[pegrum]

I have seen the threads on needing to have Immigration permission to do volunteer work but wonder if this applies to say, helping out in a school on an occasional basis? Also, if you want to help out in different organisations, do you have to apply for each one, or can you get a blanket approval? I am joining partner in HK and do not have little children and want to keep brain and body active until I sort out paid work for myself.

You would still need to secure some form of employment visa paid or unpaid if you plan to work at a school.

To enable you to work for a number of schools you will need to secure a sponsor for example a teaching firm who then outsources the teachers to different schools on an assignment basis.

Please note you will have to have the required teaching qualifications for such a position.

[pegrum]

Thanks Emigra. So there are such things as teaching firms? I was also thinking of things like environmental organisations, working with youth or at hospitals as a general dogsbody. Just to help out, meet people, get a feel for HK etc. I have long wanted to be a volunteer but with a busy job, raising kids and elderly parents just haven't had the time - thought I would take advantage of an enforced non-work period to do my bit for society!