The Hong Kong government announced measures to enhance the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS).

Key Points:

  • The government recently released its Policy Address announcing reforms of various aspects of certain talent admission regimes, specifically measures to enhance TTPS and QMAS.
  • Category A applications under TTPS will now be given two extra months to apply for an extension and initial visa validity periods will be extended to three years.
    • Extension of stay applications can now be filed within three months of expiration, an extension from the previous four-week deadline, with an unconditional one-year extension of stay granted.
    • The three-year validity period (extended from the previous two years) will be granted to those who have secured offers of employment or have established or joined in a business in Hong Kong upon applying for an extension.
      • Category A applicants under TTPS are those with an annual income reaching HK$2.5 million (about US$321,280) or above in the year immediately preceding the date of application.
  • Additionally, authorities have expanded the list of eligible universities under TTPS to further broaden the network for attracting top talent worldwide.
    • Thirteen top mainland China and overseas universities/institutions have been added to the list, consisting of a total of 198 eligible schools.
    • The expanded list of eligible universities/institutions can be found here.

Additional Information: Officials also announced enhancements to the assessment criteria and arrangements of the General Points Test under QMAS. The points-based scheme, a talent admission initiative originally introduced in 2006, will incorporate a new online assessment questionnaire designed to improve efficiency and reduce vetting processing. The electronic application platform for the enhanced General Points Test has commenced operation.

BAL Analysis: TTPS was introduced in December 2022 to attract more high earners and university graduates. Hong Kong has several schemes designed to attract skilled talent, including the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals and the Technology Talent Admission Scheme. The government intends to “further attract talent conducive to Hong Kong’s development, enrich the local talent pool, enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the quest for talent and consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international talent hub.”

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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