Hong Kong Expands Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Arbitration Participants

• Hong Kong has expanded its Immigration Facilitation Scheme for persons participating in arbitral proceedings, allowing more eligible participants in international and cross-border arbitrations to enter Hong Kong without obtaining employment visas or work permits.  

Expanded Coverage for Arbitral Proceedings 

Effective Nov. 3, 2026, the government of Hong Kong has expanded the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Persons Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong Kong.  

The expanded scheme now covers arbitral proceedings held in Hong Kong, including hybrid proceedings, and are administered by dispute resolution institutions or permanent offices established in Mainland China, Macao, Taiwan or overseas. 

Support from Designated Hong Kong Institutions Required 

To qualify under the expanded scheme, the arbitration must be supported by a designated Hong Kong arbitral or dispute resolution institution recognized under the Arrangement Concerning Mutual Assistance in Court-ordered Interim Measures in Aid of Arbitral Proceedings by the Courts of the Mainland and of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 

Support may include: 

• Venue services 
• Hearing facilities 
• Interpretation 
• Translation and other related services.  

No Employment Visa Required for Eligible Participants 

Eligible participants may continue to enter Hong Kong as visitors without obtaining an employment visa or entry permit, provided they hold a letter issued by a designated arbitral or dispute resolution institution confirming their eligibility under the scheme.  

Existing eligibility requirements and conditions remain unchanged. 

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