General Employment Policy (GEP)

General Employment Policy (GEP) | Bestar

General Employment Policy (GEP)

The Hong Kong General Employment Policy (GEP) is a crucial visa program designed to attract foreign professionals to live and work in the city. It aims to address talent gaps by bringing in individuals with skills, knowledge, or experience valuable to Hong Kong's economy and not readily available in the local workforce.

Here's a detailed overview:

Key Eligibility Criteria:

• Valuable and Scarce Skills: Applicants must possess expertise that is beneficial to Hong Kong and not easily found within the local labor pool. This often requires the employer to demonstrate the necessity of hiring an overseas professional.

• Confirmed Job Offer: A genuine job offer from a legitimate Hong Kong employer is mandatory. The position must be relevant to your academic qualifications or work experience.

• Good Educational Background: While a first degree in the relevant field is generally preferred, individuals with strong technical qualifications, proven professional abilities, or significant achievements supported by documentation may also be considered in special circumstances.

• Market-Rate Remuneration: The salary and benefits offered must be comparable to the prevailing market standards for similar roles in Hong Kong, ensuring fair compensation.

• Clean Record: Applicants must have no security objections or a history of serious crime.

• No Quotas or Sector Restrictions: Unlike some other visa schemes, the GEP does not have fixed quotas on the number of visas issued, nor is it limited to specific industries. Each application is assessed on its individual merits.

Benefits of the GEP:

• Streamlined Processing: The application process is generally efficient, with decisions typically made within 4-8 weeks of submitting a complete application. While some sources suggest a high success rate (around 90%) and no interview required, it's important to note that the Immigration Department assesses each case thoroughly.

• Initial Stay and Extensions: Successful applicants are typically granted an initial stay of up to 36 months (3 years). Extensions are possible if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and are employed in Hong Kong.

• Dependent Visas: The GEP allows successful applicants to bring their dependents (spouse and unmarried minor children under 18) to Hong Kong. Dependents generally have the freedom to work or study without further restriction.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: After residing in Hong Kong ordinarily for a continuous period of not less than seven years, GEP visa holders become eligible to apply for Hong Kong permanent residency.

Who is Not Eligible?

• The GEP is not open to residents of Mainland China, who fall under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP).

• Nationals of certain countries are generally excluded from applying under the GEP, including Afghanistan, Cuba, North Korea, Laos, Nepal, and Vietnam.

Important Note on Qualifications:

While some suggest a diploma might be sufficient, the official guidance from the Hong Kong Immigration Department generally states a "good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field." However, they also acknowledge that "in special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence may also be accepted." This indicates that practical experience and specialized skills can sometimes compensate for a lack of a traditional degree.

Resources for More Information:

• The official Hong Kong Immigration Department GEP webpage: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/GEP.html

• For a detailed guide on the GEP visa process, you may refer to resources from immigration consulting firms, but always cross-reference with official Immigration Department information.

How Bestar can Help

Navigating the complexities of the Hong Kong General Employment Policy (GEP) visa application, with its detailed documentation, specific criteria, and often intricate justifications, can be challenging. This is precisely where Bestar's expertise becomes invaluable.

Here's how Bestar can significantly assist you with your GEP application:

1. Expert Guidance and Strategic Assessment:

• Eligibility Assessment: Bestar conducts a thorough evaluation of your qualifications, work experience, and the specifics of your job offer against the stringent GEP eligibility criteria. This proactive approach helps identify any potential weaknesses in your application early on and provides guidance on how to strengthen your case.

• Understanding Policy Nuances: Immigration policies are often nuanced, with interpretations that may not be immediately obvious from official guidelines. Bestar stays abreast of the latest policy changes, common practices, and potential pitfalls, offering insights that can be crucial for a successful application.

• Strategic Case Presentation: We provide strategic advice on how to present your case most effectively. This is particularly vital for the key requirement of demonstrating that your skills and experience are "not readily available in the local workforce," ensuring your application highlights your unique value to Hong Kong.

2. Comprehensive Document Preparation and Organization:

• Detailed Checklists: Bestar provides comprehensive checklists of all required documents for both the applicant and the sponsoring employer, ensuring that no essential paperwork is overlooked.

• Thorough Review and Vetting: We meticulously review all your documents for accuracy, completeness, and consistency. This rigorous vetting process helps prevent common errors that can lead to delays or even rejections.

• Structured Evidence Presentation: We assist in organizing and presenting your supporting documents in a clear, logical, and persuasive manner, facilitating a smoother review process for the Immigration Department. This includes optimizing your CV, employment letters, and academic certificates to highlight relevant qualifications and experience.

3. Crafting Compelling Narratives and Justifications:

• Employer's Justification Letter: A critical component of the GEP application is the employer's detailed explanation of why they need to hire a foreign professional and why the position cannot be filled by a local candidate. Bestar can expertly assist the employer in drafting a strong, convincing, and compliant letter that addresses all the Immigration Department's requirements.

• Applicant's Statement and CV Enhancement: We help you articulate your skills and experience in a way that directly aligns with the GEP's requirements, ensuring your application powerfully showcases your unique contribution to Hong Kong's workforce.

• Addressing Potential Concerns: If your application has any less-than-ideal aspects (e.g., non-traditional qualifications, employment gaps), Bestar can help formulate clear explanations and provide additional supporting evidence to mitigate potential concerns from the Immigration Department.

4. Streamlining the Application Process:

• Accurate Form Completion: We ensure all application forms (typically ID 990A and ID 990B) are filled out correctly and completely, minimizing the risk of administrative errors that can cause delays.

• Efficient Submission: Bestar can assist with the proper submission of your complete application package to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, whether submitted online, by mail, or in person.

• Liaison with Immigration Department: Bestar can act as your dedicated representative, communicating with the Immigration Department on your behalf. This includes responding to requests for additional information and diligently following up on the application status, saving you considerable time and stress.

• Employer Liaison (If Applicable): For GEP applications requiring employer sponsorship, Bestar guides the employer through their responsibilities and documentation requirements, ensuring a cohesive and compliant submission. While Bestar primarily assists with the visa process, if you require assistance in finding an employer, you should inquire about any specific recruitment services they may offer.

5. Troubleshooting and Problem Solving:

• Handling Information Requests: It's common for the Immigration Department to request additional documents or clarifications. Bestar is experienced in understanding these requests and providing timely, accurate, and appropriate responses.

• Appeals and Alternatives: In the unfortunate event of a rejection, Bestar can assess the reasons for the denial and advise on the feasibility and strategic approach for an appeal, or explore other suitable visa options.

6. Saving You Time and Reducing Stress:

• Efficiency: Bestar's familiarity with the entire GEP process significantly reduces the time and effort you would otherwise spend on research, document gathering, and administrative hurdles.

• Peace of Mind: Entrusting your application to experienced professionals provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your relocation to Hong Kong with confidence.

By leveraging Bestar's specialized knowledge and extensive experience, you can significantly enhance your chances of a successful GEP application, streamline the entire process, and embark on your professional journey in Hong Kong with greater ease. Contact Bestar directly to discuss your specific situation and how they can best assist you.

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