Hong Kong•AsiaMainland Fisherman Deckhands Scheme (內地漁工計劃)
At a Glance
5 days
HKD $600
Varies (Renewable if employment continues)
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Allows up to 7,200 mainland Chinese fishermen to work as deckhands on Hong Kong-registered fishing vessels annually.
The Mainland Fisherman Deckhands Scheme enables mainland Chinese nationals to work as deckhands on Hong Kong-registered fishing vessels. Created in the mid-1990s to address labor shortages, it permits up to 7,200 workers annually. Applicants need sponsorship from a Hong Kong fisherman, fishing company, or vessel operator holding an Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department quota.
The application fee is HKD 330 with five-working-day processing. Visas renew if employment continues; work is restricted to unloading fish catch at wholesale markets. Dependents may reside in Hong Kong with restricted spousal work rights. There is no permanent residency pathway; workers remain under their sponsor's direct supervision.
This visa is ideal for mainland Chinese maritime workers seeking to work as deckhands on Hong Kong fishing vessels.
Annual Cap & Quota
7200
Eligible Nationalities (1)
ChinaRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must be a Mainland Chinese fisherman deckhand.
Sponsor must be a Hong Kong fisherman, a registered fishing company, or a company operating a fishing vessel in Hong Kong.
The sponsor must first obtain a quota from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD).
The worker's contract must be entered into outside Hong Kong, and work must be performed mainly outside Hong Kong.
Entry is specifically for unloading fish catch at wholesale fish markets.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid PRC passport
Degree/diploma
Work experience documentation
Job offer (sponsor)
Company documentation (sponsor)
Local recruitment efforts (sponsor)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Annual allocation of 7,200 positions provides clear quota visibility for applicants.
- Processing time is fast and predictable at five working days.
- Application fee is modest at HKD 330.
- Renewable status enables continued employment beyond single contract term.
- Direct pathway for mainland fishermen to participate in Hong Kong maritime economy.
- No mandatory job offer requirement for qualification consideration.
- Employer sponsorship model provides clear employment relationship framework.
- Accessible to qualified mainland Chinese nationals with relevant maritime background.
Worth Knowing
- Annual quota of 7,200 positions is strictly capped, creating competitive access.
- Work scope is narrowly defined: unloading fish catch at wholesale fish markets only.
- Requires employment sponsorship by Hong Kong fishing company or vessel operator.
- Mainland travel documentation requirements add complexity to application process.
- Spouse can work only in restricted capacity aligned with deckhand visa limitations.
- No path to permanent residency or immigration status beyond contract duration.
- Applicant must be Mainland Chinese national—non-CN nationals are non-qualifying.
- Work is restricted to unloading activities; no career diversification or employer mobility allowed.
Application Process
Secure job offer
From Hong Kong employer, relevant to qualifications/experience
Check talent list qualification
If annual salary HKD 2M+, no local recruitment proof needed
Complete application
Technical Professionals Stream form or standard employment form
Gather documents
Job offer, educational credentials, work history
Submit to Immigration
Online via GovHK with HKD 600 fee
Await processing
Normally 4 weeks
Receive entry permit
e-Visa issued upon approval
Application Forms
Go to application portal| ID 1006 — Entry Permit Application Form for Mainland Fisherman Deckhands (applicant) | Fill online |
| ID 1007 — Employment Sponsorship Form for Mainland Fisherman Deckhands (employer/sponsor) | Fill online |
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