The procedure for applying for a temporary residence permit has changed with effect from 1 July 2002. The requirements and the conditions for obtaining a temporary residence permit are still the same. Under the old procedure, the documents of both the alien and the employer were checked by the Aliens Police and the Visa Department. However, with effect from 1 July 2002, the Aliens Police and the Visa Department will only check the employer’s documents, while the alien’s documents will be checked by the diplomatic post in the home country (i.e. the embassy or consulate), where the alien needs to file an official application for a temporary residence permit.