Hong Kong now accepts same-sex partnerships in Visa applications

Hong Kong declared that same-sex partners now have the right to live and work in the city. This move came after a British lesbian’s court victory. This is a step ahead for the LGBTQ community in Hong Kong.

According to the Business Standard, the updated immigration policy allows anyone who is in a same-sex relation or marriage to apply for a dependent visa. But the new policy also states that according to the Hong Kong law, in a valid marriage the couple will have to be heterosexual. It emphasized that there shouldn’t be any expectation that the government would make same-sex partnerships legal.

Those same-sex couples who have got into civil unions in other countries will also be eligible to apply for the dependent Visa. However, there should be proof of a relationship between the two. The rules further state that the sponsor should be able to support the dependent and provide them with food, shelter, and clothing in Hong Kong.

In July, a Briton won her case which led to reviewing the Visa policy. Her request for a Dependent Visa was rejected when her partner moved to the city for a job. So, she had to stay in the city as a visitor and did not have the right to work. Supported by major institutions, she fought for her Visa rights.

The court ended the legal battle and said that such rules would discourage talent from coming from other countries to Hong Kong. The Britons lawyer, Micheal Vidler, said that he is glad about the changes made to the Visa rights. He said that the government should take a step in legalizing gay marriages.

Y-Axis offers a wide range of Visa and Immigration products as well as services for aspiring overseas students and immigrants including Work Visa, Student Visa, Hong Kong Migration and Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.

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