Government Scheme Invites Foreign Talent

Quality personnel from around the world who can help Hong Kong’s long-term development are the targets of the Government’s new Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), which is being introduced.

According to the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S.K. Lee, an initial annual quota of 1,000 has been set. “Applicants are required to fulfill a set of 'must-meet' requirements before they may apply under the scheme,” he said.

QMAS immigrants may be permitted to bring in their dependants (i.e. spouse and unmarried dependant children under 18 years of age) provided that they are capable of supporting and accommodating their dependants on their own without relying on public assistance in Hong Kong. 

Mr Lee said dependants of QMAS immigrants would be allowed to work without prior permission from the Director of Immigration. This lifting of a previous restriction on dependants’ ability to work without the permission of the Director of Immigration is due to Hong Kong’s improving economic conditions, as well as in the interests of attracting professionals.

The "must-meet" requirements specify that applicants:
• Must be aged between 18 and 50
• Must be able to demonstrate that they are capable of supporting and accommodating themselves and their dependants, if any, on their own without relying on public assistance during their stay in Hong Kong
• Must meet normal immigration and security requirements
• Must be proficient in Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) or English
• Must have a good education background, normally a first degree supported by documentary evidence

QMAS immigrants will be allowed an initial stay of one year, at the end of which time they should be able to demonstrate that they have taken steps to settle in Hong Kong by taking up residence, e.g. by securing gainful employment or establishing a business. If the QMAS immigrant cannot demonstrate the taking of any such steps, a one-year extension may be granted by the Director of Immigration if deemed appropriate. 

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