[Cantab]

...anyone recommend one?

Going to need to retain someones services quite sharpish. Have looked at Emigra but they are more of a consultancy...looking for more of the 'Yes m'lud' type.

Oh, and investment field would be an advantage

[stanleystanley]

do u mean u need help to become a HK citizen? or become a citizen of a specific oversea country? or become a China citizen?

[Cantab]

Originally Posted by stanleystanley

do u mean u need help to become a HK citizen? or become a citizen of a specific oversea country? or become a China citizen?

Someone I know needs access to an immigration / investment visa specialist. They have a problem with immigration. They started trading before an investment visa was issued (about 4 weeks, visitors visa before), rented offices, hired staff, government rates the works. Immigration are now none too pleased and are re-assessing.

I've said that as everything (barring the order of events ) was done openly and honestly, they should be OK After a good smack on the arse

Her husband is now on the verge of a breakdown as he's worried about being kicked out and losing everything they own.

Promised I'd help as much as possible

[stanleystanley]

hope my pm could help.

[Cantab]

Just an update for anyone working illegally here in HK

My friend has just been to see an immigration lawyer and has been informed that although she has employed local staff, paid their MPF, paid government rates and has rented 2 rather expensive offices....her late application for an investment visa will apparently result in one of these options

1) They'll just issue it anyway but will start to investigate and you'll probably get done eventually

2) Removal from HK (not deportation!! Is there a difference?)

3) Custodial sentence of up to 1 year.

She is now of course losing hair and doesn't know what to do next...

I've tried to find similar cases online for her where people have been prosecuted but just don't have time to look as much as I'd like...

Anyone have any personal experience?

[Cantab]

Originally Posted by stanleystanley

hope my pm could help.

Sent the male partner down...he was very helpful apparently. Thanks from them!

[KnowItAll]

I would NOT panic until you've had a face to face meet with Immigration. They can be pretty forgiving in cases where the mistake was real.

Back to the original thread.

[ohchk2001]

I don't understand what the problem is with a HK company doing business before the Investment Visa is issued, unless the husband was drawing a salary which is illegal.

In my case, HK immigration wanted to see I hired an employee and was renting an office *BEFORE* giving me my Investment Visa. I got my Visa with no problems.

Anyone can run a business in Hong Kong, even if they are not a resident. The sticky point is that you CAN NOT draw a salary in Hong Kong until you are issued the Visa.

[Cantab]

UPDATE:

My mates life is now 100% South Korean mini-series!

Went to a very nice lawyer in Central who advised that it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Few days later a letter arrives from immigration saying that their Investement Visa application had been declined. Lawyer contacted immigration who advised that the level of investement was too low, although no figure other than 6.5 million exists.

Problem is, my mate now has a succesful company that requires her to be 'at the helm' everyday, of course this is classed as working and thus violates her visitors visa....

What next?

[KnowItAll]

Has your friend visited Immigration and actually met with a senior officer?

I'd recommend a face to face meeting with immigration as a last ditch resort. Not the type of meeting which happens across a counter.. but with a senior officer who has the ability to say "yes".

Perhaps the lawyer can recommend a few names who they can meet with.