Work visa expires, need to legally stay in hk before next visa kicks in

[madmax77]

So, here is the situation: work contract expires, and it will be few weeks/months before I find new one. I've lived in hk for 5 years, and planning to stay.

What do I need to do to stay legally in hk before I get new job? Which I know will not be immediately after my current job ends ...

[Fiona in HKG]

So, here is the situation: work contract expires, and it will be few weeks/months before I find new one. I've lived in hk for 5 years, and planning to stay.

What do I need to do to stay legally in hk before I get new job? Which I know will not be immediately after my current job ends ...

When does your work visa expire?

[madmax77]

When does your work visa expire?

Hi Fiona - my visa will expire at the end of September

[pin]

Hi Fiona - my visa will expire at the end of September

You need to get another work visa before Sept or another sort of visa before then.

[HowardCoombs]

Any chance of getting the current employer to extend your contract?

Even if you go the illegal route (please hire me for 2 more years, nudge, nudge, wink, wink and I will quit in a few weeks) it will the most painless of the rest of the options...

[carang]

if you don't sort out another job/visa before your current visa expires, your 7 year clock will reset. you can't have any time during that 7years on a tourist visa (afaik).

[madmax77]

Any chance of getting the current employer to extend your contract?

Even if you go the illegal route (please hire me for 2 more years, nudge, nudge, wink, wink and I will quit in a few weeks) it will the most painless of the rest of the options...

If I get one month extension with my employer, will the government issue one month work visa, or is the visa going to be for a longer period?

[moving_east]

Legal options
a) Get a new job/work visa before expiration ( sure that has been considered)
b) If 'a' looks unlikely, visit HK immigration now and tell them you your looking for a job that may take time and they can give visa for one month or more
c) If you want to start a business genuinely, then find a consultant open a company and then the company can hire you. You 'can' get legal visa to compete 7 years

HK immigration is one of the most fair and professional. I personally know people who have opted for 'b' and 'c' and were successful. All the very best!

[madmax77]

Fiona, pin, Howard, carang, moving_east - thanks for your answers, I understand the situation much better now.

[HowardCoombs]

If I get one month extension with my employer, will the government issue one month work visa, or is the visa going to be for a longer period?

Work visas *usually* follow the length of the contract. It would be best if you could get a 2 year contract from your current employer to secure your visa extension.

If the employer turns around and terminates you after 4 weeks, you will still have the visa for the duration.

For avoidance of doubt, this is bordering on illegal but the chances of getting caught are small.