Work Visa Regulations in Hong Kong and Step-by-Step Online Application Guide

The number of Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong is currently significant. Every year, many newcomers from Indonesia travel to the territory to seek better opportunities, ranging from domestic and manual labor to specialized professional roles.

To live and work in Hong Kong as an Indonesian citizen, legal certainty is paramount. Under current laws, every Indonesian worker must possess valid documentation, most notably a work visa. As one of Asia’s leading financial and business hubs, Hong Kong attracts a global workforce, but the government enforces strict work visa regulations to ensure that foreign workers are legally compliant.

Fortunately, the application process has been modernized. The Hong Kong government now allows for online submissions to streamline the experience for applicants. Below is a detailed explanation of the general regulations and the steps to apply for a Hong Kong work visa online.

General Work Visa Regulations in Hong Kong

A work visa in Hong Kong is formally known as an Employment Visa, issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. This visa is specifically for foreign nationals, including Indonesians, who have secured a job offer from a company or institution based in Hong Kong.

A primary requirement is that the position must require skills or qualifications that are not readily available among the local Hong Kong workforce.

Key Requirements

To qualify under the current regulations, Indonesian applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualifications: Applicants must have a relevant educational background and work experience suited to the position.

• Official Job Offer: A formal employment contract or offer letter from a Hong Kong-registered company is mandatory.

• Niche Expertise: The role must require specific skills that cannot be easily filled by the local population.

• Economic Benefit: The applicant must demonstrate that their presence provides a professional or economic benefit to Hong Kong.

Validity and Extension

Typically, an Employment Visa is granted for a period of 1 to 2 years, depending on the employment contract. According to Hong Kong regulations, this visa can be renewed as long as the applicant remains employed by the same company and continues to meet the eligibility criteria.

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Step-by-Step Online Application Process

For a more practical and time-efficient process, the Hong Kong government provides an electronic filing system via the official Immigration Department website. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Document Preparation

Before starting your online application, ensure you have digital copies (PDF or JPG) of the following:

• Original valid passport.

• Official job offer or employment contract.

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting your qualifications.

• Diplomas, degrees, and relevant professional certificates.

• Reference letters from previous employers (if required).

• Completed application forms (ID990A for the employee and ID990B for the employer).

2. Create an Account on the Immigration Portal

Visit the official Hong Kong government portal (GovHK) to register for an e-visa system account. Follow the instructions to verify your identity and activate your account.

3. Fill Out the Online Application

Log in to the e-visa portal and complete the work visa application form accurately. Upload all supporting documents in the required format.

4. Payment of Application Fees

The visa process involves a fee that can be paid online using a credit card or other electronic payment methods available on the portal. Ensure you pay the exact amount to avoid delays in processing.

5. Submission and Status Monitoring

Once submitted, you can track the progress of your application through the portal. The Hong Kong government will conduct an administrative evaluation. If more information is needed, they will contact you directly. If you encounter significant hurdles, you may consult the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in Indonesia for further guidance.

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6. Approval and Visa Collection

If approved, you will receive a notification. The e-visa can be downloaded and printed directly. This digital visa has replaced the old physical stickers and is used for entry and immigration clearance.

Hong Kong’s work visa regulations require Indonesian workers to be professionally qualified and officially sponsored by a local employer. By utilizing the online application system provided by the Hong Kong government, applicants can process their visas efficiently, saving both time and administrative costs.

Understanding these steps is vital for ensuring a smooth process, allowing Indonesian workers to contribute legally and comfortably to the Hong Kong economy while gaining valuable international experience.

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