Hong Kong SAR: Expansion of Criminal Conviction Declaration Requirement Forthcoming

Further to the new criminal conviction disclosure requirement implemented earlier this year, the Immigration Department (ImmD) of Hong Kong SAR announced that starting June 19, 2023, applicants for other visa/entry permits including dependants, foreign domestic helpers, imported workers, students, training and working holiday will also be required to declare any criminal convictions as part of their application. However, the requirement will not apply to applicants of extension of stay, or for foreign domestic helpers currently working in Hong Kong SAR 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 SAR. As a transitional arrangement, the ImmD will continue to process applications received on or before June 18, 2023, regardless of whether a declaration on criminal convictions has been made.