The Immigration Department will cease to accept visa applications from Nepalese who want to study or take up employment in Hong Kong from June 6 until further notice.

The new measure will affect those who want to establish or join in any business or training, or work as a domestic helper or imported worker.

Applications for study or employment received before June 6 will continue to be processed.

The new arrangement will not affect Nepalese residents in Hong Kong. Their applications on or after June 6, for extending their stay to continue working, studying or living in Hong Kong, will continue to be accepted for processing.

Nepalese are currently required to obtain a visa for visiting Hong Kong unless they are in transit and remain on the airside. From that date, Nepalese visitors must hold a visa for entering Hong Kong, including airside transit.

The 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.