Higher migration threshold to attract 'exceptionally outstanding' talent

The government has raised eligibility requirements for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), reserving it exclusively for "exceptionally outstanding" talents like internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang and actress Tang Wei, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare Ho Kai-ming said on Monday.

This came as lawmaker Eunice Yung Hoi-yan questioned the low approval rate under the scheme, revealing that while the program received 83,000 applications in 2023, only 13,000 were approved, with only 9,000 approvals from 49,000 applications last year through February 2025.

"Many applicants barely meet minimum requirements," Ho told the Legislative Council Subcommittee on Population Policy, noting QMAS' rigorous evaluation of professional background, education and age differs from the faster Top Talent Pass Scheme.

Authorities increased thresholds last November after discovering scoring system manipulation on mainland social media Xiaohongshu.

Ho advised marginal applicants to consider the Top Talent Pass instead,  saying that QMAS offers "no guarantee of quick approvals."

Across all talent programs, Hong Kong has received 450,000 applications with 290,000 approvals and 196,000 arrivals as of February.

Separately, the SAR's labor import schemes have allocated 25,000 work permits as of March 31.

Lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu condemned false claims that migrant workers gain permanent residency after eight years as "illegal profiteering," while noting reduced hospitality sector part-time work affecting women and older workers.

Ho said the public is encouraged to report misinformation that involves criminal elements while concerns of part-time jobs reduction would be addressed in upcoming labor scheme revisions.

Despite Top Talent Pass applications dropping from 220,000 in 2023-24 to 180,000 in 2024-25, Ho attributed this to normalized demand rather than systemic issues.

Lawmaker Frankie Ngan Man-yu urged faster labor importation in critical sectors, revealing imported minibus drivers require nine months for licensing, with employers covering living costs during training, only to work for two years.

Ho pledged to streamline transportation sector approvals but noted professional certifications like accounting licenses remain under independent bodies' jurisdiction. 

He also said that the government has launched a HK$10,000 employment subsidy for workers aged 40 or above, though admitting that Hong Kong lacks sectors suitable for senior employment.

(Ayra Wang)