Working made easier for non-local students in Hong Kong

The government announced that starting from this November, full-time non local postgraduate students will be temporarily exempted from the restrictions on taking up part time jobs. This arrangement will run on a trial basis for two years and benefit more than 35,000 students.

Currently, eligible students who have been approved to come to Hong Kong to study in full-time locally accredited programs at the postgraduate level will be individually issued a "No Objection Letter" by the Immigration Department, allowing them to take up part-time employment on campus for no more than 20 hours per week, curriculum-related internships during semesters, or summer jobs.

The latest move came after Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced in his policy address that the restrictions will be suspended for two-years.

A government spokesperson said the trial arrangement will allow more room for students to look for jobs during their studies to enhance their experience and understanding of working in Hong Kong, and further increase their incentive to stay in Hong Kong for their development after graduation.

The spokesperson also said the Immigration Department will arrange briefing sessions for the relevant institutions within this week to introduce the arrangement, and subsequently issue new "No Objection Letters" setting out the suspension to eligible students through their institutions.

“Eligible students are not required to submit applications separately. Students approved of visas/entry permits on or after November 1 will also be issued with the updated ‘No Objection Letters’.” The spokesman added.