Obtaining a Hong
Kong work permit and visa is increasingly more difficult for foreigners in the
face of increasing unemployment. Foreigners will require a special skill or
knowledge to have a good chance of getting a visa for Hong Kong. It is almost
impossible for low-skilled, non-skilled, or inexperienced workers to get a work
permit or visa in this very competitive environment. A visa or entry permit is
required to work, study, establish, or join in any business or to take up
residence in the Hong Kong.
Professional Resources Many foreign chambers of commerce have offices in Hong Kong. The
American Chamber is the largest of these, and promotes and fosters
commerce and trade in the Asia-Pacific region. AMCHAM's website
contains links to a variety of business organizations and publications.
Expatriates from every nation can find useful information at this
website.
Job Search Resources The most effective way to find a job in Hong Kong is by using online
resources, local newspaper classifieds, and trade magazines. For job
seekers located far from Hong Kong, Internet resources are by far
the easiest to use, but printed media such as newspapers and trade
publications are the traditional starting point. In Hong Kong, the
Thursday and Saturday editions of newspapers often have expanded
classified sections.
Financial Considerations The cost of living in Hong Kong is pretty high. For instance, a basket
of goods that cost $100 in the U.S. would cost $143 in Hong Kong. A
one-bedroom apartment can run as high as $1,925 U.S. a month.
Unlike in many U.S. cities, though, you don't need a car to live in
Hong Kong; public transportation is efficient and accessible.
Salaries can vary quite a bit. Just in the IT field, they can range from
$1,025 to $3,850 U.S. a month; managers and department heads can
expect $6,400-$10,250 U.S. monthly. Expatriates working for large
corporations usually receive a host of extra benefits, including
housing, car, and furniture allowances.
Employment Trends According to a government study, 43,360 jobs will be created in
Hong Kong between 1999 and 2005. Finance, insurance, real estate,
and business services will grow the fastest, increasing manpower by
an average annual rate of 5.6 percent. Other industries experiencing
high growth rates include transport, storage, communications,
community services, wholesale, retail, import/export, and restaurants
and hotels. Knowledge-based industries, such as computer
equipment, telecommunications, and Internet services, will also see a
rapid rate of growth.
Information Technology Like many countries, Hong Kong is experiencing a shortage of
information technology specialists. Those who can design, develop,
implement, support, or manage computer-based information systems
are needed in every sector in Hong Kong. Jobs in this field include
networking, operations and support, systems development, and
telecommunications.
For most IT jobs, you'll need a degree or diploma in computer studies.
Software certification and experience with networking,
microcomputers, and operating systems can also be helpful.
Engineering Engineers serve as a crucial link between science and commerce in
Hong Kong, and there are many employment opportunities for
engineers. Engineering in Hong Kong is a diversified discipline that
can be classified into more than 25 specialties, such as aerospace
engineering and plastics engineering.
For most engineering jobs, you'll need a degree in engineering and
work experience. Managerial or supervisory experience, computer and
technical knowledge, project coordination skills, and language ability
may also be required, depending on the position.
Work Permits It's getting more and more difficult for foreigners to obtain a Hong
Kong work permit. They must have a special skill to have a good
chance of finding work in Hong Kong. There are three approaches to
getting a work permit.
If a candidate secures a position with a Hong Kong company before
arrival, the company will sponsor the applicant for a work permit. The
company must prove that it cannot find a qualified candidate for the
position within Hong Kong.
Foreigners may also try arriving in Hong Kong on a visitor's visa and
finding work once in the country. This method is difficult and not
advisable, but not impossible, either.
Most expatriate workers in Hong Kong got there by being transferred
there by their employers. This is still the easiest way to get a Hong
Kong work permit.
Work permits are valid for two years and must be renewed every two
years thereafter. For up-to-date information about work permit rules
and regulations, contact the Chinese diplomatic mission in your
country.
( http://www.overseasdigest.com/country/HongKong.htm )
