FYI - I wanted to provide an update on this topic for the curious
Employee decided to check "NO" on his VISA application. It came back with no questions asked. He also checked the same on the entry card. It seems they only cared about getting the VISA fee. It was a breeze for him. I did enjoy watching his nervousness as we went up to customs however.
We also traveled to HKG and HND on the way back. He simply filled the entry card with no to "criminal record" questions. No problems on any entry.