Two (Long!) Tourist Visits in Quick Succession

[hamstercage]

Hi all,

I've searched around for this, but most visit-departure-visit questions seem to revolve around the "visa runs" to Macau, Shenzhen, Taiwan, etc.

OK, backstory first...

My partner (of almost 4.5 years) moved back to HK (he'd been studying for a number of years in the UK) in September 2012 to start a new job. I (a British citizen) spent just under a year saving up some cash to tide myself over, with the intent of spending some time in HK (two trips, with a gap in between back in the UK), that would constitute a sort of mega holiday/job hunting expedition. Accommodation and bills wouldn't be a problem, given that my partner was already earning and would be able to support us.

My dilemma...

I arrived in HK in August on a tourist visa for my first trip (and have loved my time here!). I'm due to return to the UK in mid-December (by which point I'll have spent roughy 4 months here), and am planning to book flights back to HK at the end of January, anticipating a 6-month visit.

I've read a fair few threads (on this and other forums) about people having trouble re-entering HK after short gaps, and, in some cases, only being given very short tourist visas. I gather that many of these cases involve people nipping over the border for a very brief period and then trying to return for a fresh tourist visa.

I can completely understand why the HK Immigration Department take a dim view of visa runs, and that they're keen to protect the labour market from people working illegally.

Has anyone had a similar experience, and did you have any trouble re-entering after a brief period away? I know that my intentions are legitimate (spending time with partner, and job hunting).

In an ideal world, my partner and I could get married and sort out a dependent visa, but until they introduce gay marriage (and the accompanying immigration options!), I'm out of luck .

So, to recap...
In HK as a tourist: mid-August 2013 - mid-December 2013
Back in the UK: mid-December 2013 - late January 2014
(planned) In HK as a tourist (2nd time): late January 2014 - late June 2014

Thanks for reading!

[usehername]

Are you white?

If yes, you'll have no problems.
If no, it may be tricky.

[hamstercage]

It's a real shame that that should matter . But, yes, I'm white.

[hamstercage]

Thanks!

I quite like the image of literally sailing through

[HowardCoombs]

Although chances are slim, you may get asked : why are you here? What did you do the last time you came here etc etc.

Be prepared for such questions and get your answers ready just in case. If you answer with hesitation and if they get any hint that you are actually residing here (which you are), you can be denied entry.

You are white - if you are also decently dressed (as others have said) chances are you wont be asked anything at all and you'll be thru in minutes.

Oh, and becareful how you phrase things:

I know that my intentions are legitimate (spending time with partner, and job hunting).

Its better to say "visiting my partner" and say nothing about job hunting. Visiting is OK, residing is NOT.

[Brown_By_Nature]

Being a British passport holder, more importantly than your color of skin would probably mean that you shouldn't have much of a problem. The issue may arise should you do this sort of thing 3 or 4 times...

[hamstercage]

@HowardCoombs I wouldn't say that I'm residing...although I see what you mean, I'd definitely class them as long visits (although with a view to residing if & when I can find a job with an employer that will sponsor me for a work visa). And being decently dressed...I didn't even consider that. I presume you mean a half-decent shirt, rather than a suit?

@Brown_By_Nature Honestly, I'm not willing to try for a 3rd entry (at least not without a significant gap after the 2nd), it seems so likely to set alarm bells ringing.

[HowardCoombs]

@HowardCoombs I wouldn't say that I'm residing...although I see what you mean, I'd definitely class them as long visits (although with a view to residing if & when I can find a job with an employer that will sponsor me for a work visa). And being decently dressed...I didn't even consider that. I presume you mean a half-decent shirt, rather than a suit?

Its not your opinion that matters - its the IMMDs opinion that counts. Its an issue of interpretation and if they interpret the wrong way, you wont get in.

Decently dressed == dont look like a bum
Normal and casual clothing is fine. Just dont bring too much attention to yourself (piercings, strange hair styles, odd makup and the like). Look like an ordinary tourist and act like a normal and ordinary tourist.

[hamstercage]

Oh, and becareful how you phrase things:
Its better to say "visiting my partner" and say nothing about job hunting. Visiting is OK, residing is NOT.

Ah, yeah, I realised that after I finished typing the post :P. I gather that job hunting is acceptable...just not overtly, as it were.

[hamstercage]

Its not your opinion that matters - its the IMMDs opinion that counts. Its an issue of interpretation and if they interpret the wrong way, you wont get in.

Decently dressed == dont look like a bum
Normal and casual clothing is fine. Just dont bring too much attention to yourself (piercings, strange hair styles, odd makup and the like). Look like an ordinary tourist and act like a normal and ordinary tourist.

Thanks for the tips. It's sometimes easy to forget how serious this all is.