Top Talent Pass Scheme: Employment Contract Applications Extended

Key Changes to the Top Talent Pass Scheme

Visa holders under Hong Kong’s Top Talent Pass Scheme will now enjoy two extra months for renewal applications, addressing an ongoing backlog of nearly 80,000 applications. Under these measures, effective from January, applicants can file renewals three months ahead of their visas’ expiration. Labour Minister Chris Sun Yuk-han emphasized that this extension aims to provide newcomers with peace of mind as they manage their employment contracts and documentation.

Elimination of the Chinese Language Requirement

Additionally, the Chinese language requirement has been removed from the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS). Now, only proficiency in English and ability in a second language will be evaluated. This shift is designed to broaden the scope of attracting global talent.

Remote Employment and Financial Threshold

Visa holders can still secure their renewals through employment contracts established outside Hong Kong, provided they meet a minimum salary threshold of HK$1.2 million. This flexibility encourages senior corporate executives to partially relocate while retaining international ties.

Streamlining Application Processes

• Introduction of a new online questionnaire to evaluate applicants effectively.
• Only applicants meeting at least six out of twelve criteria will be reviewed.
• This overhaul has already seen 132,000 applications since lifting the quota limit in January 2023.

With these pivotal adjustments, the top talent sector in Hong Kong is set to bolster its appeal while enhancing efficiency for prospective and current visa holders.