NOTIFICATION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE III:3 OF THE
GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN SERVICES

The following notification, from the delegation of Hong Kong, China, dated 12 September 2024, is being circulated to Members of the Council for Trade in Services.

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1  MEMBER NOTIFYING:

Hong Kong, China

2  NOTIFICATION UNDER:

Article III:3 of the General Agreement on Trade in Services

3  DATE OF ENTRY INTO FORCE:

1 June 2024

3.1  Duration:

Indefinite

4  AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THE MEASURE:

Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)

5  DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASURE:

The Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (STV Scheme) provides immigration facilitation for visitors participating in short-term activities in designated sectors in HKSAR.  Under the STV Scheme, organisations authorised by relevant government bureaux or departments can issue invitation letters to relevant non-local talents in their sectors.  Invited persons may come to Hong Kong and participate in designated short‑term activities as visitors without the need to apply for employment visas or entry permits from the Immigration Department.  The visitors may participate in the designated short-term activities for up to 14 consecutive calendar days upon each arrival, and receive remuneration for the designated activities concerned.

6  MEMBERS SPECIFICALLY AFFECTED, IF ANY:

None

7  TEXTS AVAILABLE FROM:

Website of the Immigration Department of HKSAR

https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/stv.html

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