List of 11 types of international ‘talent’ unveiled in bid to lure qualified professionals to Hong Kong

Hong Kong released a list of 11 types of migrants who will get priority to live in the city even if they do not have a job lined up yet, under a scheme to attract highly qualified people.

The list specifies professions in the city’s pillar industries of financial and professional ­services, such as those in investment management, financial ­services, law and technology.

But it also includes specialists in waste treatment, naval architects, ship superintendents and those in creative industries such as game design and music.

The Labour and Welfare Bureau said the list was intended to draw talent who could support the city’s development as a “high value-added and diversified economy” and was less about providing manpower for industries where there are labour shortages.

Talented foreigners can apply to enter Hong Kong through its existing Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, where up to 1,000 people are allowed into the city even if they have not secured employment yet. Effective immediately, those whose professions are on the list will get bonus marks, giving them a boost in the application process.

Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said: “The [talent list] is one of our major initiatives to enhance our competitive advantages in attracting international talents, creating cluster effects, stimulating the development of local talents and propelling Hong Kong forward.”

The 11 most-wanted types of talent

● Experienced waste treatment specialists/engineers
● Experienced management professionals in asset management including but not limited to trust fund management
● Experienced professionals in marine insurance
● Actuaries
● Experienced professionals in fintech
● Experienced data scientists and experienced cybersecurity specialists
● Innovation and technology experts in fields such as pharmaceutical and life sciences/biotechnology, data engineering and materials science/nanotechnology
● Naval architects
● Marine engineers and superintendents of ships
● Creative industries professionals in music, digital entertainment, game production and film
● Dispute resolution professionals

This article appeared in South China Morning Post online, click here to view the full report.