Hong Kong strengthens global workforce by expanding talents

DDM News

Hong Kong is taking major steps to address its ongoing labor shortages by introducing new policies to attract skilled professionals.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the government has updated its Talent List to help businesses recruit experts in high-demand industries and strengthen the local workforce.

Starting from March 1, 2025, Hong Kong will implement an expanded Talent List featuring 60 professions that require skilled workers.

This initiative aims to support industries experiencing workforce shortages by making it easier for foreign professionals to obtain employment and residency.

By revising its immigration policies, Hong Kong seeks to enhance its competitiveness and attract global talent to its key sectors.

The updated Talent List will help bridge the skills gap and ensure that businesses have access to specialized expertise.

The government’s strategy focuses on strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international business center by addressing workforce challenges.

With a focus on high-demand industries, the policy changes will support economic growth and maintain Hong Kong’s global reputation.

Revised Talent List to attract global experts

The Talent List serves as a government-created directory of occupations facing local workforce shortages in Hong Kong.

It identifies critical professions and offers simplified immigration pathways to attract qualified international professionals.

The revised list, effective from March 1, 2025, adds new occupations to reflect the evolving needs of Hong Kong’s economy.

Expanding the list to 60 professions ensures that key industries remain competitive and innovative in a rapidly changing market.

According to TravelBiz, this initiative will improve businesses’ ability to hire experts and enhance Hong Kong’s economic stability.

By prioritizing workforce development, the government aims to make the city a global destination for skilled professionals.

The updated list will offer foreign professionals a smoother transition into Hong Kong’s labor market.

Employers in high-demand industries will benefit from streamlined hiring processes and reduced administrative burdens.

Simplified immigration pathways for foreign workers

The government has introduced simplified immigration procedures to complement the expansion of the Talent List.

Qualified professionals can access fast-track visa programs that allow them to work and settle in Hong Kong.

The main visa programs under the new policy include the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) and General Employment Policy (GEP).

Another major pathway is the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) for workers from mainland China.

These initiatives remove restrictions that previously made it difficult for businesses to hire foreign specialists.

Employers using the GEP and ASMTP programs will no longer need to prove local hiring difficulties.

This change is expected to make the hiring process faster and more efficient for companies in Hong Kong.

The simplified system reduces administrative complexities and enables foreign professionals to integrate into the workforce easily.

Key improvements to the QMAS program

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) has been updated to attract more highly skilled professionals.

The changes, effective November 1, 2024, introduce a more flexible application process for international candidates.

A major advantage of QMAS is that applicants do not need a job offer before relocating to Hong Kong.

Successful candidates can move to Hong Kong and search for employment opportunities after their arrival.

QMAS applicants can also bring their spouses and dependents, making the program more appealing for families.

This initiative provides a more welcoming environment for highly skilled professionals looking to settle in Hong Kong.

QMAS applicants are evaluated through two assessment methods: the General Points Test and the Achievement-Based Points Test.

The General Points Test assesses candidates based on 12 criteria, including education, work experience, and language proficiency.

The Achievement-Based Points Test is designed for individuals with exceptional accomplishments in their respective fields.

By refining the QMAS selection process, Hong Kong aims to attract top-tier professionals across multiple industries.

New occupations added to the Talent List

The latest update to the Talent List introduces nine new professions in critical industries.

These additions reflect the changing demands of Hong Kong’s economy and its need for specialized expertise.

The financial services sector now includes accountants, financial analysts, and commodity traders with market experience.

In the innovation and technology sector, experienced systems architects and patent specialists have been added.

Legal services professionals, such as legal knowledge engineers, have also been included in the updated list.

The aviation and shipping industry now includes aircraft maintenance engineers, ship surveyors, and green shipping professionals.

These new additions demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing labor shortages in key economic sectors.

By expanding the Talent List, Hong Kong ensures that businesses can recruit top professionals in critical fields.

Complete list of eligible professions

The Talent List now includes 60 professions across multiple industries to meet workforce demands.

Key occupations include actuaries, asset management professionals, and auditors in the financial sector.

The technology sector features blockchain specialists, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts.

The engineering sector includes civil, electrical, and environmental engineers.

The legal services category now covers legal knowledge engineers and patent professionals.

The advanced technology sector includes roboticists, semiconductor engineers, and software developers.

This comprehensive list aims to attract global talent and enhance Hong Kong’s economic development.

By compiling high-demand professions, the government ensures that businesses can access skilled professionals more efficiently.

Revised visa fee structure

The government has introduced a new fee structure for visa applications under talent admission schemes.

The revised fees will take effect in February 2025 to streamline the immigration process.

Applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee of HKD 600 per submission.

The visa issuance fee will vary based on the duration of the visa granted.

For visas valid for 180 days or less, the fee will be HKD 600.

For visas valid for more than 180 days, the fee will be HKD 1,300.

These adjustments aim to make the immigration process more efficient while ensuring sustainability in application processing.

Application process for interested candidates

Foreign professionals interested in working in Hong Kong can apply through the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s online platform.

The official website provides detailed guidelines on eligibility criteria and application procedures.

Applicants must submit required documents, including proof of qualifications and relevant work experience.

The online platform is designed to simplify the application process and improve accessibility for international professionals.

By digitizing the application process, the government aims to make immigration more efficient and transparent.

This initiative ensures that skilled workers can apply for jobs in Hong Kong without unnecessary delays.

Positioning Hong Kong as a global talent hub

Hong Kong is reinforcing its position as a top destination for skilled professionals through these policy reforms.

The updated Talent List and streamlined immigration policies support economic growth and workforce development.

These initiatives are expected to benefit industries such as finance, technology, engineering, and healthcare.

By eliminating hiring restrictions and simplifying procedures, Hong Kong makes itself more attractive to international workers.

Businesses will find it easier to recruit talent, and professionals will experience a smoother transition into the labor market.

Hong Kong’s efforts to modernize its immigration system demonstrate a commitment to economic stability and global competitiveness.

With these changes, the city aims to remain a premier hub for finance, technology, and professional development.

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