Visa & Immigration Update - Hong Kong Relaxes Visa Requirements for Cambodian Nationals

Effective Date: 

Impacted Area:

Policy Highlights

The Hong Kong Immigration Department announced on February 27, 2017 that the visa requirements for Cambodian nationals will be relaxed. 

Effective March 1, 2017, nationals of Cambodia can apply for entry visa in Hong Kong for employment as professionals, imported workers as well as foreign domestic helpers and for other purposes such as investment, training and studying.

Currently, Cambodian passport holders can apply for visit visa and dependent visa in Hong Kong. 

Immigration Schemes Affected

• General Employment Policy
• Employment as imported workers under the Supplementary Labour Scheme
• Entry visa for foreign domestic helpers
• Investment (to establish or join in business)
• Training visa
• Student visa
• Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
• Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates
• Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents

Important Things to Note

Please note the Immigration Department has not announced the full details on their website with regard to the documents required specific to Cambodian nationals under each affected immigration scheme.  We are also not sure whether additional background checks or other internal formalities are required by any division. Applicants are strongly encouraged to file the application in advance and allow more time for visa processing.

Cambodian passport holders are not entitled to any visa-free status in Hong Kong as visitors.  Holders of Cambodia Diplomatic and Official passports may enter into Hong Kong visa-free for a stay not exceeding 14 days.

Your SIRVA Contact

For any questions, please reach out to your SIRVA Immigration Specialist in Hong Kong at _SIR-HK-VISA@sirva.com.