- Hong Kong is addressing worker shortages by enhancing its talent pool
- Starting March 1, 2025, a list of 60 in-demand professions will be introduced
- The new policies aim to simplify immigration for eligible foreign workers
Hong Kong has revamped its talent pool to solve worker shortages and recruit skilled professionals from all around the world.
Beginning March 1st, 2025, the list will include 60 in-demand professions, making it easier for eligible foreign workers to take advantage of simplified immigration policies.
According to TravelBiz, the goal is to increase the city’s workforce and support essential industries that require expertise.
The Talent List is a government-created list of Hong Kong jobs that have a local workforce shortage. Its goal is to attract foreign specialists to these high-demand industries by making immigration easier.
Individuals in qualified professions can get speedier immigration through visa programs such as the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), the General Employment Policy (GEP), and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP).
These initiatives are intended to eliminate employment limitations for foreign workers while also allowing firms to hire more quickly.
Simplified immigration for international workers
According to reports, international workers who qualify under the new talent list would be eligible for a variety of visa schemes that enable fast-track immigration.
These include the QMAS, GEP, and ASMTP, which are intended to facilitate the entry of skilled people into Hong Kong’s labour market.
Employers hiring under the GEP and ASMTP, as previously mentioned, will no longer have to demonstrate problems in attracting local personnel.
This reform is intended to simplify the hiring process and reduce administrative burdens for firms seeking to bring in foreign expertise.
These improvements are also intended to attract talent in fields such as technology, finance, healthcare, and engineering.
Key improvements to the QMAS
The QMAS, which was updated on November 1st, 2024, provides updates to applicants in occupations listed on the Talent List.
This system enables candidates to apply without requiring a job offer and allows them to bring their spouses and dependents. In addition, selection exercises are undertaken on a regular basis using various assessment criteria.
Applicants can apply using one of two assessment methods:
- The General Points Test analyzes applicants based on 12 criteria, whereas the Achievement-based Points Test assesses candidates based on two criteria.
The QMAS aims to make it easier to attract highly skilled professionals to Hong Kong, particularly in occupations that are in low supply locally.
New occupations were added to the talent list
The most current update to Hong Kong’s Talent List adds nine new jobs from various areas. This includes:
- Accountants, financial professionals with market experience, and commodity traders are all examples of financial services professions.
- Experienced systems architects and patent specialists drive innovation and technology.
- Legal services include legal knowledge engineers.
- Aviation and shipping jobs include ship surveyors, green shipping professionals, and aircraft maintenance engineers.
These modifications are intended to represent Hong Kong’s attempts to close skills gaps in vital areas and position itself as a global leader in finance, technology, and other fields.
Complete list of eligible occupations
The talent List now contains 60 professions, representing a wide range of subjects. Some key roles are:
- Actuaries, asset management experts, and auditors.
- Blockchain specialists, data scientists, and cybersecurity professionals.
- Environmental, electrical, and civil engineers.
- Legal knowledge engineers and patent professionals.
- Roboticists, semiconductor engineers, and software developers.
The list compiles a list of competencies, making it easier for competent workers to obtain work in Hong Kong.
Revised visa fee structure
According to reports, in addition to talent list changes, Hong Kong has implemented a changed cost structure for applications under the talent admission schemes.
As of February 2025, the new prices include a non-refundable application charge of HKD 600 per submission.
The visa issuing fee will be based on the visa’s validity, with HKD 600 for visas valid for 180 days or less and HKD 1,300 for visas valid for more than 180 days.
How to apply?
Candidates interested in applying can do so using the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s computerized platform.
The official immigration website provides detailed eligibility requirements and application procedures.
With an updated Talent List and more accessible immigration laws, Hong Kong is positioned itself to recruit skilled workers from a variety of industries.
The new policies are intended to not only ease the hiring process for firms, but also to position Hong Kong as a significant worldwide hub for innovation, finance, and technology.
