Hong Kong’s Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) has approved 110,000 applications since its launch in December 2022, according to the latest figures released by the Labour and Welfare Bureau.
The scheme, designed to attract high-income professionals and graduates from top global universities, has received over 140,000 applications in total. Of those approved, approximately 100,000 individuals have already arrived in Hong Kong.
As the initial two-to-three-year visas of the first batch of TTPS holders begin to expire, the Immigration Department has received 9,900 applications for visa extensions. This accounts for a renewal rate of 55 percent among the 18,000 eligible individuals.
Labour chief Chris Sun Yuk-han described the renewal rate as “ideal” and highlighted the demographic benefits of the new arrivals.
“It is notable that the new arrivals are mainly young people,” Sun said, adding that the talents not only brings innovation and diverse skills but also help alleviate the challenges of an aging population.
Meanwhile, Sun said the Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) office will continue its efforts to attract global talent, with plans to visit Mainland China, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. A global talent summit is also scheduled for March next year.
The government will also monitor changes in the local manpower situation and conduct a review one year after introducing professionals in designated skilled trades, he added.
In line with the Policy Address released last week, the labour authority is tightening rules for employing imported labour to prioritize local workers.
The mandatory local recruitment period will be extended from four to six weeks for certain sectors. Employers importing servers and junior cooks must also attend an on-site job fair organized by the Labour Department once a week during this period.
