Honk Kong has recognised overseas same-sex partnership by granting visas to dependents. The landmark decision came two months after the city's top court ruled that a British lesbian should be granted a spousal visa in a landmark decision.
The easing of visa regulations for those in same-sex relations is a huge relief for international banks and law firms that operate in Hong Kong, the global financial hub. This means that more international talent can be attracted to the city.
The policy revision announced on Tuesday includes same-sex civil partnerships, same-sex civil unions, same-sex marriage, opposite-sex civil partnerships or opposite-sex civil unions entered into outside Hong Kong, the government said.
A dependent visa for such relationships would be considered so long as the person satisfied normal immigration requirements, Reuters said.
Hong Kong’s top court ruled in July that a British woman should be granted a spousal visa - which allows dependents to work without the need for a separate visa - after her partner was offered work in the financial hub.
The pair had entered into a civil partnership in Britain.
The unanimous ruling by five judges brought to an end the case involving rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, which won support from more than 30 global banks and law firms, including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.
Hong Kong is a popular destination for expatriates, many of whom work in the city’s financial services and legal sectors.
Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1991, although marriage is legally defined as a monogamous union between a man and a woman. Hong Kong does not recognise same-sex marriage.
