Hong Kong ESLS revised forms (Sept 2026): old versions rejected from 12 Oct

Three checks before you apply

Sort three things out before any version question arises:

• Which scheme: confirm the role falls under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (common/uncommon-post application forms), not the FDH or other importation routes
• Screening and approval dates: the tightened measures follow the preliminary-screening notice date (around 16 Jun 2026), the accommodation-deduction cap follows the approval-in-principle date — the two dates decide which rules and which colour of contract apply
• Form versions: applications use Rev. 9/2026 (old versions returned from 12 Oct); the standard employment contract comes in orange / pink / green batches

Download current forms and check applicable batches (official forms) →

The short answer

Per the Labour Department's ESLS page, the application forms ESLS-1A and ESLS-1B are now the "September 2026 revised version (Rev. 9/2026)", and from 12 October 2026 the Department will return old-version forms received, without processing. Applications filed after that date on an old form will bounce back — not a refusal, but a lost queue position during peak hiring.

Which forms changed, and how versions line up

Two application forms changed. The Standard Employment Contract (LD 294) and the mainland-route declarations have their own version series and are not part of this change, but must still match your approval dates:

• Don't mix the colours: applications screened on or before 15 Jun 2026 but approved later use the pink (6/2026) contract — neither orange nor green

← Swipe the table sideways to see all columns →

Transition: three situations

• Not yet filed: file on the Rev. 9/2026 forms — after the preliminary-screening notice, complete the directed local recruitment as arranged by the Labour Department (the F&B 3:1 ratio and 6-week recruitment apply to notices issued on or after 16 Jun 2026)
• Old forms completed but not filed: switch to the new forms before submitting; check for field changes
• Already filed and accepted: processed as usual; to confirm a case, call the Supplementary Labour Division on 2150 6363

Where to download and what to check

Download both forms from the Labour Department's ESLS page (www.labour.gov.hk). Before distributing forms for completion, verify the "Rev. 9/2026" marking on the front page, match salaries against the current common-jobs median table (revised 22 June 2026), and check supporting documents against the application-process guide so the form change does not become a follow-up-request excuse.

FAQ

• Q: Will an application already filed on an old form be affected? A: The announcement covers old-version forms received from 12 October 2026; applications filed and accepted before that date proceed as usual. To confirm, call 2150 6363.
• Q: Our screening notice came on or before 15 Jun 2026 but approval came later — which contract colour? A: Use LD 294 (6/2026), the pink version: the official page states the approval-in-principle letter will specify it. Its accommodation-deduction cap is 20% of wages (excluding overtime) or actual boarding cost, whichever is lower. Applications screened on or after 16 Jun 2026 use the green (8/2026) version.
• Q: How do I confirm I have the new form? A: Check for the marking "September 2026 revised version (ESLS-1A) (Rev. 9/2026)" or "(ESLS-1B) (Rev. 9/2026)", or simply re-download from the Labour Department page.
• Q: Who can I ask about form versions? A: The Labour Department's Supplementary Labour Division: tel 2150 6363, fax 2504 3160, sld-hq@labour.gov.hk.