ESLS Form Rev.9/2026 Switch: A One-Minute Checklist
Bottom line: The current version of the ESLS application form (ESLS-1A / ESLS-1B) is the September 2026 revised edition (Rev. 9/2026). From 12 October 2026, the Labour Department will return old-version forms unprocessed — return is not rejection, but re-submission means re-queuing. The version mark is printed on the first page of the form; check for "Rev. 9/2026" before submitting.
Document version comparison (verified 2026-10-04)
| Document | Current version / applicable batch | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| ESLS-1A / 1B application form | Rev. 9/2026 | Old versions returned from 12 Oct |
| LD 294 Orange (7/2024) | Approval-in-principle granted on or before 6-15 | Accommodation deduction cap 10% |
| LD 294 Pink (6/2026) | Initial screening before 6-15, approved after (approval letter specifies) | Accommodation deduction cap 20% |
| LD 294 Green (8/2026) | Initial screening on/after 6-16 and approved | Lowest of three; current period only |
| ESLS-11 / ESLS-12 (Mainland intake) | Rev. 3/2025 | Must be processed through a Ministry of Commerce-approved labour enterprise |
Three situations, match yourself
- Not yet submitted: Download the Rev. 9/2026 new form directly from the Labour Department page and fill it in;
- Filled out an old version but not yet submitted: Discard the old version and copy to the new one (note the new form has new declaration fields under the June rules, such as department manpower ratio and 1:1 declaration for employees with disabilities);
- Already submitted and accepted: The announcement targets "old versions received from 12 October"; already-accepted cases proceed as normal. For progress enquiries call the Supplementary Labour Division at 2150 6363.
Two things before submitting
- Wages against the new median: Contract monthly wage must not be lower than the position median in the "Common Jobs Table" (2026-06-22 revised edition) — since 22 June the Labour Department applies the new medians to all applications (including those under review) without separate notice;
- Synchronise supporting documents: local recruitment proof, business registration, job description — don't let a correct form be held up by missing attachments.
FAQ
Official sources: Labour Department ESLS official page (form versions, three-colour contract batches, Supplementary Labour Division contact) | Last verified: 2026-10-04
Internal links: Long-form "Form Change Guide"; "Application Process Guide"
Where do I download the new form?
The Labour Department's "Supplementary Labour Scheme" official page (labour.gov.hk/tc/plan/iwESLS.htm). Re-download from the page to get the current version; don't use an old file saved on your computer.
How do I know which contract colour to use?
You don't choose — the approval-in-principle notice specifies the version to use; just check the notice.
Does the form change affect processing time?
The version change is an administrative procedure and doesn't affect approval standards; what really affects timelines is the June new rules (catering 6-week recruitment period + bi-weekly job fairs).
