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Answered7 years ago

What are the current rules for obtaining a Multi-Entry Non-B visa at the Thai consulate in Hong Kong for expats with a work permit?

Pui *****
asked May 7, 2019
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The Hong Kong Thai consulate gave me a new issue today when I tried to renew my multi Non-B visa that I've previously gotten there annually the past 5 years. Apparently, because I have a work permit, they have now decided this means a Non-B can only be issued within Thailand, and they even said in Thailand, I would only qualify for a single entry yearly visa with re-entry permits required every time I leave. Their logic is that having a work permit means that you live in Thailand and do not live in Hong Kong (despite me being a HK passport holder and having address proof in HK and HK ID), so you cannot apply for a Non-B in HK.

They also claimed that all Multi-entry Non-B visas are only given to those without work permits who need to be in and out of Thailand frequently for meetings, and if you have a work permit, it means you cannot get a multi-entry visa since a work permit means you must live in Thailand. I argued they had given me a Multi-entry non-B at the HK consulate 5 years already before, and that my entry stamps do show that I do go in and out of Thailand frequently and do not stay for long periods, since I am just the director of the company (and 49% shareholder) and do not work there on a regular basis. I explained I was required to have a work permit or else I am not allowed to even sign checks or perform other "work" activities, but I don't work there in the traditional sense.

They didn't care and said regulations had changed and Multi-entry Non-Bs are not allowed for anyone with a work permit, and refused to give me the Multi Non-B, finally agreeing to give me a single entry Non-B with 3 month validity. The clerk even went in back for over 10 minutes with all my paperwork to check with supervisors and then all 3 of the counter clerks together explained this same thing to me, so I don't know if rules really have just changed in this way.

The question I have is: my next 2 trips to Thailand are for 5 days in early June, then from mid-August to mid-September. The June trip is likely not enough time to get a year-long Non-B at immigration in Samui since some of the days are on a weekend. My 1st June entry stamp should therefore allow a stay of 3 months. If I get a re-entry stamp during my June trip before exiting, and I return in mid-August, that re-entry still only allows me to stay till end of August per my original entry on that visa. If I apply in mid-August at Samui immigration for a Non-B good for 1 year, will I be allowed to remain in the country till mid-September, per my existing travel plans, or will I still have to leave the country before the original entry stamp's stay expiration at the end of August?
Answer summary
A user reported changes in visa policies at the Hong Kong Thai consulate regarding the issuance of Multi-entry Non-B visas due to their work permit status. They were informed that holders of a work permit can only be issued a single-entry visa, and the rules have shifted to restrict Multi-entry visas to those without work permits. The user is inquiring whether they can apply for a one-year Non-B visa during their trip in mid-August while having restrictions on their current entry stamp. Additional comments provide insights about typical immigration processes in Thailand and differing experiences with the visa types.
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Justin **********
Justin **********
I'm only going there to apply for a single entry Non B. It's not for my company, and I've been offered a job and now have all the required (according to their website) documents for a UK resident. I think I should be fine.
Tod *********
Tod *********
When you enter you'll get stamped in for 90 days on that visa. When you apply for a yearly extension, most immigration offices will give you a new 30 day under consideration stamp (added to the expiration date of your current entry stamp) while the application for the yearly extension is reviewed.

There isn't an extension other than the yearly one you can apply for inside the country .
Tod *********
Tod *********
I didn't know that Hong Kong issued year-long multi-entry Non-B's (or at least not in the last couple of years) :O
Tod *********
Tod *********
@Pui ****
wow, that's news to me, maybe they issue it to HK citizens easier because I sure don't remember any other foreigners saying go there for a year-long, multi-entry Non-B visa.

It's just known as a place you can get a 90 day single entry Non-B without a work permit or a receipt of having applied for one (WP3).
Pui *****
Pui *****
OP
Yes, I've gotten a yearlong multi-entry Non-B there every year since 2014 including the last time when it was issued early May of last year. I am the company director and shareholder.

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