[sensrule]

Hi,

I am leaving HK on the 21st of August. I just took a look at my passport and realised my work visa expired on July 31st, so I've overstayed by 3 days (so far). What should I do? My contract ended on June 30th, so I've been hanging around until my departure.

I am a Canadian citizen, if that helps.

I appreciate your advice.

Thanks!

[octarine]

You should go to immigration 1st thing on Monday and try to explain yourself.

[sensrule]

Thanks. That is my plan, but I was wondering more about what will happen to me. Will they fine me? Take my passport? What are the reprecussions?

[PDLM]

Whatever they do it will be better than going to the airport on the 21st and being denied exit (possibly losing the cost of your air ticket) and being locked up.

Just go to Immigration. Grovel. And very respectfully request an extension of stay / change of status to visitor. If you can show that you have your ticket out then my guess would be that you will get away with it.

Strictly you are up for a court appearance and a fine.

[sensrule]

Thanks. I really don't think they would lock me up. It's just a few days over the expiry date and I think they have bigger fish to fry.

[hullexile]

Originally Posted by sensrule

Thanks. I really don't think they would lock me up. It's just a few days over the expiry date and I think they have bigger fish to fry.

The bigger fish are more slippery (and better connected). Don't risk it, go to immigration and admit your mistake. If you get stopped for any reason beforehand you are in big trouble.

[Jon.E.Kong]

I thought there was an unofficial couple of weeks they gave you to leave after your visa expires. I've seen it mentioned before on this forum. Could you not simply go to Macau and come back? Or would they not let you leave?

Does it matter what day the actual work contract ends compared to the work visa expiry? My visa expired on August 1st, but I was required to work up until August 1st. I am supposed to pack up and leave emmediately? I was hoping to just go to Macau this week and come back as a visitor until I can pack everything up and move, or find another job possibly.

I also did not realize my visa expired on my last day of work, thought it was good until August 31st.

[Jon.E.Kong]

So are you in jail yet sens? Hope not.

[hullexile]

Originally Posted by Jon.E.Kong

I thought there was an unofficial couple of weeks they gave you to leave after your visa expires. I've seen it mentioned before on this forum. Could you not simply go to Macau and come back? Or would they not let you leave?

Does it matter what day the actual work contract ends compared to the work visa expiry? My visa expired on August 1st, but I was required to work up until August 1st. I am supposed to pack up and leave emmediately? I was hoping to just go to Macau this week and come back as a visitor until I can pack everything up and move, or find another job possibly.

I also did not realize my visa expired on my last day of work, thought it was good until August 31st.

If your work finishes but your visa is still valid then you have time to look for other work. That is not the same as your visa expiring. There are plenty of people in prison here for expired visas - though they don't tend to be gweilos.

[Jon.E.Kong]

Wonderful. Well I'm about to go to immigration, hopefully I can let you know what happens.