Hong Kong SAR expands immigration facilitation scheme for arbitration

The expansion is effective immediately and broadens the immigration facilitation scheme for people participating in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong SAR. The scheme, introduced on 1 March 2025, allows eligible individuals to enter Hong Kong SAR as visitors to take part in arbitration proceedings without needing an employment visa or entry permit.

Under the scheme, participants can rely on a letter of proof issued by a designated arbitral or dispute resolution institution in Hong Kong to demonstrate their eligibility.

Previously, the arrangements primarily covered proceedings administered by designated institutions. The latest changes extend eligibility to arbitral proceedings that are physically conducted in Hong Kong SAR, including hybrid hearings that take place partly in person and partly online, even if the cases are being administered by arbitral institutions or permanent offices based overseas jurisdictions.

Mohammed Talib, an expert in international arbitration at Pinsent Masons, said: “Hong Kong SAR continues to remove practical barriers to conducting international arbitration within its jurisdiction. The latest measures make it easier to bring international tribunals, counsel, experts and witnesses to Hong Kong for hearings.”

To qualify, proceedings must receive support from a designated Hong Kong SAR arbitral or dispute resolution institution. The administration said support from a Hong Kong institution could include providing hearing venues and meeting facilities, as well as ancillary services such as tribunal reporting, interpretation, translation and catering.

The move is expected to strengthen Hong Kong's position as a leading international arbitration centre by making it easier for overseas participants to attend proceedings in the city, regardless of where the administering institution is based.

Nicholas Turner, an expert in international arbitration at Pinsent Masons, said: “This reinforces Hong Kong SAR’s appeal not just as a legal seat, but as a physical venue for arbitrations administered around the world.”

“It is another welcome sign that Hong Kong SAR is actively investing in making itself an easy, international and arbitration-friendly place to resolve disputes,” he said.

“The expansion reflects continuing efforts to attract cross-border dispute resolution work and capitalise on Hong Kong SAR’s unique legal framework, including arrangements that allow parties in eligible arbitrations seated to seek interim measures from mainland Chinese courts.”