How to apply for extension of stay if non-permanent residents currently outside of Hong Kong under the COVID-19

_{Published: 14 Jan 2021}

We received few enquiries about the Hong Kong visa is going to expire and how can they do if they are not in Hong Kong currently. Here is the update from Hong Kong Immigration Department:

“The Immigration Department accepts applications for return to Hong Kong from non-permanent residents who is outside of Hong Kong under the COVID-19 Pandemic (Not Applicable to Foreign Domestic Helpers and Imported Workers) In general, persons admitted into Hong Kong under various immigration policies/schemes may apply for extension of stay within four weeks before their limit of stay expires. Applicants should be physically present in Hong Kong both at the time of applications and collection of the relevant labels (for approved applications).

Some persons outside Hong Kong with their limit of stay about to expire / expired and, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, may not be able to return to Hong Kong timely (Note 1) to apply for extension of stay. For those whose limit of stay is about to expire (within four weeks) / has expired for less than 12 months, they may submit a duly completed application form (Note 2) together with the required supporting documents required for application for extension of stay under the relevant immigration policy/scheme concerned in general situations, and a letter setting out the details on their inability to return to Hong Kong timely for the extension of stay formalities. If the applicants continue to meet the eligibility criteria under the relevant immigration policy/scheme concerned and it is satisfied that the applicants’ circumstances are a continuation of their previous residence in Hong Kong, the Immigration Department may consider issuing the applicants with a visa/entry permit for their return to Hong Kong within the validity of that visa/entry permit. For more details, please email to: enquiry@immd.gov.hk.

Note 1:
The webpage link for prevailing restrictions on entering Hong Kong is as follows:
https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html

Note 2:
Capital Investment Entrant Scheme entrants should complete application form ID 967 . Other applicants should complete the application form ID 91 (even if they are outside Hong Kong and apply for a visa/entry permit to return to Hong Kong under this arrangement).”

Highlights
1. Applicants should be physically present in Hong Kong both at the time of applications and collection of the relevant labels
2. For those whose limit of stay has expired for less than 12 months

Our tips
Getting a flight ticket might get harder than before. Plus, since December 25, all oversea arrivals into HK have to quarantine in designated hotel for 21 days which is up from 14 days. You need to pay for almost ten thousand for you quarantine cost before you physically present at The Immigration Department for extend your Visa. If your Visa is about to expire, you could wait and see what happens next to save your high cost of quarantines. Keep checking updates from government website or subscribe us to get the latest updates. 

_{Reference:
The Immigration Department Accepts Applications for Return to Hong Kong from Non-Permanent Residents Outside Hong Kong under the COVID-19 Pandemic (Not Applicable to Foreign Domestic Helpers and Imported Workers), The Immigration Department, 31 Dec 2020}

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