Employment Terms

Your chances of securing a job in Hong Kong and the type of issues you are likely to face are dependant upon whether you are a transfer/new hire, already resident/non-resident and the industry that you are in. Although it is difficult to generalize the following paragraphs indicate some of the employment terms and issues that those accepting jobs in Hong Kong are likely to experience.

If you are employed by a Hong Kong registered business you are covered by local statute, including the Employment Ordinance.

Getting here: Internal company transfers

The most common way a Western executive will work in Hong Kong is through an internal company transfer. Arranging a Hong Kong work transfer not a formality - Immigration will want to know why an ex-pat is being brought in at the expense of offering a local resident employment. Where are the unique skills and experience? You will have to submit a working visa application and supporting documents, including the CV of the person being transferred and the CVs of the local candidates who applied for the advertised position.

Some internal transferees are offered a package containing 'ex-pat' terms, although these are becoming increasingly rare outside of the banking industry. These are payments or benefits additional to those ordinarily available to a new employee already resident in the destination country. So, if you are offered an internal transfer, what can you reasonably expect? In addition to your base pay and any performance-related element, you should be looking for a housing allowance or cost of living adjustment. Many MNC HR departments rely on the Mercer guide for comparative statistics.

Once you have your work permit and ID card (see visas) you are eligible for cheap state healthcare, but it is not unreasonable to expect yourself and family to receive Dental cover and BUPA International Health cover. If your company insures you with BUPA HK you will have a lower level of cover and may need to pay your medical bills yourself, reclaiming up to pre-set limits.

You also need to consider provision for two-way shipping, the costs of private education and non-recoverable expenses like setting up a home (carpets, curtains etc).

Take professional financial advice on the possibility of double taxation (local and country of origin) and the impact of non (country of origin) residency on pension contributions/entitlement, share options, repatriation of earnings and disposal of assets whilst abroad.

If you manage to get a club membership, annual return flights and increased holiday allowances for 'home leave', you've done well!

Getting here: Applying from overseas

Most organizations seek to promote from within, transfer in overseas staff or hire locally. When hiring locally, Hong Kong Permanent Residents or the dependants of residents holding a valid work visa are the most straightforward, as both categories can work freely. Local Cantonese speakers and/or those with Mandarin language skills, if the role is Greater China focused, will have an advantage.

If none of these are viable, ex-pats working in Hong may be considered and the hiring company can apply for a transfer visa (see visas). These hires won't require the relocation assistance that a foreign-based hire will expect and will already be adjusted to the local home and work environments. The foreign hire is a last resort, but in today's market is increasingly the only way some critical executive roles can be filled. If you are in this category you should read our resume page.

If you are applying for work in Hong Kong from abroad, you will need a particularly sought after business background and, ideally some previous regional work experience and local ancestry or language skills.

Should you be successful in applying from overseas you are less likely to be able to negotiate some elements of the package available to someone transferring internally. Although employers may offer local terms (e.g. the same package offered to a local hire, plus visa sponsorship) the reality is that some relocation costs and short-term financial assistance may be available to cover the immediate costs of relocation. If you can negotiate the appropriate provision in your contract, your apartment rent can be used to offset some of your salaries tax, providing the lease is in your name.