Hong Kong's talent scheme effective, says labor chief

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said the Top Talent Pass Scheme has been shown to appeal significantly to individuals with overseas educational experience and qualifications.

Speaking on a radio program, the labor chief said the applicants come from diverse backgrounds and around 20 percent of them were staying overseas when they submitted their applications.

“In particular, if we look at Category C applicants under the Scheme - those who are either fresh graduates or with less than three years of work experience - around 40 percent were staying overseas when they made their applications.”

Sun added that it is a clear indication of the attraction of the Scheme to those with overseas education experience and qualifications.

He emphasized that when successful applicants come to Hong Kong, the government will assist them in settling.

“This includes looking for accommodation, and if they have children, taking care of their education needs,” he added.

“We have recently collaborated with the insurance sector in holding an online job matching forum which proved to be a success,” Sun said. “The response was overwhelming.”

Through that event, the authorities have successfully found jobs for quite a number of people coming to Hong Kong under the Scheme, he added.