The special arrangement under the COVID-19 pandemic for Hong Kong non-permanent residents outside the city to apply for an extension of stay will be discontinued on January 1, 2024, the Immigration Department announced today.

This means that for the extension of stay applications reaching the department on or after January 1, 2024, the applicants must be physically present in Hong Kong, both at the time of application and the time of collecting the e-Visa for the extension of stay.

Due to the pandemic, the department currently allows Hong Kong non-permanent residents who are outside Hong Kong and are unable to return in time to apply for an extension of stay.

The special arrangement has been in place since April 8, 2022, and was set to expire on June 30, 2023.

Taking into account the resumption of full normalcy in society and the steady recovery of cross-boundary and international travel, the department decided to discontinue the special measure on January 1, 2024.

The schedule aims to allow ample time for eligible non-permanent residents who intend to apply for an extension of stay to make suitable arrangements.

Under the facilitation measure, eligible non-permanent residents who are admitted into Hong Kong under nine immigration policies or schemes and whose limit of stay is about to expire but are presently outside the city may apply for an extension of stay.

For more information, call the department's hotline 2824 6111, or send enquiries via fax at 2877 7711 or by email.