Finance, inno-tech pros have a leg up in HK talent search

Top quality professionals from around the world in finance, shipping, and technological innovation will have the advantage when applying to settle in Hong Kong, according to the special administrative region government’s first talent list issued on Tuesday.

Experts in those fields will get a head start of up to 30 bonus points over other contenders in the city’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme under its General Points Test. The quota-based program is designed to attract 1,000 highly skilled persons to Hong Kong each year.

According to the Talent List of Hong Kong, the 11 professions needed most to help the city’s economic development include actuaries and experienced professionals in asset management as well as fintech.

Innovation and technology experts and creative industries professionals in designated areas were also on the list.

Meanwhile, senior professionals including naval architects, marine engineers and superintendents of ships, as well as specialists in marine insurance, are also in demand, the statement reads.

The list also includes experienced waste treatment specialists or engineers; dispute resolution professionals specializing in international financial and investor-state disputes, and lawyers with specialized knowledge and experience in cross-border transactions from investing or host states.

The program started Tuesday. The plan will provide immigration facilitation such as exemption from the requirement of a local employment offer. Such an offer is required under the General Employment Policy, another way people can migrate to Hong Kong.

Applicants who meet the prerequisites for the QMAS program may choose to be assessed further under the General Points Test or Achievement based Points Test. Under the General Points Test, applicants will be rated according to their conditions in six areas. The minimum passing mark is 80 in a total of 225 points.

The government launched a dedicated website — www.talentlist.gov.hk — on Tuesday to introduce the talent list and provide details on the 11 professions.

“Hong Kong welcomes talents from all over the world with valuable skills, knowledge and experience to work here, bringing their talent into full play and further developing their careers,” said Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, chief secretary for administration and chairman of the Human Resources Planning Commission in the city.

The Talent List of Hong Kong is one of the government’s major initiatives to enhance the city’s competitive advantages in attracting international talents, creating cluster effects and stimulating the development of local talents, he added.

Hong Kong welcomes talents from all over the world with valuable skills, knowledge and experience to work here, bringing their talent into full play...”

Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, chief secretary for administration of the HKSAR Government