Hong Kong SAR: Part-time Work Rule for Foreign Post-Graduates Expanded

Update - November 13, 2024: Full-time foreign undergraduates are now also exempt from the below part-time job restrictions (this exemption was previously limited to postgraduates). The government will review this exemption in 2025. This policy aims to strengthen local talent and encourage graduates to remain in Hong Kong SAR.

November 1, 2023: Effective November 1, 2023, full-time foreign national postgraduate students in Hong Kong SAR are temporarily exempt from the restrictions on taking up part-time employment during their studies. The government will review this temporary exemption after a two-year trial. Currently, these foreign students can only work 20 hours per week, in a curriculum-related internships or a summer job. Eligible postgraduate students will receive a new No Objection Letter allowing such work, and students with visas/entry permit issued on or after November 1, 2023 will receive a No Objection Letter allowing such work. This policy was announced at the national policy address held recently, which focused on other improvements to Hong Kong SAR’s immigration policy to attract foreign business and investment.