Smart Renewal Service - Online visa applications for foreign domestic helpers
If you have ever passed by the Wan Chai Government Building footbridge, you would notice a large group of foreign domestic helpers(FDHs) waiting in the lobby and lining up. Especially if you go to work in the morning, you might see a long queue of FDHs waiting. The reason they are there is to apply for extension of their work visa at the Immigration Tower. Instead of having a long queue early in the morning, it's better to try the latest online visa application service for renewing FDHs, known as "Smart Renewal," allowing you to apply from the comfort of your home.
What is "Smart Renewal" Service?
"Smart Renewal" officially started its service on March 5, 2021, as an online application system provided by the Immigration Department. Its primary purpose is to offer an all-in-one work visa service for renewing FDHs. After approval, the system sends out the notification of application results and a general payment receipt, allowing applicants to complete the entire process without having to visit the Immigration Tower.
Who can use "Smart Renewal" Service for visa applications?
It's important to note that this service is only applicable for "renewal applications." It cannot be used for changing employers or for newly arriving in Hong Kong. In other words, only three categories of renewal visa applications are eligible, including renewal, completing the remaining period of the existing contract, or delaying the return to the home country.
According to the system prompts, online submission of extension of stay applications is NOT applicable for the following individuals:
You are not in Hong Kong at the time of application submission.
You will not be in Hong Kong when collecting the extended stay label.
You intend to collect the extension of stay label at the Immigration Department's branch office.
You are staying in Hong Kong as a visitor.
The remaining stay period exceeds 8 weeks.
Your stay period has expired.
Your travel document will expire within 3 months.
You need to leave Hong Kong before the stay period expires and will not return before the expiration.
How to use "Smart Renewal" Service?
Applicants can use a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer to log in to the web version for application. First, fill out the relevant forms or documents, choose to upload files, and either upload documents or directly take photos with a smartphone or tablet. It is very simple and convenient. Afterward, applicants can choose to receive the application results and general payment receipt by mail or email. Payment can be made through PPS, FPS, Online Banking, convenience stores, post offices, and ATMs. After receiving the payment, the Immigration Department will send the visa or extension label by registered mail to the employer's address. Once received, the label can be affixed to the domestic helper's passport.
"Smart Renewal" Service Website:
https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/fdh/smartrenewal.html
Summary
According to reports from the Oriental Daily in March 2021, within the first month of its launch, the Immigration Department received over 6,000 applications using "Smart Renewal" Service indicating its popularity among citizens. Additionally, using online applications helps avoid crowds, reducing the risk of infection. Lastly, when renewing contracts with foreign domestic helpers, remember to renew insurance simultaneously to cover any unforeseen expenses. If you know that the insurance is about to expire, consider choosing a policy with "Open Cover" when searching for insurance. After the successful renewal of the work visa, you can then update the domestic helper's information and effective date through the insurance company's website or mobile application.
Related product:
California Insurance's latest foreign domestic helper insurance offers the highest coverage in Hong Kong with up to HK$88,000 coverage for hospitalization and surgical expenses. It also provides “New Starter Benefit” that offers probationary protection and “Open Cover” policy reservations for up to 365 days. Learn more or apply now.
The information provided in this article is for general reference only and should not be considered as any form of advice. Our company assumes no responsibility for its use
