Criminal conviction declaration now required for work and student visas

The Immigration Department announced on Wednesday that, with effect from June 19, the application procedures for entry visas or permits for dependants, foreign domestic helpers, imported workers, students, training and working holiday will be adjusted, with applicants required to declare whether they have prior criminal convictions.

Application procedures for extension of stay, and for foreign domestic helpers currently working in Hong Kong 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, will not be included in this adjustment, according to the department.

Meanwhile, as a transitional arrangement, the department noted it will continue to process applications that reach its office on or before June 18, regardless of whether a declaration on criminal convictions has been made.

The extension came after controversial mainland scientist He Jiankui, who was once jailed in China for editing genes of babies, had his top talent visa to Hong Kong revoked in February on suspicion of making false statements.

Read more: Controversial scientist's HK visa revoked due to false statements: ImmD