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The Labour and Welfare Bureau has revealed that over half of the applicants under the city’s “Top Talent Pass Scheme” (TTPS) have successfully renewed their visas, with high earners making up a significant portion of those staying.
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As of July 31, out of 13,678 expired visas under the program, 7,394 individuals applied for extensions—a renewal rate of 54 percet. When including early renewal applications submitted within three months of expiry, the total reached 9,699 cases, of which 9,044 have been processed. Among these, 8,511 were approved, marking a 94 percent approval rate for extensions.
High earners contributing to economy
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han noted that the median monthly salary of successful applicants was around HK$40,000, with a quarter earning at least HK$80,000.
About 10 percent reported monthly incomes of HK$120,000 or more, while the top 1 percent earned over HK$300,000. Only 5 percent of those approved for extensions earned HK$20,000 or less.
Sun emphasized that these high-income professionals would contribute significantly to Hong Kong’s economy through taxes and spending.
Demographics and family arrangements
Among those who renewed their visas, 53 percent were aged 40 or younger, considered to be in their prime career years. About half had applied for dependent visas for spouses or children, with each applicant bringing an average of 1.7 children to Hong Kong.
A government survey found that roughly two-thirds of successful applicants considered Hong Kong their usual place of residence, with 70 percent renting homes and 13 percent owning property.
About 28 percent had working spouses, with a median salary of HK$30,000, while 37 percent of their children were already studying in Hong Kong. Another 45 percent planned to enroll their children in local schools.
Of the children in Hong Kong schools, 23 percent attended international schools, 14 percent private institutions, 36 percent subsidized schools, and 13 percent direct-subsidy schools.
Renewal rates and long-term residency
Sun acknowledged that the 54 percent renewal rate might seem low but compared it favorably to similar programs like the UK’s, where only 40% of applicants typically succeed. He stressed that the TTPS was a mutual selection process, adding that those who left had still contributed to the local economy during their stay.
He also clarified that obtaining a TTPS visa did not guarantee permanent residency, as applicants must undergo two more renewals—a rigorous process ensuring only those who significantly benefit Hong Kong’s economy and society would qualify.
Addressing criticism and misinformation
Recent criticism from former Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying questioned the effectiveness of talent schemes.
In response, Sun defended the program, stating that Hong Kong’s shrinking workforce since 2018 necessitated such measures to maintain competitiveness.
He also warned against misinformation on platforms like Xiaohongshu, urging applicants to rely on official government sources rather than unverified agents.
Education and healthcare Impact
Sun dismissed concerns about TTPS families straining public resources, noting that Hong Kong’s declining birth rate meant schools had capacity for additional students. He added that high-income families often used private healthcare, reducing pressure on public services.
Since its launch, the TTPS has received nearly 140,000 applications, with 110,000 approved and over 90,000 individuals already in Hong Kong. While minor adjustments may be needed, Sun affirmed that the program’s overall direction remained sound.
The scheme, he said, was essential to securing Hong Kong’s future as a competitive global hub.
