Criminal history required for Talent Admission Scheme applicants

IMPACT — MEDIUM

Hong Kong immigration authorities announced that they are requiring Talent Admission Scheme applicants to provide their criminal history.

Key Points:

• Foreign nationals must now provide their history of criminal convictions (if any) when applying under the Talent Admission Scheme, including the:
  • General Employment Policy.
  • Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals.
  • Technology Talent Admission Scheme.
  • Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates.
  • Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents.
• Applicants under the Capital Investment Entrant and the Foreign Domestic Helper schemes are excluded from the new requirement.
• Those who do not disclose past criminal convictions may have their applications denied.

BAL Analysis: Hong Kong authorities introduced the new criminal convictions requirement to reduce security issues for those traveling to the region.

This alert has been provided by BAL’s Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com. 

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