Will Convert Tourist to Work Visa Later, Quest. Re: Return Ticket as I Enter

[NYC2HK2011]

Coming in mid-Feb under a tourist visa.

My company submitted my work visa application, but it likely won't be done until late-Feb (HR bureaucracy).

To convert, I understand an easy trip to Macao will suffice.

My question is: when I enter mid-Feb as a tourist, do I need a return ticket in hand? If so, does a ferry ticket to Macao suffice? If not, do I need to step up to a plane ticket to Taiwan or something...

Thanks for your help.

[PDLM]

In principle yes, in practice it's very rare to be asked for it (especially, sadly, if white). The issue is more likely with the airline who may not let you check in unless you have a return or onward flight. Airline policies vary, so you might want to check with them.

Be careful what you say to Immigration on arrival if questioned - clearly you are not moving here to work (since you don't have permission to do that) - you are coming for some business meetings.

[NYC2HK2011]

Thank you :-)

[M Khan]

Out of curiosity, have you filled in and submitted HK Government Immigration forms, or has your sponsoring company's HR department told you that they'll take care of all of that sort of thing?

I raise the point simply because it is not unknown for companies to invite people to start working on tourist visas, promising to convert them to employment visas, and then prevaricate for months until the light finally dawns that the company actually has neither the intention nor the ability to sponsor employment visas.

A relatively rare, but unfortunately not unheard of, occurance.

[M Khan]

Never mind. I just read your posts about the Fortune 500 company and bonuses etc, so I guess you can rest assured of the visa coming before too long.

[vinyljunky]

Shouldn't be an issue, I did the same when I moved here. Immigration didn't ask any questions, just made a quick trip to Macau once I received my work visa from the company.
You just have to ensure your work visa arrives before your stay in HK expires (90 days for most countries) - mine took around 2 weeks.