Domestic helpers, dependants, students applying for visas to Hong Kong must declare criminal records from June onwards
- Domestic helper unions express concerns over changes, saying they could delay applications for workers
- Adjustments follow similar requirements introduced in February for several talent recruitment schemes
Domestic helpers, dependants of residents and students applying for visas and entry permits to Hong Kong will have to declare any past criminal convictions starting next month, the city’s immigration department has said, following a similar change in criteria for the government’s talent recruitment schemes.
But domestic helper unions on Wednesday expressed concerns the changes might slow down the application process and warned some workers could be barred from entry if they had committed only minor offences.
The Immigration Department said dependants of residents, domestic helpers, imported workers, students, those receiving training in the city and participants of a working holiday scheme would have to declare any criminal convictions in their past starting on June 19.
But anyone applying for an extension of stay, helpers already working in the city, including those seeking to renew their contract with the same employer and those switching to a new boss will not be affected by the changes.
“The [department] has all along been assessing each application for visa or entry permits in a rigorous manner and will adjust from time to time application procedures and information required for applications,” it said.
As part of a transitional arrangement, authorities will continue to process applications before June 18 regardless of whether criminal records have been declared or not.
Thomas Chan Tung-fung, chairman of the Hong Kong Union of Employment Agencies, said he had some reservations about the new requirement even though he understood the government’s rationale behind the changes.
