A total of 42 retired or active athletes have gained Hong Kong residency under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) in the past five years, according to the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun Yuk-han.
In a written reply to lawmaker Vincent Cheng Wing-shun on Wednesday, the labour chief noted that this group of talents includes Olympic medalists, Asian Games medalists, and winners of other international sports events.
Their applications were approved under the Achievement-based Points Test (APT) of the QMAS, which requires eligible applicants to have received awards for exceptional achievement.
Sun emphasized that many internationally renowned sports professionals have settled in Hong Kong, such as Judd Trump, the world's top-ranked snooker player, and Stephon Marbury, a former National Basketball Association (NBA) player.
Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) has invited them to participate in promotional activities to share their reasons for relocating to Hong Kong, aiming to attract more global talent with diverse backgrounds to the city.
Meanwhile, Sun pointed out that several globally renowned snooker players have settled in Hong Kong, generating public interest in the sport.
He pledged that the government would actively promote the development of local billiard sports while maintaining connections with top snooker players pursuing opportunities in Hong Kong.
Regarding community sports promotion, Sun highlighted that the authorities organize various recreational and sports activities to encourage public participation.
The government will continue to allocate resources to expand the base of sports enthusiasts and support the organization of major sports events through the "M" Mark System, he added.
