3rd November 2026 – (Hong Kong) The Government has expanded, with immediate effect, the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Persons Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong Kong. Introduced on 1st March 2025 and well received by the legal and dispute resolution community, the scheme allows eligible individuals to take part in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong as visitors on the strength of a letter of proof issued by a designated arbitral or dispute resolution institution in the city, without the need for an employment visa or entry permit.
The scope now extends to arbitral proceedings that take place physically in Hong Kong, including hybrid hearings conducted partly in person and partly online, even when those cases are administered by dispute resolution institutions or permanent offices established in the Chinese Mainland, Macao, Taiwan or overseas. To fall within the scheme, such proceedings must be supported by a designated Hong Kong arbitral or dispute resolution institution under the arrangement on mutual assistance for court‑ordered interim measures between Mainland courts and Hong Kong. In this context, support entails the Hong Kong institution providing venue, hearing or meeting facilities and ancillary services, including tribunal reporting and interpretation, translation and catering.
For these newly covered cases, the designated Hong Kong institutions providing support are required to verify the identities of participants and issue the necessary letter of proof to eligible persons. Apart from the widened coverage, all existing requirements and eligibility criteria remain unchanged. Where applicable, users must still obtain the requisite visit visa or entry permit to enter Hong Kong. The five categories of eligible persons may stay for arbitration activities for no longer than the period permitted for visitors, and must present the letter of proof to the Immigration Department or other authorities upon inspection if requested.
The Department of Justice has circulated an updated Guidance Note to designated institutions setting out the operational details of the expansion. A spokesperson said the enhancement will make participation more convenient for eligible individuals and encourage parties to choose Hong Kong as the venue for arbitration, further strengthening the city’s competitiveness as a leading arbitral seat.