How Hong Kong Attracts Highly Skilled Talent: Changes to the TTPS and QMAS Talent Programs

Hong Kong is actively working to attract highly skilled professionals. The launch of the Top Talent Pass (TTP) program in December 2022 is a response to growing emigration and labor shortages.

CEO John Lee emphasizes the need to build a talent pool amid a forecast of a shortage of 180,000 workers in various industries over the next five years. This underscores the importance of taking proactive measures to improve the labor market and enhance Hong Kong's international competitiveness.

In early November 2024, the Hong Kong government introduced three measures to improve the Talented Immigrant Entry Program (TTPS) and the Quality Immigrant Entry Scheme (QMAS).

• Expanded the list of accredited educational institutions. Thirteen renowned mainland and foreign universities were added to the total list, increasing the total number of eligible institutions to 198. Previously, there were 185 universities under the TTPS program. This expansion is aimed at attracting even more students and highly skilled professionals.
• The validity of the first visas for Category A applicants with an annual income of at least HK$2.5 million per annum has been extended. For those whose visas were approved from October 16, 2024, the validity of the first visa has been extended from two to three years. This innovation is intended to facilitate the process of planning a relocation to Hong Kong for both applicants and their families. Applicants whose documents were approved before October 16 can apply to the Immigration Department for an extension of stay three months before the expiry of their current stay. They will be granted a one-year extension without further conditions, and if they have received job offers or established/joined a business in Hong Kong, this extension can be for up to three years upon providing relevant evidence.
• From November 1, 2024 , the General Points Test (GPT) under the QMAS program has been improved. More objective and clearer assessment criteria have been introduced, simplifying the application and selection process. The new GPT has replaced the old points system with an assessment questionnaire. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet 12 criteria in six main categories: age, education level, language proficiency, professional experience, annual income, and business ownership. Applicants may apply if they meet at least six of these criteria. The Department of Immigration will further forward eligible applications to the newly established evaluation committee for further analysis and selection.

The Top Talent Pass and Quality Migrant Admission programs continue to improve, confirming Hong Kong's focused migration stance. They aim to address labor shortages, attract highly skilled professionals and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international talent hub.

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