← All news and insights
Policy updates

Old application forms will be returned from 12 October

Preparing an Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme application? Check your ESLS-1A or ESLS-1B version before submitting.

Effective date 2026-10-12 · Checked 2026-10-08 · Published 2026-10-08

What the official notice says

The Labour Department requires the latest revised ESLS-1A or ESLS-1B form. From 12 October 2026, old versions received will be returned without processing. This is the effective date of the measure, not the publication date of this article.

What this means for employers

Download the current form before submitting your documents. Do not assume an older template saved on your computer is still valid.

BLJ analysis: check before signing

Check the revision date, job classification and attachments before signing, then verify headcount, pay and work location. This can reduce rework caused by using an outdated form; it does not guarantee approval.

What employers can do now

  1. Download the latest form from the Labour Department website.
  2. Compare your draft with the current fields and attachments.
  3. Check the official requirements once more before submission.

Sources and updates

Labour Department: ESLS updates (Chinese) ↗

Compiled by BLJ from the sources above. Our analysis is practical recruitment guidance, not an official interpretation. Refer to official sources for applicable conditions and subsequent corrections.