Hong Kong - International Immigration and Nationality Law - 2nd Edition

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International Immigration and Nationality Law - 2nd Edition - Looseleaf

International Immigration and Nationality Law - 2nd Edition - Electronic

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Hong Kong
William Kuo and Betty Foo
Baker & McKenzie LLP
Hong Kong
Government Attitude toward Immigration and Naturalization
On 1 July 1997, Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of the People’s
Republic of China (PRC). Pursuant thereto, the Basic Law of Hong Kong came into
effect. It establishes rules that govern the legal system in Hong Kong.With regard to the
judicial system of Hong Kong, it continues to operate under a Common Law legal system
that is derived from statues, ordinances, subsidiary legislation, and case law.
The Hong Kong Immigration Department is responsible for all immigration-related matters
in Hong Kong. It monitors and controls the movement of people in and out of Hong
Kong by land, sea, and air. It also is responsible for processing applications for visas, right
of abode (i.e., permanent residency), naturalization, Hong Kong travel documents, Hong
Kong identity cards, and registrations of births, deaths, and marriages for Hong Kong
residents.
Visas
Visitors
Hong Kong is one of the world’s most popular cities for tourists and business visitors. In
2005, approximately 23.4-million people entered Hong Kong as visitors. Foreigner
nationals who wish to travel to Hong Kong as tourists or for business purposes may apply
for visitor visas at an overseas PRC Consulate or Embassy.
Citizens of certain countries do not need to obtain visas as tourists or for business purposes
if they are staying in Hong Kong for a limited period of time. Their permitted period
of stay varies depending on their country of citizenship. Extensions of stay are considered
on a case-by-case basis by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Below, for reference,
is a list of permitted periods of stay granted to citizens of certain countries visiting
Hong Kong:
• Australia — 90 days;
• Austria — 90 days;
• Bulgaria — 90 days;
• Canada — 90 days;
• Finland — 90 days;

 Hong Kong

William Kuo and Betty Foo, Baker & McKenzie LLP, Hong Kong