permit applications for employment upon receipt of all the required documents. The Immigration Department would not be able to start processing the application unless all the required documents and information are received. Please refrain from making enquiries about the progress of the application unless it is absolutely necessary, as it may delay the processing of the application.
48. All applications are processed and determined by the Immigration Department. Approval of applications is entirely discretionary and is subject to changes in government policies. The Director of Immigration reserves absolute discretion to refuse any application even if the application meets all eligibility criteria.
Warning
49. It is an offence to make false statements or representations to an immigration officer. A person who knowingly and wilfully makes a statement or gives information which he/she knows to be false or does not believe to be true shall be guilty of an offence under the Laws of Hong Kong and any such visa/entry permit issued or permission to enter or remain in the HKSAR granted shall have no effect.
Disclaimer
50. The information in this guidebook serves as reference only. The Immigration Department of the HKSAR is not responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever arising out of or in connection with any information in this guidebook. The Immigration Department reserves the right to omit, suspend or edit all information in this guidebook at any time in its absolute discretion without giving any reason or prior notice. The Immigration Department further reserves the right to change the eligibility criteria and details of the arrangements set out above from time to time without notice.
Enquiries
51. For more information about the entry arrangement for employment as professionals, please contact the Immigration Enquiry Hotline at (852) 2824 6111 (phone) and (852) 2877 7711 (fax) or visit the Immigration Department's website at www.immd.gov.hk.
Hong Kong Immigration Requirments 

I. Introduction

This guidebook sets out the entry arrangements for persons who wish to enter/stay in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for employment as professionals.
2. Applicants who have obtained a degree or higher qualification in a full-time and locally accredited programme in Hong Kong (hereafter "non-local graduates") may apply to stay/return and work in the HKSAR under the "Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates" (hereafter "IANG").
3. Applicants who are not non-local graduates but possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in the HKSAR may apply to come to work under the General Employment Policy (hereafter "GEP"). The GEP does not apply to Chinese residents of the Mainland.
4. Chinese residents of the Mainland who are not non-local graduates but possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in the HKSAR may apply to come to work under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (hereafter "ASMTP").
5. The IANG, GEP and ASMTP are all quota-free and non-sector specific. Apart from professionals in the commercial and financial fields, they are also applicable to talent and professionals in the arts, culture and sport sectors as well as those in the culinary profession with a view to enhancing Hong Kong's status as an Asian world city.
6. The above entry arrangements do not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Albania, Cambodia, Cuba, Laos, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of), Nepal and Vietnam.

II. Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)



Eligibility Criteria
7. Non-local graduates here refer to persons from outside the HKSAR who have obtained a degree or higher qualification in a full-time and locally accredited programme in Hong Kong.
8. Non-local graduates who submit applications to the Immigration Department within six months after the date of their graduation (i.e. the date shown on their graduation certificates) are classified as non-local fresh graduates.
9. Non-local graduates who submit applications beyond six months of the date of their graduation are classified as returning non-local graduates.
10. Non-local fresh graduates who wish to apply to stay and work in the HKSAR are not required to secure an offer of employment upon application. They may be granted 12 months' stay on time limitation without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met. Those who intend to apply to stay and work in the HKSAR but have not yet secured the graduation result may apply for extension of stay to wait for the promulgation of results. Non-local fresh graduates who have not yet obtained their graduation certificate could apply to stay and work by producing a proof from the institution confirming that he/she has graduated.
11. Returning non-local graduates who wish to return to work in the HKSAR are required to secure an offer of employment upon application. The applications will be favourably considered so long as the job is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is set at market level. They may be granted 12 months' stay on time limitation without other conditions of stay provided that normal immigration requirements are met.
Application Procedures
Application forms
12. All non-local graduates should complete application form (ID 990A). The employing company of those returning non-local graduates should complete application form (ID 990B). The application forms (ID 990A and ID 990B) can be obtained free of charge from the following offices:
  1. Immigration Department Headquarters.
  2. Immigration Branch Offices.
  3. District Offices.
  4. Overseas Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions.
  5. Hong Kong's network of offices in the Mainland of China and overseas.
The forms can also be downloaded from the Immigration Department's website at www.immd.gov.hk.
Supporting Documents
13. Please refer to the checklist at Part VII.
Submission of Application
14. All the forms must be duly completed and signed. Where there are accompanying dependants (please refer to information at Part V below), each dependant must complete and sign Part B of application form ID 990A. For an applicant or a child dependant under the age of 16, it must be signed by the parent or legal guardian of the child. Completed application forms, i.e. ID 990A and ID 990B, and all supporting documents should be submitted by the applicant or the sponsor/reference either in person or by post to:
Receipt and Despatch Unit
Hong Kong Immigration Department
2/F, Immigration Tower
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
Travel Documentation Requirement
Mainland residents
15. Entry permit labels will be collected by the sponsor/reference from the Immigration Department for onward transmission to the successful applicants. For successful non-local fresh graduate applicants without a local sponsor/reference, the entry permit labels will be sent to them by registered mail. The applicant should then obtain an Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) and a relevant exit endorsement from the Public Security Bureau office where his/her household registration is kept. The entry permit label should be affixed onto a blank endorsement page of the applicant's EEP on which his/her relevant exit endorsement has been obtained. The applicant should present the EEP for immigration examination upon arrival in the HKSAR.
16. Successful Mainland applicant currently residing in Hong Kong, after being issued with an entry permit label, may apply for the relevant exit endorsement through China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited, as authorized by the Bureau of Exit-entry Administration of the Ministry of Public Security.
Non-Mainland residents
17. Visa/entry permit label will be collected by the sponsor/reference from the Immigration Department for onward transmission to the successful applicants. For successful non-local fresh graduate applicants without a local sponsor/reference, the visa/entry permit labels will be sent to them by registered mail. The visa/entry permit label should be affixed onto a blank visa page of the applicant's travel document for presentation to the immigration officer upon arrival in the HKSAR. Successful applicants other than those from the Mainland, whilst residing in the HKSAR, will be issued with a visa/entry permit label to be affixed onto their travel documents.
Extension of Stay
18. Persons admitted under the IANG may apply for extension of stay to work in the HKSAR within 4 weeks before their limit of stay expires. Upon application, the non-local graduates are required to secure an offer of employment which is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and the remuneration package is set at market level. For those who have established or joined in business in the HKSAR, they are required to produce proof of their business. Successful applicants will normally be permitted to remain on time limitation on 2-2-3 years pattern without other conditions of stay.
Change of Employment
19. Persons admitted under the IANG are free to take up and change employment during their permitted stay without the need to seek prior approval from the Immigration Department.

III. General Employment Policy (GEP)



Eligibility Criteria
20. Applicants who are not non-local graduates but possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in the HKSAR may apply to come to work under the GEP.
21. An application for a visa/ entry permit to take up employment under the GEP may be favourably considered if:
  1. there is no security objection and no known record of serious crime in respect of the applicant;
  2. the applicant has a good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field, but in special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence may also be accepted;
  3. there is a genuine job vacancy;
  4. the applicant has a confirmed offer of employment and is employed in a job relevant to his academic qualifications or working experience that cannot be readily taken up by the local work force; and
  5. the remuneration package including income, accommodation, medical and other fringe benefits is broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level for professionals in the HKSAR.
22. Overseas Chinese nationals holding People's Republic of China (PRC) passports who meet the criteria stipulated in paragraph 21 and normal immigration requirements may apply to enter the HKSAR for employment under the GEP if:
  1. the applicant has permanent residence overseas; or
  2. the applicant has been residing overseas for at least one year immediately before the submission of application ("overseas" means countries or territories outside the Mainland, the Macao SAR and the HKSAR) and that the application is submitted from overseas.
Application Procedures
Application forms
23. Applicant should complete application form (ID 990A). The employing company should complete application form (ID 990B). The application forms (ID 990A and ID 990B) can be obtained free of charge from the following offices:
  1. Immigration Department Headquarters.
  2. Immigration Branch Offices.
  3. District Offices.
  4. Overseas Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions.
  5. Hong Kong's network of offices in the Mainland of China and overseas.
The forms can also be downloaded from the Immigration Department's website at www.immd.gov.hk.
Supporting Documents
24. Please refer to the checklist at Part VII.
Submission of Application
25. All the forms must be duly completed and signed. Where there are accompanying dependants (please refer to information at Part V below), each dependant must complete and sign Part B of application form ID 990A. For an applicant or a child dependant under the age of 16, it must be signed by the parent or legal guardian of the child. Completed application forms, i.e. ID 990A and ID 990B, and all supporting documents should be submitted by the applicant or the employing company in either one of the following ways:
(a) By post directly or through a local sponsor/reference in the HKSAR to:
Receipt and Despatch Unit
Hong Kong Immigration Department
2/F, Immigration Tower
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
(b) Applicants residing in overseas countries or territories may submit their application forms together with the relevant supporting documents and their travel documents in person to the nearest Chinese diplomatic and consular missions in their place of domicile.
(c) Holders of foreign passports who are living in the Mainland of China may submit the application forms together with all supporting documents to the Immigration Division of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing (Beijing Office). Applicants are required to produce their travel document to the Immigration Division of the Beijing Office so that a visa/entry permit could be issued if the application is approved. The address of the Beijing Office is:
No. 71, Di'anmen Xidajie, Xicheng District
Beijing 100009
People's Republic of China
Travel Documentation Requirement
26. Visa/Entry permit label will be issued upon successful application. It should be collected by the sponsor from the Immigration Department for onward transmission to the successful applicants. For application submitted to the Chinese diplomatic and consular mission or the Immigration Division of the Beijing Office, visa/entry permit will be issued through the relevant Chinese diplomatic and consular mission or the Immigration Division of the Beijing Office as appropriate. The visa/entry permit label should be affixed onto a blank visa page of the applicant's travel document for presentation to the immigration officer upon arrival in the HKSAR.
Extension of Stay
27. Persons admitted under the GEP may apply for extension of stay to work in the HKSAR within 4 weeks before their limit of stay expires. Such applications will be considered only when the applicants continue to meet the eligibility criteria under the GEP. Extension of stay, if approved, will normally follow the 2-2-3 years pattern, or be in accordance with the duration of the employment contract (whichever is shorter).
Change of Employment
28. Persons who have been admitted under the GEP may apply for change of employment provided that he/she continues to fulfil the eligibility criteria under the GEP and is employed in a job relevant to his/her qualification and expertise.

IV. Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)



Eligibility Criteria
29. Chinese residents of the Mainland who are not non-local graduates but possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in the HKSAR may apply to come to work under the ASMTP.
30. An application for an entry permit to take up employment under the ASMTP may be favourably considered if:
  1. there is no security objection and no known record of serious crime in respect of the applicant;
  2. the applicant has a good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field, but in special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence may also be accepted;
  3. there is a genuine job vacancy;
  4. the applicant has a confirmed offer of employment and is employed in a job relevant to his academic qualifications or working experience that cannot be readily taken up by the local work force; and
  5. the remuneration package including income, accommodation, medical and other fringe benefits is broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level for professionals in the HKSAR.
Application Procedures
Application forms
31. Applicant should complete application form (ID 990A). The employing company should complete application form (ID 990B). The application forms (ID 990A and ID 990B) can be obtained free of charge from the following offices:
  1. Immigration Department Headquarters.
  2. Immigration Branch Offices
  3. District Offices.
  4. Overseas Chinese Diplomatic and Consular Missions.
  5. Hong Kong's network of offices in the Mainland of China and overseas.
The forms can also be downloaded from the Immigration Department's website at www.immd.gov.hk.
Supporting Documents
32. Please refer to the checklist at Part VII.
Submission of Application
33. All the forms must be duly completed and signed. Where there are accompanying dependants (please refer to information at Part V below), each dependant must complete and sign Part B of application form ID 990A. For an applicant or a child under the age of 16, it must be signed by the parent or legal guardian of the child. Completed application forms, i.e. ID 990A and ID 990B, and all supporting documents should be submitted by the employing company either in person or by post to:
Receipt and Despatch Unit
Hong Kong Immigration Department
2/F, Immigration Tower
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
34. Chinese residents of the Mainland visiting the HKSAR may not request for extending their limit of stay on the grounds of having submitted applications under the ASMTP.
Travel Documentation Requirement
35. Successful applicant will be issued with an entry permit label. The label should be collected from the Immigration Department by his/her employing company for onward transmission to him/her.
36. Successful applicant should apply for an Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) and a relevant exit endorsement from the Public Security Bureau (PSB) office where his/her household registration is kept. The entry permit label should be affixed onto a blank endorsement page of the applicant's EEP on which his/her relevant exit endorsement has been obtained. The applicant should present the EEP for immigration examination upon arrival in the HKSAR.

Extension of Stay
37. Persons admitted under the ASMTP may apply for extension of stay to work in the HKSAR within 4 weeks before their limit of stay expires. Such applications will be considered only when the applicants continue to meet the eligibility criteria under the ASMTP. Extension of stay, if approved, will normally follow the 2-2-3 years pattern, or be in accordance with the duration of the employment contract (whichever is shorter).
Change of Employment
38. Chinese resident of the Mainland who have been admitted under the ASMTP may apply for change of employment provided that he/she continues to fulfil the eligibility criteria under the ASMTP and is employed in a job relevant to his/her qualification and expertise.

V. Entry of Dependants

39. Applicants admitted under the IANG, GEP and ASMTP may apply to bring in their spouse and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to the HKSAR under the prevailing dependant policy. Persons admitted or applying for admission under the respective arrangements will be the sponsors of his/her accompanying dependants to the HKSAR. An application for admission of a dependant may be favourably considered if:
  1. there is reasonable proof of a genuine relationship between the dependant and the sponsor;
  2. there is no known record to the detriment of the dependant; and
  3. the sponsor is able to support the dependant's living at a standard well above the subsistence level and provide him/her with suitable accommodation in Hong Kong.
40. This entry arrangement does not apply to:
  1. former Mainland Chinese residents residing in Macao who have acquired residence in Macao through channels other than the One-way Permit Scheme; and
  2. nationals of Afghanistan, Albania, Cuba and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of).
41. The length of stay of such dependants will be linked to that of their sponsors. Dependants are required to leave the HKSAR when the sponsors leave the HKSAR. Dependants are not prohibited from taking up employment in the HKSAR under existing policy.

VI. Other Information

42. In general, unless a person has the right of abode or right to land in the HKSAR, he/she requires a visa/entry permit to work in the HKSAR. While each application is determined on its individual merits, an applicant should meet normal immigration requirements (such as holding a valid travel document with adequate returnability to his/her country of residence or citizenship; be of clear criminal record and raise no security or criminal concerns to the HKSAR; have no likelihood of becoming a burden on Hong Kong, etc.) as well as the relevant specific eligibility criteria detailed above before he/she may be considered for the grant of a visa/entry permit. It should be noted that the eligibility criteria may be subject to change from time to time.
Re-entry into Hong Kong
43. Non-permanent residents of the HKSAR, irrespective of their nationality and type of travel document held, do not require a re-entry visa/entry permit to enter the HKSAR provided that they return within the validity of their permitted limit of stay and that the circumstances upon which they have acquired their residential status remain unchanged. Non-permanent residents, if returning after a long absence of, say, 12 months or more, may be required to approach the Immigration Department Headquarters to have their residential status verified.
Right of Abode
44. Persons admitted under the IANG, GEP and ASMTP and have ordinarily resided in the HKSAR for a continuous period of not less than 7 years may apply for the right of abode in the HKSAR in accordance with the law.
Payment of Fees
45. If the application is submitted to the Hong Kong Immigration Department direct, payment of fees should be made upon collection of the visa/entry permit either in cash, by EPS or by cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to "The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region", properly dated and signed. 46. If the application is submitted to an overseas Chinese diplomatic and consular mission or the Immigration Division of the Beijing Office, the visa fee should be paid direct to the Chinese diplomatic and consular mission or the Immigration Division of the Beijing Office as appropriate.
Processing Time
47. Applications submitted under the IANG by non-local fresh graduates will take about two weeks to process upon receipt of all the required documents. It will normally take four weeks to process other visa/entry permit applications for employment upon receipt of all the required documents. The Immigration Department would not be able to start processing the application unless all the required documents and information are received. Please refrain from making enquiries about the progress of the application unless it is absolutely necessary, as it may delay the processing of the application.
48. All applications are processed and determined by the Immigration Department. Approval of applications is entirely discretionary and is subject to changes in government policies. The Director of Immigration reserves absolute discretion to refuse any application even if the application meets all eligibility criteria.
Warning
49. It is an offence to make false statements or representations to an immigration officer. A person who knowingly and wilfully makes a statement or gives information which he/she knows to be false or does not believe to be true shall be guilty of an offence under the Laws of Hong Kong and any such visa/entry permit issued or permission to enter or remain in the HKSAR granted shall have no effect.
Disclaimer
50. The information in this guidebook serves as reference only. The Immigration Department of the HKSAR is not responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever arising out of or in connection with any information in this guidebook. The Immigration Department reserves the right to omit, suspend or edit all information in this guidebook at any time in its absolute discretion without giving any reason or prior notice. The Immigration Department further reserves the right to change the eligibility criteria and details of the arrangements set out above from time to time without notice.
Enquiries
51. For more information about the entry arrangement for employment as professionals, please contact the Immigration Enquiry Hotline at (852) 2824 6111 (phone) and (852) 2877 7711 (fax) or visit the Immigration Department's website at www.immd.gov.hk.

Overview of Singapore Work Permit Schemes

The purpose of this guide is to provide an overview of various work permit schemes available in Singapore. Singapore has become the ideal business and commercial hub in Southeast Asia partly due to its creative immigration policies designed to attract seasoned entrepreneurs and working professionals from around the world.
 
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The following are the main types of Singapore work permit schemes for foreigners in the professional employment visa category:
  • Employment Pass (EP)
  • Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
  • S Pass
  • Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
None of the above Singapore work permits except the S Pass come under a quota system. This means that the work permit will be approved mainly based on the merits of the applicant and not external factors. More details about the above work passes are provided below:

Work Permit Scheme: Employment Pass

The Employment Pass (EP) is the main type of work permit meant for company owners or skilled employees that will be working in Singapore. Your fixed monthly salary must be more than S$2,500 and you should be a degree holder from a reputable university. There is no official quota system limiting the number of Employment Passes that can be issued.
Validity: Employment Pass is initially issued for 1-2 years (at the discretion of authorities) and  renewable as long as the applicant continues to be employed by the company.
Eligibility: Company owners and professional staff with good education.
Quota System: No. Each EP application is considered based in its own merit
Permanent Residence Eligibility: Employment Pass holders are eligible to apply for PR status in due course.
For more detailed information on the Employment Pass work permit type, refer to Singapore Employment Pass guide.

Work Permit Scheme: Entrepreneur Pass

Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) type of work permit is a variation of Employment Pass and is meant for entrepreneurs wishing to start a business in Singapore who might not qualify under Employment Pass category due to the lack of education qualifications.
Validity: Entrepreneur Pass is initially issued for 1-2 years (at the discretion of authorities) and  renewable after that as long as the business remains viable.
Eligibility: Company owners that lack good education.
Quota System: No. Each EntrePass application is considered based in its own merit.
Permanent Residence Eligibility: Entrepreneur Pass holders are eligible to apply for PR status in due course.
For further information on the EntrePass work permit type, refer to Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) guide.

Work Permit Scheme: S Pass

The S Pass is for mid-skilled employees who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $1,800. S Pass applicants are assessed based on employer's quota eligibility and applicant's qualifications. Instead of a degree, a technical diploma is acceptable for this kind of work pass.
Validity: S Pass is initially issued for 1-2 years (at the discretion of authorities) and  renewable after that as long as the applicant continues to be employed by the employer.
Eligibility: Mid-level staff.
Quota System: Yes. In general, the number of S Pass holders a company may hire is capped at 25% of the company's total workforce. For more details on quota details, see Computation of Company's Quota Balance
Permanent Residence Eligibility: S pass holders are eligible to apply for PR status, however they may to wait for 4-5 years.
For more detailed information on the S Pass work permit scheme, refer to Singapore S-Pass guide.

Work Permit Scheme: Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a special type of Employment Pass that is not tied to a specific employer. The biggest benefit of having a PEP work permit is that you can switch jobs without re-applying for a new employment pass provided that you are not unemployed for more than six months. Candidates must meet specific requirements before a PEP is approved.
Validity: PEP is issued for 5 years and  non-renewable.
Eligibility: Well paid professionals who want to work in Singapore for an employer. PEP holders cannot start their own business in Singapore.
Quota System: No. Each PEP application is considered based in its own merit.
Permanent Residence Eligibility: PEP holders are eligible to apply for PR status in due course.
For details on PEP work permit, refer to Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) guide.

Work Permit Scheme: Miscellaneous Work Pass

The Miscellaneous Work Pass is issued to foreigners working in Singapore on short-term assignments. More specifically, you will be issued a Miscellaneous Work Pass if you are:
  • involved in activities directly related to the organisation or conduct of any seminar, conference, workshop, gathering or talk concerning any religion, race or community, or political end;
  • a foreign religious worker giving talks relating directly or indirectly to any religion; or
  • a foreign journalist, reporter or an accompanying crew member not sponsored by any Singapore Government agency.
Validity: Depends
Quota System: No. Each Misc Work Pass application is considered based in its own merit.
Permanent Residence Eligibility: Misc Work Pass holders are not eligible to apply for PR status.

Work Permit Scheme: Training Employment Pass

The Training Employment Pass is issued to foreigners undergoing practical training attachments for professional, managerial, executive or specialist jobs in Singapore. You may apply for the pass if you are:
  • An undergraduate -The training attachment in Singapore must be part of the trainee's degree programme from an acceptable educational institution.
  • An intra-company trainee - Companies can bring employees from their foreign offices/subsidiaries to Singapore for professional or executive training. Intra-company trainees should have a degree or diploma.
To qualify for the Training Employment Pass, you should:
  • Earn a fixed monthly salary of more than $2,500; and/or
  • Hold acceptable tertiary or professional qualifications.

Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC)

The Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC) is not exactly a work permit but a special type of social visit pass that allows the applicant to come and stay in Singapore for 6-12 months and look for a job. Once you have secured a job, you will still need to file an employment pass application.
Validity: EPEC is issued for 6-12 months and  non-renewable.
Eligibility: Professionals with tertiary education working overseas.
Quota System: No. Each EPEC application is considered based in its own merit.
Permanent Residence Eligibility: EPEC holders are not eligible to apply for PR status. Once EPEC holders have obtained an Employment Pass, they are eligible for PR under the Employment Pass category.
For more information on EPEC, refer to Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate guide.

Multiple Journey Business Visa

The Singapore Multiple Journey Business Visa is not a work permit and is meant for foreign business executives from visa-requiring countries who travel to Singapore frequently to attend to their business matters. The key benefit of this visa is that you don't need to apply for an entry-visa each time you plan to visit Singapore. Multiple visits are allowed each up to 30 days of stay, without a need for a separate visa application each time.
Validity1, 2 or 5 years as approved by authorities
Quota System: No. Each application is considered based on its own merit.
Permanent Residence Eligibility: Not eligible
Singapore has relatively liberal immigration policies that are designed to facilitate the relocation of foreign entrepreneurs and working professionals to Singapore through various work permit schemes. The increasing share of non-citizen population is a direct consequence of Singapore's policies to attract and rely on "foreign manpower" — at both the high and low ends of the spectrum — to overcome the limits of local resources. 

Sweden relaxes labor migration rules

At a time when global economic turmoil and job layoffs dominate headlines around the world, the Swedish government is relaxing its labor migration laws. It’s the biggest shakeup in 40 years.
By relaxing its labor migration laws, Sweden has opened the door to skilled workers from all over the world.
By relaxing its labor migration laws, Sweden has opened the door to skilled workers from all over the world. Photo: Henrik Trygg.
It is now easier for people from all countries — not just within the EU — to get permission to work in Sweden. Since the Swedish government changed its labor rules on December 15, 2008, much of the red tape surrounding work permits has been eliminated.

Bridging the skills divide

With Sweden and the rest of the world facing economic uncertainty and financial turmoil, it might seem like poor timing to open the door to even more labor migrants. But Tobias Billstrƶm, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, sees things differently. “We are in the front line and are doing this at the right time. It feels good knowing that we have already gone through this [labor] debate whereas many other countries haven’t even started. The competition for labor will become even harder in the future, and when the economy improves again, we will be in a better position thanks to the new legislation.”
Many Swedish companies have experienced growing pains due to a lack of suitably skilled workers. Even now, as the economy slows down, Sweden is experiencing a skills shortage in fields such as engineering, IT, welding, technology — and health care, especially outside industrial centers.
As a rapidly aging workforce retires, the government is predicting more labor shortages by 2011.

Easier for students

The new legislation allows employers who are not able to meet their needs through recruitment in Sweden, or in other EU/European Economic Area countries and Switzerland, to recruit from elsewhere. This makes it easier for people to migrate from other parts of the world — and for an employer to find a suitable employee.
The new labor system is demand driven — unlike many other countries, Sweden does not rely on a points system or quotas. That means employers are free to hire whoever they feel is right for the job.
The legislative changes also mean that students from abroad no longer need to leave the country to apply for work permits, as was the case previously.
Billstrƶm says the old rules asked too much of students, who didn’t come back. “It was wrong to allow people to study here, pick up skills and then make them leave the country. The new rules have changed that.”
 Tobias Billstrƶm, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, says: "Anyone who likes to work is welcome here."
Tobias Billstrƶm, Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy, says: "Anyone who likes to work is welcome here." Photo: Christian Ɩrnberg/Scanpix.

Families welcome

Work permits have also been extended. Temporary permits can now be granted for the duration of employment or a maximum of two years. After four years, workers can apply for permanent residency. 
Families are welcome, with spouses also encouraged to seek work. This is not always the case in other countries, but Billstrƶm says that the Swedish government looks favorably upon this.
“The system should be as liberal as possible,” he says. “We are leaving it to the labor market to decide what competence is required because who, apart from the employer, knows what skills are needed. So long as the employer offers the same salary, insurance protection and conditions that are offered in collective agreements, then they are free to bring in anyone they want.”
A month after the changes came into effect the Swedish Migration Board had received more than 1,000 applications. Of the 512 applications dealt with so far, 419 applicants have been granted work permits. The largest group of recipients was from India, followed by China.

Sweden is an attractive country to live and work in with clean air, natural beauty and an open society.
Sweden is an attractive country to live and work in with clean air, natural beauty and an open society. Photo: Erik HjertƩn.

Why Sweden?

Apart from job opportunities, there are plenty of reasons why people should move to Sweden. Among these, Billstrƶm cites clean air, natural beauty, a low level of corruption (9.3)*, and an organized and open society.
Although one barrier to living in Sweden could be the language, English is widely spoken. And while picking up the language might be a good idea, it is not a necessity. There are no Swedish language requirements or tests to pass in order to immigrate to Sweden.
As Billstrƶm says: “Anyone who likes to work is welcome here.”
*Sweden, Denmark and New Zealand top Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (2008), scoring 9.3 out of a possible 10 www.transparency.org.

Work permit requirements

A person who wants to work in Sweden must have an offer of employment from an employer in Sweden. The following are also required to be granted a permit:
  • The employee must have a valid passport.
  • The employee must earn enough from employment to support him/herself.
  • The terms of employment must be equivalent to those provided by a Swedish collective agreement or to customary terms and conditions for the occupation or industry.
  • The relevant union must be given the opportunity to state an opinion on the terms of employment.
  • The job vacancy must have been advertised in Sweden and the EU
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Cari Simmons

Canadian Cari Simmons is no stranger to immigration red tape. She’s impressed by the Swedish government’s no-nonsense approach to labor migration and hopes it works in practice.

The author alone is responsible for the opinions expressed in this article.

Classification: A289EN

Immigration to France, French Work Permits

                                                                                                            


Introduction to Immigration to France
The French authorities have traditionally been very protective of their domestic labour force, and put many bureaucratic obstacles in the way of companies wishing to recruit foreign workers. Their attitude is changing due to an acute shortage of IT professionals which is affecting the performance of many French companies.
New procedures have recently been introduced to make the process faster and easier. However, despite these significant improvements, France remains one of the most heavily 'protected' labour markets in Europe.
All French work permit applications are dealt with by the local Direction Departmentale du Travail, de L'Emploi et de la Formation Professionale (DDTEFP) on a town by town basis. It is therefore impossible to give absolute processing times as it varies depending on the workload of the local office,

2 Types of permits – Temporary Secondment and Full Work Permit

There are two types of permit for France:

Temporary Secondment:

This is for a non French company which needs to place their employees on it's client's site in France. This can be applied for by the foreign company but needs the full co-operation of the French client. The seconded employee must remain in the employ, pay, and line management of the foreign service provider. The maximum duration of these permit is 18 months and may then be extended for a further 9 months.

Full Work Permit

This is applied for by an established French company who wish to directly employ a non-EEA national. The candidate must be a full time employee and paid in France in Francs or Euros. There is no time limit on this permit.

Temporary Secondment (Detache)

Can My Company Obtain Temporary Secondment (Detache) Permits for our Staff?

The supplier must not be based in France and is providing services to a French company.

Does the Candidate Qualify for a Temporary Secondment (Detache) Permit?

There is no longer a nine-month rule for detache work permits according to the French Embassy. This means that new hires can work on a French client site as long as a valid employment contract and client service contract exists between the two companies involved. The candidate must still earn in excess of 3,835 EUROS/ month.

How Long will it Take to Get The Candidate on Site?

The approval of a detache application takes between 4-6 weeks, depending on the work load of the local office. The candidate can then make their visa application to travel to France; this application will take about a week depending on the work load of the consulate through which they apply.
All documents submitted must be in French and degree certificates etc. may need to be legalised. These factors should be taken into account when assessing both time and financial budgets.

Application process

The application is lodged with the local DDTEFP and incomplete applications are returned. The processing takes generally 4-6 weeks. When a decision is reached, the approval will be sent by post to the French client.
The candidate then applies for a visa du long sejour (long term visa) at the French consulate in their usual country of residence, they may then travel to France to start work. Shortly after their arrival in France the candidate will be invited by the Office des Migrations Internationales (OMI) to take a medical. The French company will be charged the 160 EURO fee, and the candidate will be issued with a carte de sejour (residence card).

How long will it take to get an employee on-site with a French work permit?

The whole process from lodging the application to the candidate starting work should take about 1-2 months.
All documentation must be submitted in French – so your time budget (as well as your financial budget) should allow for translation where required.

Can my company obtain a full French work permit?

A French work permit application must be made by an established French company
The French company is required to sign a direct employment contract with the candidate and to take on responsibility for all tax and social security matters.

Does the candidate qualify for a full French work permit?

The accepted requirements regarding experience and qualifications require that the candidate must be a "professional" ("cadre"), so high-level work experience and a degree are essential. Knowledge of the French language is also taken into consideration and will only be of benefit to the application.
The candidate's salary should exceed that of an equivalent French worker and must be more than 3,835 Euros (current as of 1 July 2002) and must be paid directly from the French employer in Euros.
Holders of a "carte de sejour salariƩ" authorizing a candidate to work in "toutes professions salariƩs" in "France metropolitaine" means that one can occupy ANY salaried post in ANY profession provided that it is not a temporary job.
In practice, the law of issuing a "full French work permit" is applied with a large degree of discretion by the DDTEFP, who has a significant amount of decision-making power when determining whether or not one is granted a work permit, as well as what type of work permit.
There are three main things that are considered, in order of importance, that determine whether or not one is attributed a work permit:
  1. Salary level
  2. Education
  3. The statute of "cadre" and a CDI contract (i.e, full-time employment)
The salary should be as high as possible, as this means that the employer and employee pays a singificant amount of tax and social charges. There is no obligation for the employer to advertise the position if the candidate earns more than 3600 EUROS per month. A salary level less than this requires a notice to be posted with the ANPE for three weeks before the application can be made.
Education is very important as the French authorities consider highly-educated candidates more able to integrate into French society, which is a consideration in the work permit application, as well as the ability to speak French.
The status of "cadre" is also important. The closest translation of the term means that one is a effectively in a managerial position, or a high-level professional. This is a prerequisite for the application to be considered.
The higher the DDTEFP considers these above three three elements to be, the more general the work permit they would issue.

  1. The whole application and supporting documents must be lodged at the regional DDTEFP* office.
  2. The DDTEFP* office approves the application, and returns it to the employer
  3. The approved application is taken to the French consulate in the Candidate's country of residence.
  4. The French consulate issues the long stay visa.
  5. The candidate travels to France and is invited by the OMI to take a medical to be granted a residence permit from the police headquarters.

FAQ's

Can I employ a contractor?

To obtain a French work permit the candidate must be directly employed and paid by the French company.

What is the difference between a work permit and a visa?

A work permit is permission for a company to employ a foreign worker, whereas a visa is a leave for the candidate to stay in the country.

Immigration to South Africa

With the brain drain from the Republic of South Africa, the country has a great need to import skilled staff. To that end, the Immigration Act implemented on 7 April 2003 is an attempt to simplify the issuance of permits, to attract skilled and qualified foreigners to the Republic and to promote tourism in the RSA.

This guide provides a general overview of South African work permits.
Introduction
Work permits applications for South Africa are dealt with by the Department of Home Affairs. However, the South African authorities have delegated intra company transfer applications (where the worker is moving within the same international group) and secondment (where a foreign firm sends an employee to a client's site in South African in accordance with a service contract) to their High Commissions and Embassies. It is with these applications that workpermit.com can assist.

How long will it take to get a candidate on-site with a South African Work Permit?

Properly presented applications can be processed very quickly, in just over a week. Once the application is approved, the candidate may travel immediately to South Africa to start work.

Can My Company Apply for a Work Permit to Second an employee to South Africa?

There are two types of permit that can be issued by the High Commission:

1. Intra Company Transfer

The company will need to fulfil the following criteria:
  • Have an established presence in the UK.
  • Have an established presence in South Africa.
  • These two companies must be part of the same international group.
  • The candidate moves from employment in the UK office to be employed in the South African office.

2. Secondments

A UK company may send a consultant to it's South African client to install a product or as part of a contract to provide services to them. Please note the contractor sent to South Africa must genuinely be part of a wider service agreement, for example installing propriety software.

Does the Candidate Qualify to be Seconded to South Africa?

There are no explicit criteria relating to the candidate, however the following items are good rules of thumb by which to judge whether a candidate would be suitable:
  • They must be able to do the job
  • They should have worked for the company for at least six months.
This is necessary as most applications are made on the premise of the candidate having specialist knowledge of the companies operations.

How do I apply for a South African Work Permit?

A work permit application is actually an application for a temporary residence permit. They should be submitted in the South African High Commission in the country where the candidate is normally resident.
These applications are quite extensive and will involve producing original signed documents form both the South African and UK offices, the time needed to do this should be factored into plans.

South African Work Permits Frequently asked Questions.

Can my company apply for all types of work permit through the High Commission?

No. It is only possible to make applications for work permits for employees who are being seconded within an international group, (an intra-company transfer)

Can the candidate be accompanied by his/her family?

Yes. However additional documentation will be required.

Can a candidate apply for a work permit?

No. The employer must make a work permit application, and the resulting permit will be employer-specific.

Is it necessary to apply for the visa separately?

No for South Africa the visa is included in the work permit application.

What is the difference between "body shopping" and providing a service?

It is not possible to obtain a work permit for a candidate who is being body shopped, but it is possible for a candidate under a contract to provide services. The key differences are:
  • The sponsor may not be a recruitment agency.
  • The staff remain on the payroll and line management of the service provider.
  • The services are above and beyond that of just a contractor – e.g. consultants assisting in the installation of a propriety product sold to a client.
  • The services provided must be shown to be in the normal run of operations for the service provider.

What elements should be included in a service contract to ensure that it is suitable for a work permit application?

A provision of service contract should include the following elements:
  • The day to day line management of the consultants remains with the service provider
  • It should include warranted deliverables.
  • It should cover the entire period for which the permit is required.
  • It should be signed by both parties, and on the client headed paper. 

Danish Green Card Scheme

Introduction

The Danish Green Card scheme allows you to live and work in Denmark if you can score enough points based upon criteria such as age, language skills, work experience, and education. If you score at least 100 points, you can obtain a residence permit valid for up to three years. In addtion, you will be able to bring your immediate family along.
As well as scoring 100 points, you must have a valid health insurance policy and be able to provide proof that you can support yourself and your family while you look for work in Denmark.

The Danish Green Card Points Based System

Under the Danish Green Card scheme, points are score under five areas: Education, Language Skills, Work Experience, Adaptability, and Age. It is also possible to score a number of bonus points for various factors described below.

Education

To score points for Education, you must have the Danish equivalent of a bachelors degree. Your academic credentials must be assessed by CIRIUS, a body under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

In addition to points scored for your degree, bonus points can be awarded under Education for obtaining a degree from a top school or by having an education which qualifies you for work in an occupation on the Positive List.
With the addition of bonus points, the maximum number of points that can be scored for Education is 105. It is possible for you to score enough points for a work and residence permit based soley upon points earned for Education.
Education level Points
Bachelors degree 30
Bachelors degree + 1 year Masters degree 50
Masters degree 60
PhD 80
Bonus points can also be earned under Education:
School Ranking Bonus Points
Top 400 5
Top 200 10
Top 100 15

Education related to occupation on the Positive List Bonus Points
Yes 10

Language Skills

You can earn a maximum of 30 points for language skills which includes knowledge of Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German. Points can be earned for both one Scandinavian language (Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian) and either English or German, but not for both English and German or two or more Scandinavian languages.
You will be required to show that you have passed an exam equivalent to at least a Danish Language Test, Level 1. Alternatively, you can prove language proficiency through a statement by your previous employer stating that you used Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German while performing your job for at least one year, or by proving that you have completed at least one year's study in higher education which was taught in one of these languages. In the case of these last two requirements, you will have shown a language proficiency equal to a Study Test in Danish as a Second Language.
Language Proficiency Level Points
Level 1 5
Level 2 10
Level 3 15
Study Test in Danish as a Second Language 20

Work Experience

You can score a maximum of 15 points under Work Experience. Your points are earned based upon the number of years you have worked as a researcher, or in a field of work that is currently in shortage in Denmark (i.e., a job listed on the Positive List). If this does not apply to you, you can still earn points for experience any other single occupation.
Work Experience Points
3-5 years experience as a researcher or in a field on the Positive List 15
1-2 years experience as a researcher or in a field on the Positive List 10
3-5 years experience in other work 5

Adaptability

If you have studied or worked in the European Union/European Economic Area, you can claim a maximum of 15 points for adaptability. You can only claim points for either education experience or work experience -- not both.
EU/EEA Education Experience Points
Completion of at least one year of study in higher education in the EU/EEA or Switzerland 5
Completion of at least three years of study in higher education in the EU/EEA or Switzerland 10


EU/EEA Work Experience Points
At least one year of work and residence in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland 5
At least two years of work and residence in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland 10

Age

You can also earn a maximum of 15 points for your age:
Age Points
35-40 years 10
34 years or younger 15

Family Members

If you are granted a residence permit under Denmark's Green Card Scheme, your spouse or partner is also eligible for a residence permit, as well as any children under the age of 18 who are living at home with you. Your spouse or partner is allowed to work full time for the entire period of the residence permit's validity.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Australian Immigration needed to deal with 'widespread labour shortages'



Australia did not suffer to the same extent as many other Countries during the recent economic downturn in 2008 and 2009. The unemployment rate over the last two years has been between 4 percent and 5.8 percent; Very low compared to most Countries.
The Australian economy is in great need of skilled workers. Many industries including the housing and mining industries are worried that as demand picks up, they will be unable to find the skills they need.

The Australian housing industry is worried that there will be shortages of skilled overseas workers which will make it difficult for builders to find sufficient skilled labour to meet their needs. According to a recent Housing Industry Association (HIA) report, 13 housing trades were under-staffed in the second quarter of 2010. HIA estimates that 470,000 new homes will need to be built over the next ten years.
The mining industry is also expected to see growth in the near future. Investment in this sector is expected to increase by as much as 50 percent, pushing up wages -- particularly in resource-rich regions of Australia such as Western Australia. The mining industry, like many other sectors in Australia, depends heavily on skilled labour from abroad.
Part of the reason for this new skills shortage is a sharp drop in immigration into Australia during the past year. In the year ending in June of 2010, permanent and long-term immigration into Australia fell by a record 31 percent, a drop of 100,000 arrivals.
As demand for skilled workers heats up, many employers will wish to bring in immigrants under Australia's employer-sponsored immigration schemes. Other sources of immigrants include those already in Australia under the General Skilled Migration programme (GSM) which has influenced other nations' immigration programmes, such as the points based system in the UK.
One of the benefits of the GSM is it's wide range of skilled jobs for which potential immigrants can claim points for immigration to Australia. The so-called Skilled Occupation List (SOL)" includes skilled trades as well as professional occupations. However, it should be noted that since 1 July 2010 the number of occupations under General Skilled Migration has been reduced from 400 occupations to 183 occupations.

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