NEED ADVICE: Chances of getting work visa is low

[lucardin]

Hello everyone! I have been offered an opportunity to work in a UK based company as a designer in Hong Kong but I think my chances of getting a work visa is very low because: 1. the salary is only HK$15000 per month 2. this is the first time the company is hiring an expat 3. I don't speak Mandarin/Cantonese 4. I'm Filipino

Do you guys think that I should still hold on for hope or just move on? Just tell me in advance so I can mentally prepare myself for disappointment.

[lucardin]

Hello everyone! I have been offered an opportunity to work in a UK based company as a designer in Hong Kong but I think my chances of getting a work visa is very low because: 1. the salary is only HK$15000 per month 2. this is the first time the company is hiring an expat 3. I don't speak Mandarin/Cantonese 4. I'm Filipino

Do you guys think that I should still hold on for hope or just move on? Just tell me in advance so I can mentally prepare myself for disappointment.

[chuckster007]

but I think my chances of getting a work visa is very low because:

VERY LOW CHANCE

1. What skills do u posses that a local HK person cannot do
2. Salary is probably on the borderline of the minimum requirement
3. 1st time hiring an expat, the application is going to get scrutinized under a magnifying glass by the immigration dept, it could take months before they receive a YES / NO approval answer

Do you have a job already, I wouldnt resign from it for this job yet.

[shri]

And honestly, they're trying to hustle you ... $15K for talent that they cannot hire locally is BS.

[lucardin]

Already resigned from my current job Do you think I should tell my employer about the salary thing ?

[Scousebanana]

Not to mention that HK$15,000 will not get you far in HK. This is an entry level salary which usually relies on the individual being able to live at home with their family. Unless you have someone who you can live with very cheaply, you will not have a good quality of life at this level.

Just to give you some benchmark, the lowest paid person in my team earns HK$16,500 per month plus benefits such as private healthcare and up to three months bonus. This is for a junior secretary position. Admittedly we are a big MNC and therefore probably pay higher than average salary, but HK$15k for what sounds like a relatively skilled role sounds like someone trying to take advantage of someone who is from a low salary economy.

I suggest you explain to them that having looked into the cost of living and market rates, this salary is not enough for someone based in HK and either negotiate a rise or investigate whether it would be possible to do this role remotely from the Philippines where HK$15k would stretch much further.

[lighthse003]

Your company sure pays higher than average. Many non professional degree fresh graduates earn slightly less than $13,500 a month. A junior secretary should be lower than $13,500 too.

[shafiq]

Hello everyone! I have been offered an opportunity to work in a UK based company as a designer in Hong Kong but I think my chances of getting a work visa is very low because: 1. the salary is only HK$15000 per month 2. this is the first time the company is hiring an expat 3. I don't speak Mandarin/Cantonese 4. I'm Filipino

Do you guys think that I should still hold on for hope or just move on? Just tell me in advance so I can mentally prepare myself for disappointment.

15k will be acceptable, if you have home rent allowance. You can negotiate with company for that.

The salary is on the lower side, but definitely not too low. Being first time and small company size, it will be a length process with lot of justifications to be given..

[moonbearz]

VERY LOW CHANCE

1. What skills do u posses that a local HK person cannot do
2. Salary is probably on the borderline of the minimum requirement
3. 1st time hiring an expat, the application is going to get scrutinized under a magnifying glass by the immigration dept, it could take months before they receive a YES / NO approval answer

Do you have a job already, I wouldnt resign from it for this job yet.

I second that. I think your employer is definitely trying to hustle you. As an expat, dont quote me on this but i think the minimum salary requirement should be 20k and above? This is because local companies need to justify why are they trying to hire expat instead of a local. And the Immigration department would also see if you have any experience in your field. I wouldn't say prepare to be disappointed but doesn't hurt to look at other companies in the same field and compare the salary range, benefits etc...

[lucardin]

Hello everyone, thank you all so much for the information. I have sent my documents to my employer but I honestly don't expect something positive from the immigration anymore. I'd really love to work in HK but I guess this isn't the right time for me. I'll try my luck next time. Thanks again!