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General Employment Policy (GEP)

Hong KongWork

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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What type of worker, employment situation, occupation or professional activity is this pathway actually designed for?

The GEP is a quota-free, non-sector-specific route for professionals seeking employment in Hong Kong who have special skills, knowledge or experience of value that is not readily available in Hong Kong.

See recorded sources
  • GEP page, extracted text lines supporting work_seo.r1
    This webpage sets out the entry arrangement for persons who wish to enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (hereafter “HKSAR”) for employment as professionals under the General Employment Policy (hereafter “GEP”).

Does the applicant need a job offer, employer, sponsor, transfer relationship or other employer involvement? What is important about that employer relationship?

Yes. The applicant needs a genuine vacancy and a confirmed employment offer. The job must be relevant to the applicant’s academic qualifications or work experience, and the employing company must provide the required employment and business documents.

See recorded sources

What are the few decisive professional characteristics of the pathway: occupation, qualifications, experience, salary, skill level, shortage status, labour-market condition or equivalent?

The distinctive fit is professional-level work: normally a relevant first degree, although technical qualifications, proven professional ability, relevant experience and achievements may be accepted in special circumstances. The remuneration package must be broadly commensurate with the prevailing Hong Kong market level for professionals.

See recorded sources
  • GEP page, extracted text lines supporting work_seo.r3
    the applicant has a good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field, but in special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence may also be accepted;

What work does the permission allow? Is the holder tied to an employer, occupation or sector? Can family accompany where clearly established?

The holder admitted on employment condition may take only the employment approved by the Director of Immigration and should obtain prior approval for a change of employment. Eligible GEP entrants may bring a recognised spouse or civil-partnership equivalent and unmarried dependent children under 18; dependants are not prohibited from working or studying under the stated policy.

See recorded sources
  • GEP page, extracted text lines supporting work_seo.r4
    Professionals admitted under the GEP who are on employment condition shall only take such employment as approved by the Director of Immigration. They should seek prior approval from the Director of Immigration for any change in employment.

How long is the permission normally granted for, how is it renewed, and what longer-term residence direction exists if officially stated?

The initial stay is normally 36 months on employment condition, or the employment-contract duration if shorter. Extensions are normally considered while the GEP criteria continue to be met and follow a 3-2-year pattern, or the shorter contract duration. After at least seven years of ordinary continuous residence, a GEP entrant may apply for Hong Kong right of abode under the law.

See recorded sources

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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