The Hong Kong Identity Card or HKID plays a major role for the foreign employees working in Hong Kong. It’s a fundamental responsibility of every employer to understand how HKID works because it’s a legal process your foreign hires. This guide will go through some major points on the application to ensure your employees start their job without delay.
Understanding HKID and Its Importance
Scope of HKID
It is a legal requirement for foreign workers if they allowed to work in Hong Kong for more than 180 days. It serves as an identity card and is compulsory when conducting most legal, social and business activities in the area.
Legal Requirements
Overseas talents coming to work in Hong Kong are required by law to secure it after receiving a valid working visa. This means that the absence of may come up affecting the employee in terms of his work.
Benefits of HKID
While for the employees, it offers availabilities of the important services that include the health, financial and other social services. From the employers’ side, they can avoid legal problems and disruption of operations within company.
Criteria for Foreign Employees
Employees who possess a valid work visa and their stay in Hong Kong is likely to exceed 180 days would be granted an HKID. This also covers people with working visas like the Employment Visa, Investment visa and Dependent visa.
Common Work Visa Types
The most common visa types for non-local associated with HKID eligibility include:
Employment Visa: Employed for the officials and practicing for the individuals in Hong Kong.
Investment Visa: If looking for a destination for business establishment, for the entrepreneurs and investors in Hong Kong.
Dependent Visa: For relatives of individual who holds a legal work or investment visa.
Step-by-Step HKID Application Process
Essential Documents
Before applying, ensure that the employee has the following documents:
- A valid passport with visa
- Offer Letter
- Proof of residential address in Hong Kong
- Recent passport-sized photographs.
Appointment for HKID Application
Applicants are advised to make prior appointment before they come to our offices for services. This can be done either on the web, or over the phone. HKID appointment Forms can be downloaded from the website of Immigration Department.
Receiving the HKID
Applicant can obtain it within ten working days. Where there are delays or problems with the application, the Immigration Department will contact the applicant. Employers should better pay attention to this process to guarantee the receipt of the HKID in time.
Employer's Responsibilities Post HKID Application
Ensuring HKID Receipt
It is the responsibility of employers to try and ensure that employees received their HKID. Therefore, keeping the ID number record is very important as it is used in legal and administrative aspects.
Record-Keeping and Compliance
Employers must update their internal records and ensure that all legal requirements related to the employee’s HKID are met.
Suggestion for Employers and Employees
Hong Kong Identity Card is very important for foreign employees in Hong Kong. Moreover, it is essential that the process runs as smoothly as possible for the legal and morale of the employees. Employers can then assist their employees in right way by being knowledgeable of the flow and or changes.
If you are employer and looking for assistance with HKID, FastLane HR can help you get everything done by professionals. You can also visit our website and get the assistance you are acquire for your business in finance and HR matters.