Hong Kong Arbitration Visa for Nepali Law Professionals — STV Scheme Explained

Nepali legal professionals who wish to participate in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong — whether as arbitrators, counsels, legal experts, or witnesses — can benefit from a special immigration arrangement known as the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Persons Participating in Arbitral Proceedings in Hong Kong. This policy allows qualified individuals to enter Hong Kong under visitor status instead of applying for a formal employment or work visa. It is part of Hong Kong’s commitment to promote itself as a global arbitration and dispute resolution hub under its broader Short-Term Activities (STV) Facilitation Scheme.

According to the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) and the Department of Justice (DoJ), eligible participants from Nepal and other foreign countries may travel to Hong Kong for arbitration-related activities without requiring a separate employment visa or entry permit, as long as their activities are limited to the scope of arbitral proceedings. The eligible participants include: arbitrators, counsels, expert and factual witnesses, tribunal secretaries, parties to the arbitration, and other professionals directly involved in the process.

To take advantage of this scheme, Nepali participants must obtain a “Letter of Proof” before arriving in Hong Kong. This letter serves as confirmation that the individual is formally involved in arbitration proceedings. It must be issued by a designated arbitral institution (such as HKIAC – Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre) for administered arbitrations, or by a reputable venue provider (for ad hoc arbitrations). The Letter of Proof should clearly state the person’s name, role, arbitration case number, and scheduled dates of the hearing or proceedings. Once issued, the participant can use it to support their visa application or present it upon entry.

Under this facilitation scheme, the person may participate in arbitration proceedings for the entire duration of their permitted stay as a visitor. Unlike the general STV Scheme, which limits certain short-term activities to 14 consecutive days, there is no specific day limit for participation in arbitration under this framework, provided the individual remains compliant with visitor visa conditions. However, participants must still satisfy normal visitor entry requirements — holding a valid passport, confirmed return ticket, sufficient financial resources, and proof of accommodation.

This initiative reflects Hong Kong’s open approach to international legal collaboration, ensuring that global law professionals, including those from Nepal, can contribute to arbitration proceedings smoothly and efficiently. It provides a simple route for Nepali arbitrators, advocates, or expert witnesses who are invited to represent clients, present evidence, or serve as tribunal members in Hong Kong.

Applicants from Nepal who require a visa to enter Hong Kong should apply through the Immigration Department’s online e-Visa system or via the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, submitting the Letter of Proof, passport copy, travel itinerary, and supporting professional documents. Once approved, they can enter Hong Kong as visitors and engage in the arbitration activities legally.

For assistance in preparing documents and ensuring visa compliance, Yatra For Fun Pvt. Ltd.—Nepal’s trusted visa processing and travel company—offers specialized support for Hong Kong legal and arbitration visas. The company assists Nepali professionals in obtaining Letters of Proof, filling e-Visa forms, and managing related travel documentation for a smooth and lawful arbitration visit.

For professional visa assistance:
Contact: 9802348957 or 9708072951
Website: https://www.yatraforfun.com