Working holiday visa, working past allowance

[Truc604]

As I understand you are allowed to stay in HK under the working holiday program but not allowed to work at one job more than 3 months at a time. However, what would happen if you did work past the three months? Are they really strict about these things? Also, it would seem like such a hassle to get hired somewhere then quit and find another job no?

[Gruntfuttock]

If the company really likes you I believe one option is for you just to be employed by a sister company (most "companies" actually have several legal entities) and continue doing the same job. Otherwise the obvious way for "the authorities" to spot the overrun is through tax records. Whether they actually do this I'm not sure.

[Truc604]

would there be consequences for the overrun? Kind if a gray area though isnt it.

[Gruntfuttock]

Well presumably in principle you would be guilty of a "breach of conditions of stay" which could make you subject to a jail sentence, fine and deportation. But I've certainly not heard of this for WHVs and I doubt that it happens.

[JuiceSqueezer]

I have been told by someone at immigration that they do not follow up with the tax department for working holiday visas and you can work longer. It's just designed to give you a taste of working in Hong Kong so it's broadly flexible. But that's certainly not advice that anyone would give me in writing so has to be followed with some caution.

[Rob2020]

I had no problem working with the same company for around 9 or 10 months while I was on a WHV.

I then transitioned to a permanent role without much hassle - just needed to get a normal visa sponsored and then re-enter HKG to activate it. Welcome to HKG

[syleena38]

I had no problem working with the same company for around 9 or 10 months while I was on a WHV.

I then transitioned to a permanent role without much hassle - just needed to get a normal visa sponsored and then re-enter HKG to activate it. Welcome to HKG

Hi! I'm tempted to move to HK with the WHV but scared not to find a job as I cannot speak Mandarin or Cantonese. Do you speak those languages? In which field have you been working? My background is fashion business (wholesale, retail ops).
Thanks