Changes to Hong Kong's Quality Migrant Admission Scheme Policy in 2018
To attract more talent to immigrate to Hong Kong, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) policy was gradually relaxed in 2018. Following the announcement of the Talent List, the number of 2018 Hong Kong immigration applications under the QMAS continued to rise. Based on the application and approval data for the 2018 Hong Kong QMAS, both the number of applicants and the number of approvals saw significant growth. In 2018, the number of approvals under the Hong Kong QMAS reached 555.
2018 Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme Talent List
On the 28th of 2018, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region released its first Talent List, aiming to attract outstanding talent from around the world to contribute to Hong Kong's high-value and diversified economic development in a more effective and focused manner.
Reportedly, this Talent List was developed after extensive consultation with stakeholders and includes 11 professions, such as senior asset management experts, senior marine insurance experts, senior data scientists and senior cybersecurity experts, actuaries, marine engineers, and naval architects.
Professions Required for the 2018 Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
The 11 professions included in the 2018 Hong Kong QMAS Talent List are as follows:
Senior waste treatment experts or engineers
Senior asset management professionals
Senior marine insurance professionals
Actuaries
Senior fintech professionals
Senior data scientists and senior cybersecurity experts
Innovation and technology experts, including but not limited to pharmacology and life sciences or biotechnology, data engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, biometric technology, industrial or chemical engineering, materials science or nanotechnology, etc.
Naval architects
Marine engineers and superintendents
Creative industries professionals, including recording engineers, mastering engineers, and vinyl record cutting/pressing engineers in music; game development experts and game producers in digital entertainment; and winners of designated prestigious international film festivals in film
Dispute resolution professionals specializing in international financial and investor-state disputes
Transactional lawyers with expertise and experience in handling cross-border transactions from investment or host countries.
2018 Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme Approval Rate
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region stated that this list highlights the professions most needed for Hong Kong's economic development. The list will be updated regularly to ensure it matches Hong Kong's latest economic developments and the changing demand for various types of talent. The SAR government will prioritize the 2018 Hong Kong talent scheme approval rate, 2018 Hong Kong talent scheme application process, 2018 Hong Kong talent scheme selection criteria, 2018 Hong Kong talent scheme renewal, and 2018 Hong Kong talent scheme scoring table. Under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, approved applicants do not need to secure a job offer from a Hong Kong employer before settling in Hong Kong. Furthermore, applicants who meet the relevant professional qualifications on the Talent List can receive additional points under the General Points Test of the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.
2018 Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme Self-Assessment
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region stated that it will provide entry convenience for 1,000 people annually through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. The Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme uses a points-based system; applicants who meet the basic eligibility criteria can choose to be further assessed under either the General Points Test or the Achievement-based Points Test. Those wishing to immigrate to Hong Kong through the Hong Kong QMAS can perform a 2018 Hong Kong QMAS self-assessment for evaluation, and applicants who meet the Talent List criteria can receive up to 30 additional points.
Significance of the 2018 Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Matthew Cheung, stated that he welcomes talent with skills, knowledge, and experience from around the world to work in Hong Kong. The publication of the Talent List is a major measure taken by the SAR government, which will help Hong Kong gain a competitive edge in attracting international talent, stimulate local talent development, and drive Hong Kong forward.