Today some people from mainland government suggested that the HKD soon should be replaced by the Yuan (RMB) as official currency / tender - this is the best joke ever. Hey guys - 2046 is still some time to go !!!!
Bet you ask people on the street abut that "idea" ? Not anybody would ever ever agree on that "idea".
We love our Hong Kong Dollar & we shall keep it like that ! Basta !
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Sex in passport: Female - passport holder is Male
Today a friend called me:
He said he was happily travelling with his new german passport since several months: 20+ trips to China & 2x China Visa application - 2x Visa for Indonesia - today SUDDENLY an immigration officer at some China border crossing told him: "There is something wrong with your passport - sex is called FEMALE" Ooooooops - better not ask me to further coment who is the stupid one here. At least for my friend it is now a lot of trouble to get very fast a new correct passport saying MALE as he needs to travel to other places asap.
GERMAN CONSULATE IN HONG KONG: When I applied the passport for my boy somebody told me I have to bring the kid personally for the application - when I was going there with my kid the guy asked me: "Why do you bring the kid here ?" - I was told so my reply was. His reply: "Ohhhh that guy who told you was always telling everything wrong"......No further comment !
He said he was happily travelling with his new german passport since several months: 20+ trips to China & 2x China Visa application - 2x Visa for Indonesia - today SUDDENLY an immigration officer at some China border crossing told him: "There is something wrong with your passport - sex is called FEMALE" Ooooooops - better not ask me to further coment who is the stupid one here. At least for my friend it is now a lot of trouble to get very fast a new correct passport saying MALE as he needs to travel to other places asap.
GERMAN CONSULATE IN HONG KONG: When I applied the passport for my boy somebody told me I have to bring the kid personally for the application - when I was going there with my kid the guy asked me: "Why do you bring the kid here ?" - I was told so my reply was. His reply: "Ohhhh that guy who told you was always telling everything wrong"......No further comment !
Monday, September 9, 2013
Another problem here in HKG - our government does not care at all !
THIS IS FROM SCMP - click here - copy below.
U.N. concern at plight of Hong Kong asylum seekers living in squalor
Refugee agency officials issue warning on living conditions in compounds in the New Territories
Sunday, 08 September, 2013, 7:25pm
Danny Lee danny.lee@scmp.com
UN refugee officials have revealed their concern for the welfare of nearly 1,000 asylum seekers living in squalor around Hong Kong.
They have warned the government it is failing to ensure their right to an adequate standard of living.
UN spokeswoman Eri Kaneko said: "There are currently just under 1,000 asylum seekers in Hong Kong who are persons of concern to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)."
She said the agency was "keenly aware of the difficult living conditions that asylum seekers face [in the city]".
She said the UNHCR had spoken to the government about the "inadequacy" of the rental allowance and other provisions for refugees and asylum seekers.
Kaneko said the rental allowance appeared to fall below that required to provide acceptable accommodation.
"The UNHCR will continue reaching out to the government to ensure the well-being of asylum seekers in Hong Kong and their right to an adequate standard of living," Kaneko said.
Last week, the Sunday Morning Post found hundreds of asylum seekers living in squalid conditions at 17 compounds in the New Territories. The accommodation is provided by the International Social Service Hong Kong (ISS-HK), which is responsible for their welfare.
But landlords have begun serving eviction notices to some asylum seekers, claiming ISS-HK has not been paying their rent.
The government will pay HK$203 million to the ISS-HK this year. The figure is meant to cover the rent, a pack of groceries for each asylum seeker every 10 days and other basic necessities.
The asylum seekers get no access to the cash and are not allowed to work.
Last month, the Post reported on a pigeon farm that had been illegally converted to provide accommodation for eight ISS-HK clients in Hung Shui Kiu, just north of Tuen Mun. A human rights group described it as "a degrading slum unfit for human habitation". Police have since launched an inquiry into allegations that ISS-HK provided "inappropriate accommodation".
Three ISS-HK tenants at the farm have been rehoused, but a political refugee from West Africa said the landlord had demanded that all the tenants move out by Tuesday. The West African was moved to a guest house several days ago.
More asylum seekers have come forward to reveal how their pleas for help have gone ignored.
Pakistan-born Tamoor Ahmed, 33, who has lived in a shack under a flyover in Chuk San Tsuen for three years, said he had repeatedly asked for help from ISS-HK because his room kept flooding, but to no avail.
The landlady of a site underneath the Kong Sham Western Highway in the northwestern New Territories, who identified herself as Mami Lam, said three of her new ISS-HK residents had not paid rent in three months.
She said: "I give them money for buses and dinners. They don't pay and I lose money."
The ISS-HK said it could not comment on individual cases, but said it was complying with the terms of its contract with the government. "This means we have continued to do home visits, met clients individually for their assistance and dealt with complaints and concerns as they arise," it said in a statement.
The government did not respond to requests for comment.
UN refugee officials have revealed their concern for the welfare of nearly 1,000 asylum seekers living in squalor around Hong Kong.
They have warned the government it is failing to ensure their right to an adequate standard of living.
UN spokeswoman Eri Kaneko said: "There are currently just under 1,000 asylum seekers in Hong Kong who are persons of concern to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)."
She said the agency was "keenly aware of the difficult living conditions that asylum seekers face [in the city]".
She said the UNHCR had spoken to the government about the "inadequacy" of the rental allowance and other provisions for refugees and asylum seekers.
Kaneko said the rental allowance appeared to fall below that required to provide acceptable accommodation.
"The UNHCR will continue reaching out to the government to ensure the well-being of asylum seekers in Hong Kong and their right to an adequate standard of living," Kaneko said.
Last week, the Sunday Morning Post found hundreds of asylum seekers living in squalid conditions at 17 compounds in the New Territories. The accommodation is provided by the International Social Service Hong Kong (ISS-HK), which is responsible for their welfare.
But landlords have begun serving eviction notices to some asylum seekers, claiming ISS-HK has not been paying their rent.
The government will pay HK$203 million to the ISS-HK this year. The figure is meant to cover the rent, a pack of groceries for each asylum seeker every 10 days and other basic necessities.
The asylum seekers get no access to the cash and are not allowed to work.
Last month, the Post reported on a pigeon farm that had been illegally converted to provide accommodation for eight ISS-HK clients in Hung Shui Kiu, just north of Tuen Mun. A human rights group described it as "a degrading slum unfit for human habitation". Police have since launched an inquiry into allegations that ISS-HK provided "inappropriate accommodation".
Three ISS-HK tenants at the farm have been rehoused, but a political refugee from West Africa said the landlord had demanded that all the tenants move out by Tuesday. The West African was moved to a guest house several days ago.
More asylum seekers have come forward to reveal how their pleas for help have gone ignored.
Pakistan-born Tamoor Ahmed, 33, who has lived in a shack under a flyover in Chuk San Tsuen for three years, said he had repeatedly asked for help from ISS-HK because his room kept flooding, but to no avail.
The landlady of a site underneath the Kong Sham Western Highway in the northwestern New Territories, who identified herself as Mami Lam, said three of her new ISS-HK residents had not paid rent in three months.
She said: "I give them money for buses and dinners. They don't pay and I lose money."
The ISS-HK said it could not comment on individual cases, but said it was complying with the terms of its contract with the government. "This means we have continued to do home visits, met clients individually for their assistance and dealt with complaints and concerns as they arise," it said in a statement.
The government did not respond to requests for comment.
This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as U.N. concern at plight of HK asylum seekers.
It is a shame that in a city like Hong Kong people have to live like this. It is also a shame that may other thousands of Hong Kong permanent residents have to live in conditions not much better than this. The next shame is that political parties are permanently complaining about the existing government - but only complaining is not enough. Anybody there willing to co-operate ? Find, work-out solutions for the good of the people - this is what you guys should do !!!! Waiting for answers & solve problems this must be the utmost, very important issue for whatever FACE is ruling Hong Kong. Not only always have month after month consultation periods & then everything disappear in some fog. ACTION PLEASE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG - ASIAS WORLD CITY - BE ASHAMED - MR CY LEUNG, MR TSANG (the Money guy) - any idea about the pleasure to live under that conditions ? Sure you are fine in your PEAK house or in your Kowloon Tong appartment which cost as much per month as many HKG people do not earn within one year of hard work.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH IN THE NAME OF ALL WHO HAVE ALMOST NOTHING BUT HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO LIVE IN ASIAS WORLD CITY !
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Overview Visa types - read carefully !
Foreigners coming to China for travel, study or employment are required to obtain a Chinese visa for the duration of their intended stay. There are several different types of visas that one can apply for. Here's a short breakdown of each of the main visas that may assist you during your application process. These have been updated to reflect changes occurred within the immigration reform of July 1, 2013.
72-hour Stay/G Visa : This visa is obtained at the airport upon arrival. This visa will allow you into a few of China's major cities for a period of 72 hours without having to go through visa applications prior to arrival. The application should include an airplane, vehicle or boat ticket to a further destination with a confirmed date within the 72 hour period.
Tourist Visa/L Visa: this visa is issued for tourism, visiting family/friends or other personal affairs. The L visa's validity used to range from 30/60/90 days and sometimes even 180/365 days however it seems that it is down to only 30 days. As per the new immigration reform beginning on July 1, 2013, there is a group visa option that is only for people who are traveling on an approved tour with an approved company. The group visa must be applied for prior to arrival in China by the tour company.
Non-Commercial Business Visa/F Visa: this visa is issued to aliens who are invited to China for an investigation, a lecture, scientific-technological & cultural exchanges or sports related visits that are less than six months long. F visas are no longer renewed in China. This is the visa that causes more issues than any of the others. The Business/F Visa should not be issued for employment with a Chinese company or school however is frequently issued for this purpose. If the position is a paid position, then you should have a Work Visa/Z Visa. Unfortunately, the Z visa is rather difficult to get. So, to keep up with the demand for foreign teachers, companies will issue Business/F visas. While it is quite common for teachers to be working on an F visa, it is technically illegal and you should be careful if you choose to go this route.
Business/Commercial Visa/M Visa: this is a new visa as of July 1, 2013. This visa will be issued to aliens who are invited by a company or business partner for commercial stays.
Work Visa/Z Visa: according to the new immigration reform beginning on July 1, 2013, there will now be 2 Z visa options. Z1 visa will be for aliens who come to China for employment over 90 days while Z2 visa will be for aliens who come to China for employment or paid internships for a period shorter than 90days. This visa is issued to aliens who are going to China for a post or employment, and to their accompanying family members. If you are receiving money for a job from a Chinese company or school, this is the visa that you should have. Your company should assist in obtaining your Foreign Expert's Certificate/License and then in applying for the Z visa. During the initial application process, you will be asked to undergo a medical examination and you may be asked to leave the country to obtain this visa (there have been instances where they can issue the Z visa within China, however, this is proving to be rare). Many people will either go to their home country or to Hong Kong. This visa will need to be replaced by a Temporary Residence Permit in your passport that allows you to enter/exit China as you please.
Student Visa/X Visa: this visa is issued to aliens who are going to China for study, furthering studies or internships that are longer than six months. This visa will be split into either X1 (long-term study) or X2 (short-term study). This visa will need to be replaced by a Temporary Residence Permit in your passport that allows you to enter/exit China as you please. The school or institution should assist you with the visa process. You may request an exemption for part-time work under the X visa. The work exemption must be approved by your school program.
(There are other types of visas however these seem like the most relevant to our audience)
While the types of visas generally stay the same, the immigration reform beginning on July 1, 2013 has added to the list and changed some of the previous visa functions. The renewal requirements and enforcements of these requirements may change frequently. Check with your Chinese Embassy/Consulate prior to applying for a Chinese visa to verify the requirements. If you do have any questions about visas please contact us. We would be more than happy to try and help you or point you in the right direction.
*Visa exemption for nationals of Brunei, Singapore and Japan for up to 15 day stays.
Related articles: 72 hours visa-free stay in select Chinese cities
72-hour Stay/G Visa : This visa is obtained at the airport upon arrival. This visa will allow you into a few of China's major cities for a period of 72 hours without having to go through visa applications prior to arrival. The application should include an airplane, vehicle or boat ticket to a further destination with a confirmed date within the 72 hour period.
Tourist Visa/L Visa: this visa is issued for tourism, visiting family/friends or other personal affairs. The L visa's validity used to range from 30/60/90 days and sometimes even 180/365 days however it seems that it is down to only 30 days. As per the new immigration reform beginning on July 1, 2013, there is a group visa option that is only for people who are traveling on an approved tour with an approved company. The group visa must be applied for prior to arrival in China by the tour company.
Non-Commercial Business Visa/F Visa: this visa is issued to aliens who are invited to China for an investigation, a lecture, scientific-technological & cultural exchanges or sports related visits that are less than six months long. F visas are no longer renewed in China. This is the visa that causes more issues than any of the others. The Business/F Visa should not be issued for employment with a Chinese company or school however is frequently issued for this purpose. If the position is a paid position, then you should have a Work Visa/Z Visa. Unfortunately, the Z visa is rather difficult to get. So, to keep up with the demand for foreign teachers, companies will issue Business/F visas. While it is quite common for teachers to be working on an F visa, it is technically illegal and you should be careful if you choose to go this route.
Business/Commercial Visa/M Visa: this is a new visa as of July 1, 2013. This visa will be issued to aliens who are invited by a company or business partner for commercial stays.
Work Visa/Z Visa: according to the new immigration reform beginning on July 1, 2013, there will now be 2 Z visa options. Z1 visa will be for aliens who come to China for employment over 90 days while Z2 visa will be for aliens who come to China for employment or paid internships for a period shorter than 90days. This visa is issued to aliens who are going to China for a post or employment, and to their accompanying family members. If you are receiving money for a job from a Chinese company or school, this is the visa that you should have. Your company should assist in obtaining your Foreign Expert's Certificate/License and then in applying for the Z visa. During the initial application process, you will be asked to undergo a medical examination and you may be asked to leave the country to obtain this visa (there have been instances where they can issue the Z visa within China, however, this is proving to be rare). Many people will either go to their home country or to Hong Kong. This visa will need to be replaced by a Temporary Residence Permit in your passport that allows you to enter/exit China as you please.
Student Visa/X Visa: this visa is issued to aliens who are going to China for study, furthering studies or internships that are longer than six months. This visa will be split into either X1 (long-term study) or X2 (short-term study). This visa will need to be replaced by a Temporary Residence Permit in your passport that allows you to enter/exit China as you please. The school or institution should assist you with the visa process. You may request an exemption for part-time work under the X visa. The work exemption must be approved by your school program.
(There are other types of visas however these seem like the most relevant to our audience)
While the types of visas generally stay the same, the immigration reform beginning on July 1, 2013 has added to the list and changed some of the previous visa functions. The renewal requirements and enforcements of these requirements may change frequently. Check with your Chinese Embassy/Consulate prior to applying for a Chinese visa to verify the requirements. If you do have any questions about visas please contact us. We would be more than happy to try and help you or point you in the right direction.
*Visa exemption for nationals of Brunei, Singapore and Japan for up to 15 day stays.
Related articles: 72 hours visa-free stay in select Chinese cities
A lot of new regulations for CHINA VISA - everybody be careful........
I just waited a while to get out this one. China has implemented new visa regulations - some reasonable - some maybe not. Please read following first here. More info will follow.
Zero tolerance on ALL Chinese Visas
Some foreigners in China take a rather relaxed approach when it comes to applying or renewing their visas. The motto seems to be: “People get away with it all the time.” Many workers on China business trips hold tourist visas, and those who work full-time in China use business visas instead of legal working permits and just enter and exit to Hong Kong every once in a while.
Beijing is now cracking down on this care-free attitude – local police are swooping into bars popular among foreigners to check identification. Therefore, to avoid being on the wrong side of the law, all foreigners and foreign companies in China should adhere to these basic rules:
► Never do business in China with a tourist visa;
► Make sure no employees working in your office in China carry a tourist visa, may it be own staff, interns or business partners. Even if they are here for only one day, your company will be responsible in case of an investigation;
► For any activities that are effectively paid employment in China, apply for a work permit.
Local spot checks in offices are rare, but may happen: cases have been reported in which disgruntled former employees or competitors tipped off the local police on a company that has not followed the visa rules.
Harsher penalties for illegal workers|
How does this development fit in with the new immigration law? Major changes are that penalties for violations are now clearly specified and can reach up to RMB 100,000 per illegally employed person for the company. Furthermore, any gains from the illegal employment can be confiscated. Individuals face up to RMB 20,000 fine for working illegally, plus detention for up to 15 days. Additionally, they can be deported to their home countries and banned from entering China for 5 years.
Policies in favour of foreign workers
Apart from these provisions, the law also contains some interesting developments in favour of foreign companies. It includes a new visa category for “talented” individuals which is designed to make it easier for people with professional skills to obtain work permits for China. The specific requirements will be outlined later by the relevant authorities.
The new law was passed during a recent meeting of the People’s Congress but will only come into effect on July 1st 2013, thus allowing enough time to arrange for compliance. It is evident that China is trying to encourage certain categories of foreign investment; it can now identify areas with a lack of skill set in the local workforce and attract the right foreign workers with a policy of preferential treatment.This is from here !
Careful - don't do anything illegal business wise in China. But also China Authorities have to draw a very sharp line between the "good ones" & the "bad ones". Restricting visas on just one entry etc is very harmful for people for example running a Hong Kong office & must go (are forced to go) several times a month over the border to check factory etc. Please be reasonable !
Tough Stance on Visa Policy and The New Immigration Law
China has recently started a 100-day campaign against foreigners working illegally and overstaying on their visa. At the same time a new immigration law has been passed that imposes stricter sanctions on companies who employ foreign workers.Zero tolerance on ALL Chinese Visas
Some foreigners in China take a rather relaxed approach when it comes to applying or renewing their visas. The motto seems to be: “People get away with it all the time.” Many workers on China business trips hold tourist visas, and those who work full-time in China use business visas instead of legal working permits and just enter and exit to Hong Kong every once in a while.
Beijing is now cracking down on this care-free attitude – local police are swooping into bars popular among foreigners to check identification. Therefore, to avoid being on the wrong side of the law, all foreigners and foreign companies in China should adhere to these basic rules:
► Never do business in China with a tourist visa;
► Make sure no employees working in your office in China carry a tourist visa, may it be own staff, interns or business partners. Even if they are here for only one day, your company will be responsible in case of an investigation;
► For any activities that are effectively paid employment in China, apply for a work permit.
Local spot checks in offices are rare, but may happen: cases have been reported in which disgruntled former employees or competitors tipped off the local police on a company that has not followed the visa rules.
Harsher penalties for illegal workers|
How does this development fit in with the new immigration law? Major changes are that penalties for violations are now clearly specified and can reach up to RMB 100,000 per illegally employed person for the company. Furthermore, any gains from the illegal employment can be confiscated. Individuals face up to RMB 20,000 fine for working illegally, plus detention for up to 15 days. Additionally, they can be deported to their home countries and banned from entering China for 5 years.
Policies in favour of foreign workers
Apart from these provisions, the law also contains some interesting developments in favour of foreign companies. It includes a new visa category for “talented” individuals which is designed to make it easier for people with professional skills to obtain work permits for China. The specific requirements will be outlined later by the relevant authorities.
The new law was passed during a recent meeting of the People’s Congress but will only come into effect on July 1st 2013, thus allowing enough time to arrange for compliance. It is evident that China is trying to encourage certain categories of foreign investment; it can now identify areas with a lack of skill set in the local workforce and attract the right foreign workers with a policy of preferential treatment.This is from here !
Careful - don't do anything illegal business wise in China. But also China Authorities have to draw a very sharp line between the "good ones" & the "bad ones". Restricting visas on just one entry etc is very harmful for people for example running a Hong Kong office & must go (are forced to go) several times a month over the border to check factory etc. Please be reasonable !
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