IMMIGRATION
Hong Kong has established itself as one of the world’s investment in Hong Kong but would not be engaged in the
major destinations for tourists and business visitors. In 2017,
201 running of any business here. This scheme has been
passenger arrivals and departures totalled about 299
29 million. suspended since January 15, 2015. As at the end of 2017,
The Immigration Department is responsible for two 35 078 applications were approved, including 33 550 for
main areas: for control of people moving into and out of formal approval and 1 528 for approval-in-principle. The
Hong Kong by land, sea and air; and the documentation of amount of investments made under the scheme totalled
local residents, including the processing of applications $297.6 billion.
relating to the Nationality Law of the People’s Republic of The Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Non
China (PRC) and claims to right of abode under the Basic Graduates was launched on May 19, 2008 to complement
Law (BL), the issue of travel documents and identity cards, the policy initiative “Developing Hong Kong as a Regional
and the registration of births, deaths and marriages.
marri Education Hub”. Persons from outside the HKSAR who have
obtained a degree or higher qualification in a full-time locally-
Immigration Control: Hong Kong has all along adopted an accredited local programme in Hong Kong (non-local (non
open immigration policy. Nationals of about 170 countries graduates) may apply to stay/return and work in Hong Kong
and territories are allowed visa-free
free visits to Hong Kong for under the arrangement. Successful applicants may be
periods ranging from 7 to 180 days. Professionals and granted 12 months’ stay on time limitation without other
entrepreneurs are welcome to work and invest in Hong Kong. conditions of stay. They are free to take up and change
While every effort is made to facilitate the entry of visitors employment during their permitted stay without the need to
and those who contribute to Hong Kong’s development and seek prior approval from the Immigration Department. As at
prosperity, immigration controls are designed and operated the end of 2017, 70 083 non-local
local graduates were approved
to prevent the entry of undesirableble persons. to work in Hong Kong under this arrangement.
arrangement
Every visitor to Hong Kong must possess a valid travel The Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of
document, sufficient means of support and re-entryre facilities Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents was implemented
to their places of domicile. Persons applying for permission on May 4, 2015 to attract the second generation of Chinese
to live, work or study in Hong Kong are required to obtain Hong Kong permanent residents who have emigrated
visas or entry permits before arrival. overseas to return to Hong Kong for development.
develo There is
After the Reunification,, the BL provides the Hong Kong no quota under this scheme and applicants are not required
Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government with full to have secured an offer of employment before entry.
autonomy on immigration control matters. Successful applicants under this scheme may be granted a
stay of 12 months without other conditions of stay. They are
Policies to Attract Talent and Capital: Overseas free to take
ke up or change employment or to establish or join
professionals who o possess special skills, knowledge or in business in Hong Kong during their permitted stay without
experience of value to and not readily available in Hong the need to seek prior approval from the Immigration
Kong, or who are in a position to make substantial Department. As at the end of 2017, 315 applications were
contributions to the economy, may apply to work here under approved.
the General Employment Policy (GEP). Applicants must mu Persons admitted under thet aforesaid policy schemes
have a confirmed offer of employment, the remuneration or arrangement may apply to bring in their spouse and
package of which must be broadly commensurate with the unmarried dependent children below the age of 18 under the
prevailing market rate of Hong Kong. In 2017, 39 952 prevailing dependant policy.
overseas professionals were admitted under the GEP.
The Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents Tale and Facilitation of Passenger Movements: In 2017, the total
Professionals was implemented on July 15, 2003 with number of passengers moving into and out of Hong Kong
assessment criteria in line with those under the GEP. The was about 299 million, which is similar to the figure in 2016.
201
objective of this scheme is to attract qualified Mainland talent The number of visitors travelling to Hong Kong increased
and professionals to work in Hong Kong in order to meet from 56.65 million in 2016 to 58.47 million in 2017, increased
local manpower needs eds and enhance Hong Kong's by 3.2 per cent. This included 44.19 4 million from the
competitiveness in the globalised market. The scheme has Mainland and 2.09 million from Taiwan.
no sectoral restrictions and allows intra-company
company transfer of Lo Wu continues to be the busiest control point. In
senior managers and professionals. As at the end of 2017, 2017, 81.71 million passengers passed through this control
106 470 Mainland talent and professionals were admittedadmi point. To further strengthen the economic relation between
under the scheme. Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region, 24-hour
The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme was clearance service for cross-boundary
cross passengers was
implemented on June 28, 2006. The scheme is a quota introduced at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point on January 27,
based entrant scheme and operated on a points-based
points 2003. The total passenger throughput there in 2017 was
system. It seeks to attract highly skilled or talented persons 28.69 million.
from the Mainland and overseas to settle in Hong Kong in The department has introduced the Automated
order to enhance Hong Kong’s economic competitiveness in Passengerr Clearance and Automated Vehicle Clearance
the global market. Successful applicants
plicants are not required to Systems (collectively known as e-Channels)
e for eligible
secure an offer of local employment before taking up smart identity card holders to perform self-service
self clearance
residence in Hong Kong. As at the end of 2017, a total of 3 at all control points since 2004. To enhance immigration
989 applicants were allocated quotas. clearance efficiency and the overall passenger and vehicle
The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) was throughput, the department has launched the new
implemented on October 27, 2003. The objective of the Immigration Control System in phases since 2016. As at the
scheme is to facilitate entry for residence by capital end of 2017,, a total of 595 multi-purpose
multi e-Channels and 94
investment entrants, i.e. persons who make capital vehicular e-Channels
Channels were installed at all control points.
To further enhance immigration facilitation for Hong Passports and Identity Cards: The department started to
Kong and Macao residents, both the Hong Kong and Macao issue HKSAR passports on July 1, 1997 according to the
immigration authorities introduced in December 2009 e- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passports
Channel service to eligible Macao and Hong Kong residents Ordinance (Cap. 539) to Chinese citizens who have the right
who may use the automated clearance service at designated of abode in Hong Kong and who hold valid Hong Kong
control points of the other side after successful enrolment. In permanent identity cards. Since February 5, 2007, the
order to provide greater immigration convenience for Hong department has introduced electronic passports with
Kong non-permanent residents holding “HKSAR Document enhanced security features. In 2017, a total of 736
of Identity for Visa Purposes” and Macao non-permanent 837HKSAR passports were issued. Applicants may submit
residents holding “Visit Permit for Residents of Macao to their applications for HKSAR passports to the department by
HKSAR”, eligible non-permanent residents of the two places post, through drop-in boxes or in person. Eligible applicants
may, after successful enrolment, use the automated aged 11 or above may also submit their applications via self-
immigration clearance service of the other party for service kiosks or the Internet. Applicants staying overseas
immigration clearance with effect from December 2016. may submit their applications through the Chinese diplomatic
Besides, to further enhance immigration facilitation for and consular missions or by post to the department direct.
Mainland visitors, starting from the first quarter of 2012, Applicants who are in the Mainland may also submit their
enrolled Mainland visitors may use e-Channel service at 12 replacement applications and subsequently collect their new
control points, including Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau Spur Line, passports through the Immigration Divisions of the Office of
Hung Hom, Shenzhen Bay, Lok Ma Chau, Sha Tau Kok, the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing and the four Hong
Man Kam To, Macau Ferry Terminal, China Ferry Terminal, Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETOs) in Shanghai,
Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal and Chengdu, Guangdong and Wuhan of the HKSAR
Hong Kong International Airport in phases. To tie in with the Government.
introduction of the card-type electronic Exit-entry Permit for The department started to issue smart identity cards
Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (e-EEP) by the on June 23, 2003 and the territory-wide identity card
Mainland authorities in May 2014, eligible e-EEP holders replacement exercise launched on August 18, 2003 was
may use e-Channel service after successfully completing completed on March 31, 2007. On November 30, 2008, all
arrival clearance and enrolment at traditional counters upon the old identity cards issued before June 23, 2003 were
their first visit to Hong Kong with the e-EEP. declared invalid. Holders of old identity cards who have not
With effect from December 2013, HKSAR passport replaced their identity cards during the specified call-up
holders can enrol for the automated immigration clearance periods due to their absence from Hong Kong may apply for
service in the Republic of Korea whilst eligible Republic of new identity cards within 30 days of their return to Hong
Korea passport holders can also enrol for the e-Channel Kong.
service in Hong Kong. Mutual use of automated immigration
clearance service arrangements were implemented with the Chinese Nationality Matters: The department is authorised
Republic of Singapore, the Federal Republic of Germany and to process applications relating to the Nationality Law of the
Australia in September 2014, November 2014 and June PRC with effect from July 1, 1997. In 2017, a total of 161
2016 respectively. applications were received for declaration of change of
In March 2013, the department implemented the non- nationality, 1 534 for naturalisation as a Chinese national,
stamping immigration clearance arrangement for visitors in 160 for renunciation of Chinese nationality and 3 for
order to provide more efficient services and simplify the restoration of Chinese nationality.
immigration clearance procedure. All arriving visitors at
control points would be issued with landing slips in lieu of Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Outside Hong Kong:
stamping on their travel documents. Upon departure, no slip Hong Kong residents outside Hong Kong in need of
would be issued and their travel documents would not be assistance (e.g. those who have lost their travel documents,
stamped. The non-stamping immigration clearance being involved in traffic accidents, being arrested or detained)
arrangement was extended to Hong Kong non-permanent may approach the Chinese diplomatic and consular missions
residents in December 2013. overseas, the Immigration Divisions of the Beijing Office and
To provide greater convenience for departing visitors, the HKETOs in Shanghai, Wuhan, Chengdu and Guangdong,
self-service departure for visitors (Smart Departure) was first the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office in
launched at the Hong Kong International Airport in October Taiwan or the Immigration Department in Hong Kong. In
2017. The service was extended to other control points in 2017, a total of 3 311 requests for assistance were received.
December 2017. Smart Departure employs facial recognition
technology for identity verification, which allows eligible Registration of Outbound Travel Information (ROTI):
visitors holding electronic travel documents to perform self- Before travelling abroad, Hong Kong residents can use the
service departure clearance through Smart Departure e- online ROTI service to register their contact details and
Channels without prior enrolment. itineraries. The information they provide allows the
Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Hong Kong
Right of Abode: Under the law, Hong Kong permanent Immigration Department to contact and assist them in the
residents have the right of abode in the HKSAR. Article 24 of event of an emergency outside Hong Kong.
the BL sets out six categories of persons who are permanent
residents of the HKSAR. On July 1, 1997, the Immigration
Ordinance (Cap. 115) was amended to align the right of Illegal Immigration: During 2017, the city arrested 722
abode provisions with those in the BL. Mainland illegal immigrants, 55 per cent more than in 2016;
The Certificate of Entitlement Scheme was introduced 598 Vietnamese illegal immigrants, 44 per cent less than in
on July 10, 1997. Under the scheme, a person’s status as a 2016; and 295 non-ethnic-Chinese illegal immigrants
Hong Kong permanent resident by descent can only be excluding Vietnamese, 74 per cent less than in 2016.
established by holding his/her valid travel document affixed
with his/her certificate of entitlement. Administration: Since its formation in 1961, the Immigration
The Registration of Persons Ordinance (Cap. 177) and Department has expanded from 73 uniformed and 128
its subsidiary legislation provide for the issue of permanent civilian staff to the present establishment of 6 212 uniformed
identity cards to Hong Kong permanent residents. The officers and 1 565 civilians as at December 31, 2017. Its size
permanent identity card contains a statement that the holder and range of responsibilities now bear little resemblance to
has the right of abode in Hong Kong. the embryonic organisation in 1961.
The work is carried out by Immigration Headquarters in Hong Kong (“Smart Departure”) at Hong Kong International
Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island, branch offices and registries Airport in October 2017 so as to enable eligible visitors
located throughout Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New holding valid electronic travel documents to perform self-
Territories; and from the 14 points of entry and departure. service departure clearance through e-Channels without
The 14 control points are located at the airport, the harbour, prior enrolment. The service was further extended to all
the River Trade Terminal, the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry control points in December 2017. It enhances not only the
Terminal, the China Ferry Terminal, the Tuen Mun Ferry effectiveness of immigration control and the overall
Terminal, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Lo Wu, Man Kam To, passenger handling capacity of control points but also
Sha Tau Kok, Lok Ma Chau, MTR Lok Ma Chau Station, provides greater travel convenience for visitors. Meanwhile,
MTR Hung Hom Station for through trains to and from the the System Analysis and Design of the Next Generation
Mainland, as well as the first control point with co-location Smart Identity Card System have been completed and
facilities at Shenzhen Bay of Shekou, Shenzhen. System DevelopmentDevelopment is under way. The new
The Enforcement Division processed 42 162 system is planned to be implemented in phases
investigations. 68 307 stops, 13 368 searches, 7 258 arrests startingstarting from the third quarter of 2018 to replace the
and 10 948 detentions were made. 5 412 offenders were existing ageing computer system so as to enhance
prosecuted. operational efficiency and effectiveness in supporting the
In 2017, 571 436 applications for issue of identity issue of Hong Kong Smart Identity Cards. Furthermore, the
cards were received. Besides, a total of 26 710 copies of Next Generation Electronic Passport System aims to replace
Certificates of Registered Particulars were issued. the existing ageing computer system and to enhance
During 2017, the Births and Deaths Registry registered operational efficiency and effectiveness in supporting the
56 919 births and 45 883 deaths while the Marriage Registry issue of Hong Kong travel documents. The tendering
registered 50 907 marriages. exercise of the new system was completed and system
The introduction of the Civil Celebrants of Marriages design is under way. It is planned to be implemented in
Scheme since April 21, 2006 has brought greater phases starting from early 2019. For the Next Generation
convenience to marrying parties in their choice of place and Application and Investigation Easy Systems (APPLIES-2)
time for wedding. For the period from April 21, 2006 to project, the preparatory work for funding application and
December 31, 2017, 282 157 couples (representing 45.7 per tendering exercise is under way and it is expected to be
cent of the marriages celebrated in the same period) had implemented in phases starting from early 2021.
their marriages celebrated through civil celebrants.
Annual Passenger Movements
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Air 35 494 179 37 771 833 40 950 306 43 231 410 46 319 485 48 640 973 50 931 408
Land 190 618 159 202 575 135 208 675 554 218 966 219 222 642 921 221 323 294 221 674 873
Sea 27 291 600 27 379 087 27 776 468 28 359 645 27 659 206 26 732 286 26 825 232
Total 253 403 938 267 726 055 277 402 328 290 557 274 296 621 612 296 696 553 299 431 513
Travel Documents in Circulation
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
HKSAR Passport 4 524 015 4 652 737 4 966 652 5 117 471 5 382 416 5 601 752 5 772 326
Document of Identity 334 635 343 795 336 714 347 934 350 935 366 662 377 356
Re-entry Permit 561 830 574 547 567 452 561 087 548 286 519 077 488 035
Remark: The CIES has been suspended since January 15, 2015.
GovHK Website: http://www.gov.hk Immigration Department
Information contained in this publication may be freely used. Home Page address:
April 2018
No acknowledgement is necessary. www.immd.gov.hk
