Talents contribute to HK even for brief stay: Chris Sun

Hong Kong will benefit even if talents brought by the Top Talent Pass Scheme only come to “experience life” temporarily, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said.

In a radio program on Wednesday, Sun revealed that the scheme, launched at the end of 2022, has approved around 90,000 applications, with 80,000 individuals already arriving in Hong Kong.

While acknowledging that not all applicants may stay long-term, Sun emphasized that their short-term presence still brings value. 

“They do not access welfare benefits, and their spending contributes positively to the local economy,” he said. 

“Even if they come just to experience life in Hong Kong, it is not a loss for us.”

As of the end of January, over 300 visas under the scheme had expired. Sun expressed satisfaction with the renewal process and projected that around 1,000 talent visas would need renewal by mid-year.

The government has received more than 400,000 applications across various talent schemes over the past two and a half years, approving 280,000 to 290,000.

Of these, over 180,000 individuals have arrived in Hong Kong, primarily from sectors such as finance, commerce and technology, with one-third under 30 years old.

Critics, including former Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, have raised concerns about the effectiveness of such talent import schemes, questioning whether some visa holders are primarily using the program for easier travel or to secure local school placements for their children.

In response, Sun clarified that applicants under the scheme meet specific qualifications and will evaluate whether Hong Kong is a suitable environment for them.

"If it works out, they will remain; if not, they will leave amicably,” he said.

Sun also highlighted progress in the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme, which has issued around 51,000 quotas as of last month, mostly for the food and beverage industry, with chefs and waitstaff making up the majority. 

Additionally, the Development Bureau has processed approximately 12,000 applications for the construction sector, approving over 9,000.

(Ayra Wang)