Hong Kong revises ESLS pack: split authorisation forms, new Appendix 6, wider 2A

Employers applying under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) must use the September 2026 revised application packs (Rev. 9/2026) for both common posts (form ESLS-1A) and non-common posts (form ESLS-1B)Labour, which replace the July 2026 versionsLabour. The new packs split the old single authorisation letter into two separate forms, repurpose Appendix 6, and widen the cases in which Appendix 2A must be filed. Employers with filings in preparation should check their bundles against the new pack before lodging.

The former single Authorisation Letter, signed by the sole proprietor, director or authorised partner with the applicant's chop and covering Appendices 3A and 3B, is replaced by two distinct instrumentsLabour. Appendix 3A is now titled Appointment of Third-party Company for Handling Application – Authorisation and Declaration Form, for use where an outside company handles the application. Appendix 3B is now titled Authorisation Letter (Applicant's Staff Member), for use where the applicant's own staff member acts.

Appendix 6 no longer covers information on licences or approvals required for lawful operation of the business. It is now titled Workplace Arrangements for Imported Workers and is marked as required only if applicable. Appendix 4 (Information of Imported Workers) is likewise now marked as required only if applicable, so employers with no imported-worker details to report in a given application do not file it.

The filing condition for Appendix 2A (Information of Full-time Local Employees) is broadened. Previously Appendix 2A was completed instead of Appendix 2 only where the application involved catering-related posts, meaning the production section or table service sectionLabour. Appendix 2A must now also be completed where the applicant has previously been granted imported worker quota for the posts applied for and relevant imported workers are still in employ, have yet to arrive in Hong Kong, or valid quota remains unusedLabour. Employers renewing or extending existing quotas for the same posts therefore file Appendix 2A even for non-catering posts.

The separate Corrigendum to Standard Employment Contract download is removed from the scheme's reference materialsLabour; the superseded listing had noted that the Immigration Department would cease to accept that corrigendum with effect from 14 September 2026. What is unchanged is the underlying engagement: imported workers are engaged under a Standard Employment Contract (LD 294) for no longer than 24 monthsLabour, after a local recruitment exercise and Labour Advisory Board consultation, with wages no less than the median monthly wage of local workers in comparable positions and a levy of $400 per month of the contract, up to 24 months, payable before the visa or entry permit is issued.

Legal basis: Labour Department Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme pages (application forms ESLS-1A and ESLS-1B, Rev. 9/2026); Immigration Department Guidebook for Entry under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (Standard Employment Contract (LD 294), 24-month maximum).