Hong Kong | Talent List expanded

Hong Kong immigration authorities announced the latest round of updates to the Talent List.

Key Points:

• The new Talent List will take effect on March 1 and cover 60 professions with local talent shortages.
• Eligible foreign nationals working in these 60 designated occupations — including nine newly added professions such as industry segments of financial services, innovation and technology, legal and dispute resolution services, aviation and shipping — may now apply for the:
  • Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
  • General Employment Policy (GEP)
  • Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
• The full list is available here. Individuals can submit their immigration applications on this website.

Additional Information: The Hong Kong government originally drew up the Talent List in 2018 and expanded it in 2021 and 2023 to attract high-quality talent and recruit additional skilled labor. Officials stated that for employers, the process of filling vacancies within the Talent List will be faster, as they are not required to provide proof to substantiate their difficulties in local recruitment when making applications under the GEP and the ASMTP. As BAL reported, the Hong Kong government also recently enhanced the Top Talent Pass Scheme and the QMAS last year for added convenience and efficiency.

More information regarding the expanded Talent List and guidance for applying under various immigration schemes is available on the Hong Kong Talent Engage website. Hong Kong authorities expanded the Talent List to meet the region’s development needs and attract more highly skilled foreign nationals to live and work in the region.

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

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