Publications and Press Releases Visa requirements on Nepalese nationals 3 June 2005 The Immigration Department announced today (June 3) that from next Monday (June 6), it will cease to accept visa applications from nationals of Nepal wanting to study or take up employment in Hong Kong, including establishing or joining in any business, training and as a domestic helper or imported worker. This arrangement will continue until further notice. A department spokesman said that applications for study or employment received before June 6 would continue to be processed. "The new arrangement will not affect Nepalese residents in Hong Kong. Their applications on or after June 6, 2005, for extending their stay to continue working, studying or living in Hong Kong will continue to be accepted for processing," the spokesman said. "Nepalese are currently required to obtain a visa for visiting Hong Kong unless they are in transit and remain on the airside. From June 6, 2005, Nepalese visitors must hold a visa for entering Hong Kong, including airside transit." The Immigration Department will continue to accept and process applications from nationals of Nepal for entry as dependants and under the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, the policies on which remain unchanged. "The department regularly reviews its visa policies and will take social and economic factors into account as well as the political situations of countries and territories concerned in order to devise a visa policy that assists genuine visitors while maintaining effective immigration control," the spokesman said. http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/20050606.htm