HK visa applicants now required to declare criminal convictions

Starting June 19, applicants will be required to declare whether they have any criminal convictions when they apply for relevant entry visas, the Immigration Department (ImmD) said.

The ImmD announced today (May 24) the said adjustment of application procedures for visa/entry permits.

The ImmD has all along been assessing each application for visa/entry permits in a rigorous manner and will adjust from time to time application procedures and information required for applications.

Further to the adjustment of the application procedures for entry for talent admission schemes on February 22 and 27 this year, with effect from June 19, the ImmD will adjust the application procedures for entry of other visa/entry permits.

Also included in the new visa application procedure are:
• foreign domestic helpers,
• dependants
• imported workers,
• students,
• training and working holiday visa scheme.

However, application procedures for extension of stay, and for foreign domestic helpers currently working in Hong Kong applying for contract renewal with the same employer or for completing the remaining/extended period of the current contract with the same employer and for change of employer in Hong Kong will not be included in this adjustment.

As a transitional arrangement, the ImmD will continue to process applications that reach the ImmD on or before June 18, regardless of whether declaration on criminal convictions has been made.