Hong Kong•AsiaSpecial Scheme to Import Care Workers for Residential Care Homes (輸入護理員特別計劃)
At a Glance
1 month
HKD $230
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Import care workers to residential care homes for up to 24 months to address Hong Kong's elderly care sector labor shortages.
Hong Kong's Special Scheme to Import Care Workers allows residential care homes to employ foreign workers to fill critical staffing gaps in elderly care. Administered by the Social Welfare Department, it is open to qualified care professionals. The scheme is employer-driven; only licensed facilities with approved quotas can sponsor workers, capping annual intake at 7,000.
The visa lasts up to 24 months (or contract term, whichever is shorter) and is renewable through subsequent quota grants. Processing takes approximately 6 weeks. The fee is HKD 230, plus a non-refundable Employees Retraining Levy of HKD 400 per month. Dependents are not permitted; workers must remain with their designated care home and cannot change employers or duties.
This visa is ideal for experienced care professionals from mainland China seeking structured employment in Hong Kong's residential care sector, where critical staffing gaps exist and government oversight ensures worker protections.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Annual Cap & Quota
Cap of 7,000
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Employer must be a residential care home (RCH) for the elderly, persons with disabilities, or a nursing home with a valid license or exemption.
Must have a valid quota granted by the Social Welfare Department (SWD).
Applicant must be suitably qualified and experienced for the care worker role.
Must remain under the direct employment of the same RCH and perform specified duties.
Employer must be financially capable of providing accommodation and guaranteeing maintenance/repatriation.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Notice of Quota Approval (SWD-ICW-8) from the Social Welfare Department.
Standard Employment Contract (SWD-ICW-16).
Applicant's valid travel document or PRC resident identity card.
Completed online visa/entry permit application form.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Quota-based cap of 7,000 workers provides employment stability and signals genuine labor shortage recognition
- Streamlined employer vetting reduces bureaucratic friction for qualifying residential care homes
- Fast processing at 6 weeks enables quicker onboarding for urgent care facility staffing needs
- Can work for up to 24 months, providing meaningful employment duration and contract security
- Relaxed staffing ratios improve residential care service quality and worker autonomy
- Government oversight ensures regulated, transparent employment terms and worker protections
Worth Knowing
- Tied strictly to sponsoring care home—no job mobility, role changes, or duty changes permitted
- Employment contingent on employer proving ongoing local recruitment efforts first
- Employees Retraining Levy of HKD 400/month (up to HKD 9,600 total) adds significant ongoing employer costs
- Dependents cannot accompany workers, limiting family reunification options
- Closed to applications outside designated Social Welfare Department quota periods only
Application Process
Apply for a quota from the Contract Management Section of the Social Welfare Department during an open application period.
Upon grant of quota, arrange for the prospective care worker to submit a visa/entry permit application to the Immigration Department.
Pay the required Employees Retraining Levy (HK$400 per month of contract, max 24 months) after approval but before visa issuance.
Ensure the worker enters Hong Kong and remains with the specified employer.
Application Forms
| ID 1028A | Fill online |
| ID 1028B | Fill online |
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