Hong Kong – Visas for Same-Sex Dependants, Civil Partnerships/Unions
Hong Kong – Visas for Same-Sex Dependants, Civil
This report covers the Hong Kong government’s new policy in respect of immigration-related applications for same-sex dependants.
Further to a recent court case in respect of dependant visa eligibility for same sax partners, the Hong Kong SAR government has revised its immigration policy in respect of applications for same-sex dependants.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
This revision in the Hong Kong SAR immigration rules should help alleviate the worries and burdens that same-sex couples coming to work and live in Hong Kong carry. With effect from 19 September 2018, a person who has entered into a same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, same-sex marriage, opposite-sex civil partnership, or opposite-sex civil union outside Hong Kong with an eligible sponsor2 will become eligible to apply for a dependant visa/entry permit for entry into Hong Kong.
Previously, a person who is the other party to one of the above relationships, who would like to accompany the applicant, had to come to Hong Kong as a visitor within the allowed period of stay. As a visitor, he/she was not allowed to take up any employment in Hong Kong. Under the revised policy, same-sex and other spouses who do not fall within the terms of Hong Kong legislation as a “spouse”3, will be allowed to stay for the same period as the sponsor’s visa period and take up employment in Hong Kong.
Application Criteria
The original criteria of the policy for dependants remain unchanged. An application for admission of a dependant may be favourably considered if meeting the below criteria.
(i) There is reasonable proof of a genuine relationship between the applicant and the sponsor;
(ii) There is no known record to the detriment of the applicant; and
(iii) The sponsor is able to support the dependant's living at a standard well above the subsistence level and provide him/her with suitable accommodation in Hong Kong.
The government stated that the revised policy allows those who are able to provide care and financial support to their dependants to sponsor their non-local dependants to come to reside in Hong Kong.
Further Matters: Period of Stay and Right of Abode
Under the Immigration guidelines, dependants who have ordinarily resided in the Hong Kong SAR for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in the Hong Kong SAR in accordance with the law. A same-sex partner who has been coming to Hong Kong as a visitor previously, may only start counting their period of stay after they obtained the dependant visa.
KPMG NOTE
The change of policy is intended to attract and retain talent in Hong Kong.
Employers may need to consider their current benefit policy and/or global mobility policy for dependants. In particular, they will need to consider if the accommodation provided by the employer meets the standard of “well above the subsistence level,” which is one of the factors to be considered by the Immigration Department for the application.
FOOTNOTES
1 The announcement was published on the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s website on 18 September 2018.
2 The principal applicant is the “sponsor” of the dependant.
3 A valid marriage under Hong Kong Law is heterosexual and monogamous.
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Hong Kong.
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