Hong Kong expands Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons

The expansion

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has expanded its Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons, extending coverage beyond ASEAN to selected countries and regions in Central Asia and the Middle East.

The expansion also allows all Hong Kong SAR Government bureaux and departments to issue invitations under the scheme. The policy is intended to facilitate economic, trade, cultural and institutional exchanges and to strengthen Hong Kong's role as a regional business hub.

Countries and regions covered

Central Asia

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Gulf Cooperation Council

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

ASEAN

The scheme continues to cover ASEAN member states, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

What the scheme provides

Under the expanded framework, Hong Kong Government bureaux and departments may invite eligible nationals who can make a considerable contribution to Hong Kong's economic development, or who have been invited to attend important events or engagements in Hong Kong.

One-stop processing

Relevant applications can be processed through an electronic platform.

Simplified information

Simplified information requirements for visa applications, where applicable.

Self-service clearance

Relaxed eligibility criteria for self-service immigration clearance at Hong Kong control points.

These measures are designed to improve processing efficiency for qualifying business leaders, experts, scholars, officials and other invited visitors.

Practical implications for employers and mobility teams

Organisations planning executive visits, government engagements, trade events, conferences, academic forums or other short-term activities in Hong Kong should assess the scheme before finalising travel arrangements.

Confirm eligibility

Confirm eligibility of the proposed traveller, inviting bureau or department and intended activity.

Invitation process

Clarify the invitation process and ensure the invitation is issued by an authorised Hong Kong SAR Government bureau or department.

Visa requirements

Review nationality and visa requirements, as the scheme does not remove the need to satisfy applicable immigration conditions.

Processing time

Allow sufficient processing time, even where streamlined procedures may be available.

Entry arrangements

Check entry and clearance arrangements before departure, including whether self-service immigration clearance eligibility applies.

Documentation

Retain supporting documentation, including invitation letters, event details, business-purpose evidence and travel records.

Path Global can support organisations with eligibility assessments, invitation and documentation planning, visa strategy and broader cross-border mobility coordination. For assistance, contact info@pathglobal.com.

This client alert is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements and administrative arrangements may change. Organisations should confirm the latest position with the Hong Kong Immigration Department before acting.