Working legally for a second company

[edbeesley]

Another dreaded visa-related thread...

I work part-time as a Chiropractor in a clinic who sponsor my work visa. I have a lot of free hours in the week and would like to work part-time in a second clinic.

I have found a clinic who is interested in hiring me on that basis, and my current employer is happy for me to do so. The only question is how to make it all 100% legit with Immigration.

What's our best/easiest bet? I've heard that it's a question of my current employer notifying ImmD.. if so, is it as simple as that? All parties are happy to do whatever is necessary to facilitate this, eg. the second clinic paying my current employer, who then pays me, like a locum contract arrangement.

Anyone got any experience of this sort of situation?

[Flat Hunter]

Yes if all parties i.e. your existing visa sponsor and immigration are happy then it is a simple process.

[shri]

the second clinic paying my current employer, who then pays me, like a locum contract

Not an expert, but that arrangement implies that you do not technically have a second employer. Your current employer has added to your responsibilities and given you a raise, since you have taken on additional work.

I would check with IMMD and ask them something like - "My employer requires me to work at another company for several hours a week and my current employer will increase my salary to cover the additional work. Is this possible under a GEP visa or do I have to apply to immigration?" Email: [email protected]

[edbeesley]

Thanks all for your responses!

Not an expert, but that arrangement implies that you do not technically have a second employer. Your current employer has added to your responsibilities and given you a raise, since you have taken on additional work.

This is the kind of imaginative interpretation that I'd originally hoped would make it straightforward, but I'm not too optimistic it would be completely above-board if anyone ever pried into it. Will email as per your suggestion.

Another thought.. as I am under 30, so is it worth looking at working-holiday visas? I didn't originally consider trying that as it stipulates your primary purpose is holidaying in HK, and that (for a Brit) you can work a maximum of 12 months; but actually I know a few people who work here (in PR firms, etc) who do so under these visas. Bearing in mind that I already have a 24 month work dependent visa which I'm 9 months into, how it would it fly if I applied for one of those? Just thought it might be a more flexible option and not tie me down to any specific clinic/employer...

[edbeesley]

Thanks all for your responses!

This is the kind of imaginative interpretation that I'd originally hoped would make it straightforward, but I'm not too optimistic it would be completely above-board if anyone ever pried into it. Will email as per your suggestion.

Having spoken to the immigration department on the phone, it does seem like the only acceptable thing in their eyes would be applying for the sideline visa, as pmannering described.

Thing is: as this is probably a short-term arrangement, I can foresee being in a similar situation with another clinic in the not too distant future, and it would be great not to have to go through the 4+week wait any time I want to do some extra part time. I may even want to switch employers completely. For that reason, the working holiday scheme visa seems like it could be the most useful option...

So, anyone know of any particular reason why I couldn't/shouldn't apply for this, whilst already holding a sponsored work-visa? The guy on the phone said it was possible, but that he couldn't offer any 'opinion' as to whether this was a good option...

[Claire ex-ax]

The WHV doesn't 'count' towards PR, if you are going to be staying that long. I believe you also have to show you have health insurance (for certain countries) and sufficient funds.

[shri]

Also, not sure if govt hospitals treat WHV as eligible for 'free medical' and if there is an expat spouse in the horizon, WHV will not allow you to sponsor them as a dependent. Check on these issues.