[minnie77]

I am a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card Holder, but since May 2001 I have been moved to Netherlands to live with my husband. And here is my question, from May 2001 till now, I haven't back to Hong Kong, is that mean I already lose the right of abode in Hong Kong??? What can I do if I want to move back to Hong Kong? And the second question is that I am now living with my husband (he is dutch) in Netherlands, and we wish to move back to Hong Kong, what can we do so that we can move back to Hong Kong together, because what I have been read from the internet, I can be his sponse but I am not working and living in Hong Kong at this moment, is there possible he can first entry to Hong Kong as a vistor and then we can change his visa to dependent visa (after I get a job in Hong Kong)?? Or is there anymore possibility???

[berryplucker]

You have lost the permanent Right of Abode through not visiting within 36 months. However, you are entitled to the Right to Land, which means essentially the same thing - you can come here and enter without restriction on what you do. I believe that your husband (assuming a full legal marriage) can be a dependent with the same lack of restrictions, although I am sure this would be easier to set up (and may indeed oonly be possible) if you are also present in HK.

In other words, you both enter together - you will have some discussion at Immigration about converting your ID to "Right to Land". It may take a couple of weeks to do it. You may then work without restriction and can also immediately apply for a dependent visa for your husband. This may take a few weeks but as soon as he has it he too can work without restriction.

Or at least that is my understanding - perhaps Emigra can correct me if I am wrong?