Check the version specified in the approval
The official download page shows an update on 28 October. The Q&A and ESLS-13 carry October 2026 revision markings. The pamphlet and Q&A state that approvals-in-principle issued on or after 16 June 2026 specify the required Standard Employment Contract version. Use that specified version rather than switching automatically to the latest one. The documents do not give a single commencement date for all wording changes identified here.
Visa documents: three green-version originals or four for the other specified versions
Q&A 10.1 requires three signed originals, including Schedules A and B, for the green LD 294 (8/2026) contract. If the specified version is orange LD 294 (7/2024) or pink LD 294 (6/2026), four originals are required.
Accommodation: the green version is not a flat 20% deduction
Q&A 8.1 states that the green-version deduction is the lowest of actual accommodation cost, 20% of the fixed monthly contractual wage, and 20% of the actual amount payable for the corresponding wage period. The orange and pink versions have separate formulas. The stated accommodation requirements and deduction arrangements do not apply when workers live in their own Mainland homes. Do not apply one 20% figure to every situation.
Termination: check the current form and replacement choice
ESLS-13 (Rev. 10/2026) requires a choice between applying for a replacement and not applying while surrendering the relevant approval-in-principle, plus an employer email address. It states submission to both the Labour Department and Immigration Department within seven days before termination, or one working day afterwards for termination without prior notice. These are current form instructions, not a claim that the deadlines began with this revision.
BLJ advice: check before signing and calculating
Reconcile the approval, specified contract version, required originals and accommodation arrangements. Recalculate under the applicable contract when a wage period is incomplete or the amount payable changes. Confirm replacement intentions, contact email and submission method before termination, and retain genuine submission records.
What employers can do now
- Check the contract version specified in the approval.
- Confirm three or four originals and the required schedules.
- Use the applicable accommodation formula and current termination form.
Sources and updates
ESLS application pamphlet (Chinese original) ↗
ESLS Q&A (October 2026 revision; Chinese original) ↗
ESLS-13 termination notification (Rev. 10/2026; bilingual original) ↗
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.