Dependents from top talent scheme will also contribute to Hong Kong: labor chief

The dependents of applicants of the Top Talent Pass Scheme will also contribute to Hong Kong, said Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han, as he noted the overwhelming response received by the program well exceeded authorities’ expectations. 

As of end March, the government has received over 20,000 applications and granted approval to some 12,000 applicants. Over 9,200 successful applicants are now getting their visa to come to the SAR or have come already. 

Nearly 80 percent of successful applicants are aged below 40 and half are aged below 30, Sun rolled out the data in an article published on Ta Kung Pao Thursday. 

He added authorities have also granted visa to some 8,300 dependents of the scheme’s applicants, saying that these dependents will also become a part of the society and contribute to Hong Kong. 

The rate for applicants in the high income category applying alongside their dependents is higher, Sun also noted. 

On another note, Sun said authorities have simplified the procedures of the General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, and bosses will no longer need to prove their difficulties in local recruitment. 

The Immigration Department has also received over 330 applications for the exemption from the market availability test, Sun added. 

As for the review work of authorities’ Talent List, Sun said it is expected to be finished before the end of this month.