QMAS Employer Reference - asking current employer?

[ausgt]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I wasn't able to find a post similar to this, so please be kind.
I am currently based in Australia and have been job hunting recently. Unfortunately, I haven't had any replies from anyone in HK. I am a IT Project Manager. I am considering to apply for QMAS, given the lack of responses from my applications (maybe I am doing something wrong with my applications). My dilema is, how do I approach my current employer for a reference letter without being sussed? It is not a common HR request, moreover, I do not want my current employer to know of my plans to migrate to HK. Does anyone have any tips?

I am also planning to visit HK during August to job hunt for a month or two because I would like to be in HK earlier. Is employment opportunities better if you have been granted QMAS? Or does it not matter too much because companies would be willing to sponsor your visa?

Thanks!

[star-anise]

It has actually been discussed before. Have you checked carefully?

The way I did it was, I approached my employer and tell them I need a letter describing my tenure with the company in order for me to apply for Australian permanent residency. They are usually quite forthcoming with this. I was on a temporary visa back then. Or if you already hold a permanent resident visa, just tell them the immigration authority requires more info. If you already are an Australian citizen, you can tell them you wanted to do some extra studies or apply to a post graduate course at the university and then need a description of your current role. There is always a way around it.

I don't know about the prospect of companies sponsorship in the IT sector, but do bear in mind that QMAS is a long process, which can be up to a year or more. May be you can apply for QMAS while try your luck in HK. If you get the QMAS at a later stage, then it is an added bonus for you?

[ausgt]

Thanks for the reply. I'll have another look for any related posts.
Yes, starting the QMAS process now will help forumlate another plan if job hunting doesn't go well this year.