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- Visa Renewal Window Extended: Effective April 2026, the Immigration Department has extended the visa renewal filing window from 30 days to 90 days for key talent schemes (GEP, ASMTP). Source
- Employer’s Return Deadline: The Inland Revenue Department issued Form BIR56A on April 1. Employers must report all employee remuneration for the year ended March 31, 2026, within one month. Source
- New "Continuous Contract" Enforcement: The Labour Department’s new "468 Rule" is now in full swing, granting statutory benefits to employees working 68 hours over four weeks, regardless of weekly consistency. Source
- Talent Paradox Hits 3.9%: Unemployment in HK has edged up to 3.9% in early 2026. Experts cite a "structural mismatch" where generalists are in surplus but specialists remain critically scarce. Source
- AI Integration Surge: Reports indicate 86% of HK professionals now use AI daily in their roles, shifting demand toward "AI-fluent" domain experts in finance and compliance. Source
- Morgan Stanley Cuts: The bank is laying off approximately 3% of its workforce (2,500 people globally), impacting its investment banking and wealth management divisions in Hong Kong. Source
- Cathay Pacific Expansion: Cathay has added new flights to Paris and Zurich for the Summer/Autumn 2026 schedule, signaling continued recruitment for cabin crew and ground staff. Source
- Fair Work Agency Launch: Established on April 7, 2026, this new body consolidates enforcement for the minimum wage and employment agency standards in the city. Source
- SOW Arrangements Rise: 23% of HK employers have shifted to Statement of Work (SOW) models for tech and compliance projects to manage costs amid economic uncertainty. Source