New ESLS-1A/1B forms 2026: old versions rejected from 12 October + filing tips
Since 12 October 2026, the Labour Department no longer accepts old-version application forms for the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme — only the ESLS-1A / ESLS-1B (Rev. 9/2026) revised versions. It sounds minor, but we keep seeing applications stall on exactly this: the wrong form version, sent straight back, weeks lost.
This guide covers the changeover, the most common form-filling mistakes, and a pre-submission checklist.
What are ESLS-1A / ESLS-1B?
ESLS-1A and ESLS-1B are the prescribed application forms for the scheme; the current revision is Rev. 9/2026. Employers must use this version and complete every section as specified — company details, position details, wages, and the local recruitment record.
The old-form rejection rule
- From 12 October 2026, the Labour Department does not accept old form versions - Applications filed on old forms are returned and must be redone on the new forms - Applications already lodged and accepted before 12 October are unaffected
In short: **if you are only starting your application now, the very first step is downloading the latest forms from the Labour Department website** — not reusing the copy saved on your computer from last year.
The most common form-filling mistakes
- Using an old form version (currently the most direct rejection trigger) - Position titles that do not match the Labour Department's common-positions table — too generic, or self-invented titles - Wages entered below the published median (see the positions & salary guide) - Incomplete local recruitment records: ad dates, channels and applicant counts that do not line up - Company details inconsistent with the Business Registration (even a one-character difference in address or company name invites queries)
Each item looks small in isolation; together they account for most of the common rejection reasons.
Pre-submission checklist
- Form version is Rev. 9/2026 - Position titles follow the Labour Department's common-positions wording - Wages meet the median and accommodation deductions stay within the caps - Local recruitment evidence is complete - Company details exactly match the Business Registration
If you are not confident the forms are right, a licensed agency can do a pre-submission check — one wrong form costs weeks of back-and-forth.
FAQ
Q: Can I still apply with the old forms? A: No. Since 12 October 2026 the Labour Department only accepts ESLS-1A / ESLS-1B (Rev. 9/2026); old forms are returned.
Q: Where do I download the new forms? A: From the Labour Department's scheme page — check that the revision date is 9/2026.
Q: What happens if I file the wrong form? A: The application is returned and must be resubmitted — effectively adding weeks to your quota application timeline.
Q: The new form looks similar to the old one — can I just copy my old answers across? A: Field requirements have been updated; re-check each item instead of copying blindly.
Not sure your forms are right? WhatsApp +852 9888 6768 — we are a Labour Department licensed employment agency (licence 81090) and can run a pre-submission check for you.
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