Hong Kong expands visitor facilitation scheme to lure non-local talents

Hong Kong authorities will expand the pilot scheme on immigration for visitors participating in short-term activities in designated sectors, allowing more non-local talents to participate in specified short-term activities as visitors, without the need to apply for employment visas or entry permits.

Following a review at the end of last year, aside from the existing 10 designated sectors, the “finance” and “development and construction” sectors will also be covered, with the addition of about 50 authorised host organisations and specified short-term activities, according to the official press statement. 

The government completed a review of the pilot scheme at end 2022 and decided to expand the pilot scheme to cover two new sectors, namely "Finance" and "Development and Construction", with the addition of more authorised host organisations and specified short-term activities. After expansion, the pilot scheme will cover more international events and mega activities, such as the Asian Financial Forum and international horse racing events.

The pilot scheme aims at facilitating business and promoting the development of the relevant sectors, as well as raising Hong Kong's international profile. As of December 2022, the pilot scheme benefited over 800 non-local talents, who came to Hong Kong as visitors to participate in various events, such as competing at the Hong Kong Sevens and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performance in Hong Kong.

Don't miss: Hong Kong sets up task force on promoting and branding HK to enhance its image

After the expansion, the pilot scheme will cover a total of 12 sectors involving some 400 authorised host organisations such as medical and healthcare, higher education, arts and culture, sports, heritage, creative industries, innovation and technology, the Hong Kong Laureate Forum, aviation, international or mega events, finance, as well as development and construction. More international events and mega activities, such as the Asian Financial Forum and international horse racing events, will also be covered after the expansion.

The government said the expansion of the scheme aims to give full play to the city's strength as a place to connect and excel under "one country, two systems" and raise Hong Kong's international profile. Back in December last year, Hong Kong rolled out Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), permitting a maximum stay of 24 months. During this period, the holder are permitted to work in Hong Kong, change employers, or establish a business in Hong Kong. A three-year extension is permitted for applicants who continue to meet the conditions of the scheme. In January, Hong Kong secretary for labour and welfare Chris Sun told local press, that the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) had received around 2,600 applications in one week and approved around 1,400 applications since its launch.

Related articles:

Hong Kong sets up task force on promoting and branding HK to enhance its image
Survey: Over half of HongKongers spend consumption vouchers on non-durable goods
Hong Kong Tourism Board reveals details of HK$100m promotional campaign
Hong Kong Airlines announces hiring spree amid recovery of air travel demand