Mainland Fisherman Deckhands Scheme (內地漁工計劃)

Hong Kong•Asia

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Mainland Fisherman Deckhands Scheme (內地漁工計劃)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

5 days

Estimated Cost

HKD $600

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Varies (Renewable if employment continues)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

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)

China

Requirements

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

Verified Claims (7)

Last verified Jun 27, 2026

Annual Allocation

7200

afcd.gov.hk

Fees

HKD 330

crossboundaryservices.gov.hk

Forms

ID 1006 — Entry Permit Application Form for Mainland Fisherman Deckhands (applicant); ID 1007 — Empl…

immd.gov.hk

Application Portal

https://www.gov.hk/en/nonresidents/visarequire/visasentrypermits/applymfd.htm

gov.hk

Official Info

https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_cap/fish_cap_main/fish_cap_main.html

afcd.gov.hk

Processing Estimates

{"minDays":5,"maxDays":5}

crossboundaryservices.gov.hk

Processing Time

Generally five working days

crossboundaryservices.gov.hk

Apply Now Official Information

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Overview

Allows up to 7,200 mainland Chinese fishermen to work as deckhands on Hong Kong-registered fishing vessels annually.

This visa is ideal for mainland Chinese maritime workers seeking to work as deckhands on Hong Kong fishing vessels.

Requirements

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