Job transition and employment visa

Posted by Typhoon (159 days ago)

Dear AsiaXpat community,

In September my current employment contract will expire and it's possible that I will take a month or two off to make sure that I find the right next job. Presumeably, people do this all the time. Will I be able to stay in Hong Kong? Does anybody have any experience in this regard?

Thanks!
Aaron

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by evildeeds (159 days ago)

Firstly it depends when you're employment visa runs out. If it runs out at the same time as the end of your contract you will need to leave HK and come back in on a tourist visa. If it has some time to run then yes it's possible to stay in HK and look for another employer, immigration tend to look over that issue.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Elodie (159 days ago)

I believe it's the employers' obligation to notify the Immigration Dpt that one of their staff has been terminated/finished their contract/left company for whetever reason. Many don't bother but if your hr dept is organised, they probably will. better check with them about what they usually do.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Typhoon (159 days ago)

Thanks, for how long can a Canadian get a tourist visa? There must be a Canadian in here somewhere.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by GreenValleys (159 days ago)

Yes youir employer is obliged to inform Immigration but youi can stay in HK for as long as your visa is current, unless you leave at any time in which case when you re-enter you will (as stated above) have to come in on a tourist visa. Unless someone comes back with an answer to the CA-specific question you will find the answer on the Immig dept website.

(I am based in Jakarta)

Posted by Typhoon (156 days ago)

Thanks there.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Iri (156 days ago)

- When you resign your current employer (so called sponsor) has to inform the Immg Dept within 14 days that they no longer sponsor your working visa;
- Which doesn`t mean that you have to leave HK right away if your employment visa is still valid, until it expires you can legally stay and look for another job but in any case my advice would be to go and officially confirm it with the Immg Dept itself;
- If you find another job until your current employment visa expires you need to submit the application for change of employer and get it approved by Immg;
- If you decide to leave HK and come back as a visitor, Canadian passport holder can stay in HK on tourist visa (so called visa on arrival) up to 90 days.. which is nice :-)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Typhoon (151 days ago)

90 days, sweet! Holding a Canadian passport is awesome... unless you wanna work for the Hong Kong government that is.

(I am based in Hong Kong)