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Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
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Immigration Department bans visa extension for non-local Cathay cabin crew
The Immigration Department has rejected to renew work visas for Cathay Pacific's non-local cabin crew.
It will, however, grant such renewals for non-local pilots, according to the airline.
“It is with deep regret that we also acknowledge that current applications for work permit renewals for our Hong Kong-based cabin crew will be rejected,” according to a spokesperson of the airline.
The airline said it will continue to engage with the Immigration Department as regarding future work permit applications as it has been working tirelessly to provide the necessary justifications to support the renewal applications.
For those who have to leave, Cathay Pacific will offer them off-boarding assistance, full access to its Employee Assistance Programme for a sustained period, and the same exit package as those crew taking advantage of its Voluntary Separation Scheme.
On the other hand, Boeing 747 pilots and training captains will be granted three-year extension. The work permit for Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 pilots will be renewed for another year. Pilots for A330 will saw their visa extended for six months only.
Cathay Pacific added it has resumed recruiting talent in Hong Kong who have the right to live and work here.
“We fully expect recruitment of overseas talent will be considered favourably when we are in a position to broaden our recruitment plans beyond Hong Kong,” the airline said.
“It is with deep regret that we also acknowledge that current applications for work permit renewals for our Hong Kong-based cabin crew will be rejected,” according to a spokesperson of the airline.
The airline said it will continue to engage with the Immigration Department as regarding future work permit applications as it has been working tirelessly to provide the necessary justifications to support the renewal applications.
For those who have to leave, Cathay Pacific will offer them off-boarding assistance, full access to its Employee Assistance Programme for a sustained period, and the same exit package as those crew taking advantage of its Voluntary Separation Scheme.
On the other hand, Boeing 747 pilots and training captains will be granted three-year extension. The work permit for Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 pilots will be renewed for another year. Pilots for A330 will saw their visa extended for six months only.
Cathay Pacific added it has resumed recruiting talent in Hong Kong who have the right to live and work here.
“We fully expect recruitment of overseas talent will be considered favourably when we are in a position to broaden our recruitment plans beyond Hong Kong,” the airline said.
