The Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address last week included a series of measures designed to attract foreign nationals to live and work in Hong Kong.

Key Points:

• Re-implement a Capital Investment Entrant Scheme that will provide entry to Hong Kong for foreign investors who invest at least 30 million HKD (about US$3.8 million) in assets such as stock, bonds and funds (not including real estate). Hong Kong introduced the scheme in 2003 but suspended it in 2015.

• Expand the coverage of universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme by adding eight schools to the network, bringing the total to 184. The program allows foreign nationals to live and work in Hong Kong for two years if they have an annual salary of at least 2.5 million HKD, have graduated from one of the world’s top 100 universities and have at least three years of work experience.

• Relax visa requirements for talent from Laos, Nepal and Vietnam.

• Provide issuance of two-year multiple-entry visas for mainland Chinese employees of companies registered in Hong Kong.

• Create a pilot program to allow foreign students at some vocational schools to remain in Hong Kong for one year following graduation to find a relevant job in their field. The program will be reviewed after two years.

Background: More information on the changes announced in the policy address are available here.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

 

IMPACT — MEDIUM

Hong Kong immigration authorities announced they will modify visa application procedures for some individuals traveling for training or working holiday purposes.

Key Points:

  • Beginning June 19, dependents and students, among others, who are traveling to Hong Kong for training or working holiday purposes will be required to declare previous criminal convictions.
  • Hong Kong authorities will continue to process applications that are submitted on or before June 18 regardless of if a criminal convictions declaration was made.
  • More information regarding the requirement to declare previous criminal convictions is available here.

BAL Analysis: Hong Kong authorities will require some visa applicants to declare whether they have previous criminal convictions to increase security throughout the region.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

Hong Kong immigration authorities have increased the number of occupations on the Talent List.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals working in 51 designated occupations, including certain engineers, architectural professionals and those working in the innovation and technology sectors, are now eligible to apply for the:
    • Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.
    • General Employment Policy.
    • Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals.
  • Hong Kong authorities increased the Talent List from 13 to 51 occupations. The full list is available here.
  • Individuals can submit their immigration applications on this website.

Additional Information: More information regarding the expanded Talent List and guidance for applying under various immigration schemes is available on the Hong Kong Talent Engage website.

BAL Analysis: 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 BAL’s Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

Hong Kong immigration authorities have updated the booking system for Hong Kong identification card applications.

Key Points:

  • Individuals ages 11 to 18 who already hold a Hong Kong identification card can book appointments for replacement cards during extended service hours at four designated Registration of Persons offices.
  • Those who have never held a Hong Kong identification card must still book appointments during normal ROP service hours for their initial card registrations.
  • Hong Kong SAR residents must use the ImmD mobile application or scan a QR code to make appointments online for the ROP offices.

Additional Information: The ROP services appointment booking system has been extended from 24 business days to 96 business days.

BAL Analysis: Hong Kong authorities improved the appointment system for identification cards to reduce processing times and streamline services.

This alert has been provided by BAL’s Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

Hong Kong immigration authorities have announced they will require some Talent Admission Scheme applications to be submitted online.

Key Points:

  • As of April 2, individuals must submit initial visa and extension of stay applications online for the:
    • Admissions Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents.
    • Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates.
    • Quality Migrating Admission Scheme.
    • Technology Talent Admission Scheme
  • Applications for the aforementioned schemes should be submitted through this website; applicants will submit all documentation, pay fees and collect their visa through the online portal.

BAL Analysis: Hong Kong authorities introduced the online application submission process to streamline filings and reduce processing times. Foreign nationals will no longer be able to submit applications in person.

This alert has been provided by BAL’s Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

Hong Kong immigration authorities announced that they are requiring Talent Admission Scheme applicants to provide their criminal history.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals must now provide their history of criminal convictions (if any) when applying under the Talent Admission Scheme, including the:
    • General Employment Policy.
    • Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals.
    • Technology Talent Admission Scheme.
    • Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates.
    • Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents.
  • Applicants under the Capital Investment Entrant and the Foreign Domestic Helper schemes are excluded from the new requirement.
  • Those who do not disclose past criminal convictions may have their applications denied.

BAL Analysis: Hong Kong authorities introduced the new criminal convictions requirement to reduce security issues for those traveling to the region.

This alert has been provided by BAL’s Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com. 

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

Hong Kong immigration authorities recently launched an online visa information portal for foreign nationals to learn about visa eligibility requirements.

Key Points:

  • Individuals can now use the Talents Service Unit online platform to find information on Hong Kong’s talent visa programs and submit applications online.
  • Applicants can use the platform’s Talent Admission Scheme Matching Tool to determine what immigration programs they are eligible for and then be directed to the Immigration Department’s e-Visa platform to submit applications online.
  • Once approved, foreign nationals will be able to obtain their visa online through the platform. More information regarding the TSU online platform is available here.

BAL Analysis: Hong Kong authorities launched the Talents Service Unit online platform to attract foreign talent and streamline its immigration services.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

Hong Kong immigration authorities recently relaxed rules for the General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP).

Key Points:

  • Applicants who are employed by a well-established company with an annual salary of at least two million HKD do not need to provide proof of local recruitment advertisements, academic qualifications or work experience.
  • Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree from a qualifying international institution do not need to provide proof of local recruitment advertisements, academic qualifications or work experience.
  • Foreign nationals who were previously approved through the GEP, ASMTP, Technology Talent Admission Scheme or Quality Migrant Admission Scheme no longer need to provide proof of academic qualifications or work experience.

Additional Information: Qualifying foreign nationals living outside of Hong Kong can continue filing online extension of stay applications until June 30, 2023. More information regarding the changes is available on this website.

BAL Analysis: Hong Kong authorities relaxed rules for the GEP and ASMTP in accordance with Hong Kong’s 2022 policy address. Eligible sponsors and foreign nationals may benefit from relaxed rules for the aforementioned visa programs, leading to shorter application processes and faster adjudication times.

This alert has been provided by BAL’s Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 BAL Global Practice Group. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Hong Kong authorities recently announced that they have eased COVID-19 entry requirements

Key Points:

  • As of Dec. 14, travelers are no longer required to complete three days of medical surveillance after they enter the country.
  • Travelers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure instead of a PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure.
  • Travelers must still take a PCR test at the airport upon arrival, on the third day after arrival at a community test center and take daily self-administered antigen test for the first five days after arrival.
  • Travelers who tested negative for COVID-19 will be given a blue code on their health app and are permitted to travel freely throughout the city.

BAL Analysis: Hong Kong authorities continue to lift COVID-19 health measures as the virus situation improves around the world. Travelers are reminded that COVID-19 entry requirements can change with little or no notice. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

Authorities have announced a series of initiatives to attract foreign nationals to live and work in Hong Kong.

The changes were announced in the Chief Executive’s 2022 Policy Address. Authorities are planning to:

  • Launch the Top Talent Pass Scheme. Through the program, foreign nationals will be able to live and work in Hong Kong for two years if they have an annual salary of at least 2.5 million HKD (about US$318,500) or they graduated from one of the world’s top 100 universities and have at least three years of work experience.
  • Enhance the General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, so companies can attract talent more easily in labor shortage areas.
  • Suspend the annual quota for the Quality Migration Admission Scheme for two years.
  • Increase the duration of stay for many immigration programs and streamline the visa renewal process.
  • Lift the local employment requirement, lengthen the quota validity period to two years (from one year) and include emerging technology areas in the Technology Talent Admission Scheme.

Additional Information: More information regarding the planned changes is available in the policy address here.

BAL Analysis: Hong Kong authorities introduced a number of immigration initiatives to address labor market shortages and help the economy recover from COVID-19. Implementation dates have not been announced at this time. BAL will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.