COVID-19: Extension of stay granted to certain nonpermanent residents

The Immigration Department of Hong Kong has permitted certain nonpermanent residents living outside of Hong Kong to apply for an extension of stay.

Key Points:

• As of April 8, nonpermanent residents who are not currently living in Hong Kong and whose permits are set to expire within four months can now apply for an extension of stay if they are under one of the following programs:
  • General Employment Policy.
  • Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals.
  • Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.
  • Immigration Arrangements for Nonlocal Graduates.
  • Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents.
  • Technology Talent Admission Scheme.
  • Capital Investment Entrant Scheme.
  • Residence as dependents.
  • Students enrolled in full-time study programs.
• Eligible applicants can submit applications online through this website or through authorized representatives in Hong Kong.

Additional Information: Previously, nonpermanent residents were only permitted to apply for extensions of stay while they were living in Hong Kong. The extension of stay granted to nonpermanent residents will be valid until at least Dec. 31, 2022. More information regarding the extension of stay application for certain nonpermanent residents is available here.

BAL Analysis: Hong Kong’s decision to expand the extension of stay to certain individuals outside of Hong Kong is intended to allow those who are unable to return to Hong Kong to apply for the extension safely and conveniently. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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

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