Hong Kong•AsiaSector-specific Labour Importation Scheme - Construction (建造業輸入勞工計劃)
At a Glance
1 month
From HKD $330
Other charges may apply
Up to 24 months
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Employer-sponsored work scheme for construction workers in Hong Kong with quarterly quota allocation.
The Sector-specific Labour Importation Scheme for construction, administered by Hong Kong's Development Bureau, authorizes skilled workers in site formation, structural engineering, and electrical/mechanical installation when local recruitment fails. Employers must maintain a 1:2 manning ratio and pay prevailing median wages.
The visa runs up to 24 months or the full contract term, whichever is shorter. Entry-permit fee is HKD 330 plus HKD 400 monthly Retraining Levy. Processing normally takes 6 weeks. Spouses cannot work. The scheme operates under a 12,000 total quota ceiling administered quarterly. Forms ID 1030A (applicant) and ID 1030B (employer) are required.
This visa is ideal for skilled construction technicians whose specialized expertise is unavailable in Hong Kong's local labor market.
Cost Breakdown
Annual Cap & Quota
12,000 total quota ceiling for the construction sector (rolling, administered quarterly by DEVB)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must be the principal contractor of a qualifying works contract.
Must conduct local recruitment prior to application to prove genuine need.
Must comply with a minimum 1:2 manning ratio (1 imported worker to at least 2 full-time local workers).
Must provide additional training places for local labour (at least 10% of the approved quota).
Wages must not be lower than the prevailing median monthly wage for the trade.
Imported labour must primarily work for the specific works contract under application.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Application form for Labour Importation Quota (Construction Sector).
Evidence of local recruitment efforts.
Details of the qualifying works contract.
Standard Employment Contract.
Applicant's travel document and personal particulars.
Proof of relevant skills/qualifications for the construction trade.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Processing timeline of 42 days from receipt of all required documents ensures clarity on approval schedule
- Visa fee of HKD 230 entry permit provides clarity on baseline application cost
- Stay duration extends to contract period duration providing stability for contractor and worker
- Specific quota allocation managed by Development Bureau guarantees transparent, structured approval limits
- Renewable visa status allows workers and employers to plan multi-year construction projects
- No nationality restrictions—open to workers from any country meeting construction requirements
- Streamlined application through standardized Labour Importation forms simplifies employer submissions
Worth Knowing
- Strict 1:2 manning ratio (1 imported to 2+ local workers) limits total importation flexibility
- Work authorization restricted to principal contractor only—no secondary placement or role flexibility
- Quota is project-specific; workers cannot transition between construction sites mid-contract
- Must provide local training places (at least 10% of approved quota) alongside importation
- Spouses cannot work under any circumstances—strictly non-working dependent status
- No dependents permitted at all—applicant must be unaccompanied by family members
Application Process
Principal contractor submits application for quota to the Development Bureau (DEVB) during designated periods (quarterly).
DEVB reviews the application with the Inter-departmental Committee.
Upon grant of quota, the employer arranges for the prospective worker to submit a visa/entry permit application to the Immigration Department.
Employer pays the required levy.
ImmD issues the visa/entry permit.
Application Forms
| ID 1030A Application form for visa/entry permit under Sector-specific Labour Importation Schemes (completed by applicant) | — |
| ID 1030B Application form for visa/entry permit under Sector-specific Labour Importation Schemes (completed by employer) | Fill online |
Related visas
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Work visas in other countries
- Hong Kong BN(O) Adult Child Visa
United Kingdom
- Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)
Australia
- Specialized or Technical Works Permit (專業工作許可)
Taiwan
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