Permanent Resident (PR) Status in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Permanent Resident (PR) status is a legal designation that offers specific rights and privileges within the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). This article provides an in-depth overview of PR status in Hong Kong, covering eligibility criteria, application procedures, and circumstances under which PR status may be forfeited.
Eligibility for PR Status
PR status in HKSAR is mainly governed by the Immigration Ordinance and encompasses various categories:
Chinese Citizens
PR status is automatically granted to individuals born in Hong Kong, whether before or after the HKSAR’s establishment. Chinese citizens residing continuously in Hong Kong for at least seven years also qualify, as do children born outside Hong Kong to a Chinese parent.
Non-Chinese Nationals with Residency
Non-Chinese nationals who have continuously resided in Hong Kong for at least seven years and consider it their permanent home can attain PR status.
Children Born in Hong Kong
Children born in Hong Kong to a parent with PR status can acquire PR status themselves if, before turning 21, one parent possesses the right of abode in Hong Kong.
Other Residents
Individuals who had the right of abode in Hong Kong before the HKSAR’s establishment fall under this category.
Applying for PR Status
To obtain PR status in HKSAR, applicants must follow a structured application process:
Eligibility Verification
Applicants must prove their eligibility under the Registration of Persons Ordinance and Regulations, often by applying for verification of eligibility for a permanent identity card.
Application Submission
A completed application form with supporting documents should be submitted to the Right of Abode Section of the Immigration Department.
Processing Time
The application processing time typically takes around six weeks if all documentation is in order, though complexity and application volume can extend this period.
Endorsement for Children Under 11
Parents or guardians can apply for an endorsement of permanent residence in the foreign passport of eligible children under 11. This endorsement confirms the children’s eligibility for a permanent identity card.
Loss of PR Status
PR status can be lost under specific circumstances, primarily for non-Chinese nationals. Common scenarios include:
Absence from Hong Kong
Non-Chinese nationals with PR status may lose it if they are absent from Hong Kong continuously for 36 months after ceasing to reside there.
Turning 21
Children under 21 born to parents with PR status will lose their PR status upon turning 21 if they do not meet the eligibility criteria independently.
The Right to Land
Individuals who lose their PR status will automatically gain the right to land in HKSAR. This allows them to enter Hong Kong freely for living, studying, or working without restrictions.
To ascertain their PR status or assess any changes, individuals can apply for verification of eligibility for a permanent identity card through the Right of Abode Section of the Immigration Department. Understanding the complexities and nuances of PR status is essential for those residing in Hong Kong, ensuring they can enjoy their legal rights and privileges within the region.
