Effective November 3, 2026, the government will expand the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Persons Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong Kong.
The scheme, which was formalized from March 1, 2025, allows relevant individuals to participate in arbitration proceedings in Hong Kong as visitors without the need to obtain an employment visa/entry permit if they are in possession of a letter of proof issued by a designated arbitral and dispute resolution institution in Hong Kong or a designated venue provider proving that the relevant individuals are eligible persons participating in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong.
The scheme is now expanded to cover arbitral proceedings physically taking place in Hong Kong (including hybrid proceedings, i.e. conducted partly physically and partly virtually) and administered by dispute resolution institutions or permanent offices established in the Chinese Mainland, Macao, Taiwan or overseas and supported by a designated arbitral and dispute resolution institution in Hong Kong.
In this context, “supported by” means that a designated arbitral and dispute resolution institution would provide venue, hearing or meeting facilities and ancillary services such as services of tribunal reporters and interpreters, translators and caterers to support the arbitrations administered by a dispute resolution institution or permanent office established outside Hong Kong.
For the newly covered arbitral proceedings, the designated arbitral and dispute resolution institutions in Hong Kong offering support are required to verify the identity of the participants in the arbitral proceedings and issue the Letter to those eligible persons.
Save for the above, all other existing requirements and eligibility criteria under the Scheme remain unchanged. Where applicable, users of the scheme following the expansion are still required to apply for the requisite visit visa/entry permit in order to enter Hong Kong. The five categories of eligible persons covered by the scheme are permitted to stay in Hong Kong to participate in arbitral proceedings for a period not exceeding the validity of their visa or entry permit. They shall produce the Letter upon inspection by the Immigration Department or the relevant authorities, if required.
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