Working with a dependant visa

Posted by Dive bum (335 days ago)

I’ve researched previous posts on this subject and checked out the immigration website. However, there were some gaps that I hoped could be filled by those in the know on this board.

I have a dependant’s visa as my wife works here. I would like to start working and a previous employer (a global company but with very little presence in Hong Kong) would like to employ me. What I’ve read so far suggests that I can engage in any work without applying for a separate employment visa – my dependant visa was granted after May 2006. This sounds nice and easy but perhaps I’m missing some small print.

Am I really able to turn up to a job next week and start earning a salary? Is no involvement (on my part) with immigration required? Does it matter whether my role is one that may be do-able by a local? Does it matter what kind of corporate structure my employer has (ie local business vs overseas branch office) or whether I am employed here or employed elsewhere and seconded here?

I believe that my visa remains linked to my wife’s so if she doesn't get her visa renewed and has to leave then I would presumably have to leave as well – and of course I’d want to. I can see there might be an advantage in getting an employment visa if only to cover possible gaps in my wife’s employment. Is it then a rubber stamping matter to get the employment visa or do I and my employer have to provide the long list of information to Immigration? If so, I’m not sure I or my employer would want to bother…unless I’m missing other advantages to getting an employment visa.

It is not clear to me what my employer would need to do to as part of the hiring process and they’ve asked me to find out. Presumably they would need to notify the tax authorities that they are employing me but would they need to justify my employment to immigration – ie by advertising the role, or otherwise? I don’t think justification for hiring me would be a problem but it would introduce delays to the commencement date.

Any advice on any of the above questions would be most appreciated.

Thank you.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Oski (334 days ago)

Short answer, yes you can work with your dependent visa, so long as your wife's work visa is valid. Not sure if your employer needs to do anything. Perhaps someone else can fill that in.
In the longer term, you may want to separately process a work visa of your own. This way, you do not have to quit the instance your wife quits or loses her job.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by evildeeds (333 days ago)

You can work on your dependent visa and don't have to wait for anything from immigration. The advantage of working on a dependent visa is you can work for anyone you like, hold several jobs, etc. With a work visa you can only work for the employer that sponsors you.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Dive bum (330 days ago)

Thanks for your responses.

(I am based in Hong Kong)