The Hong Kong immigration department has been implementing various talent admission schemes to attract foreign workers, expanding its Talent List to include additional professions experiencing local shortages. The updated Talent List, effective from March 1, now covers 60 professions.
Foreign workers meeting the eligibility criteria for these professions can benefit from immigration facilitation under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, the General Employment Policy, and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals.
As of November 1, 2024, the General Points Test under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme has been improved with clearer and more objective scoring criteria. The application and selection process has been streamlined, replacing the previous item-by-item scoring system with an assessment questionnaire covering 12 criteria across six major aspects: age, academic qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, income, and business ownership. Applicants meeting at least six criteria may apply, and their applications will be reviewed by an assessment panel chaired by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, which will provide recommendations to the Director of Immigration. The enhanced system does not impose an annual quota.
The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme is designed to attract highly skilled individuals to settle in Hong Kong and contribute to economic growth. Applicants are not required to have secured local employment before applying and, if successful, may bring their spouse with them.
To expand its talent network, Hong Kong has added 13 more top Mainland and overseas universities to the list of eligible institutions under the Top Talent Pass Scheme, bringing the total to 199 institutions after the latest annual update. Additionally, from October 16, 2024, the validity period of the first visa for applicants under Category A of this scheme has been extended from two to three years to assist with relocation planning.
The Immigration Arrangements for foreign graduates, initially expanded in 2022 to include graduates from Greater Bay Area campuses of Hong Kong universities, has been extended for another two years until the end of 2026.
Starting November 1, 2024, full-time foreign undergraduate students have been temporarily exempted from restrictions on part-time employment, allowing them to work without limitations on hours or location during their studies. This measure is intended to enhance their work experience and encourage them to stay in Hong Kong after graduation.
Hong Kong has also modified the Capital Investment scheme for foreign investors seeking permanent residency. Previously, investors had to demonstrate that their capital holdings had been in their account for two years, but this requirement has been reduced to six months. The scheme requires a minimum investment of HK$30 million in approved assets such as stocks, ETFs, and bonds, with real estate investments excluded.
From March 1, 2025, Hong Kong will implement additional enhancements to the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme.
