Government expanding the Talent List

The Government announced the expanded Talent List that increases the coverage from 13 professions to 51 professions and that immediately applies to the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), the General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP), with a view to attracting more high-quality talent to come and meeting Hong Kong's development needs.

The 9 industry segments covered by the expanded Talent List

• Business support
• Creative industries, arts and culture, performing arts
• Development and construction
• Environmental technology services
• Financial services
• Healthcare services
• Innovation and technology
• Legal and dispute resolution services
• Maritime services

The Government drew up the first List with 11 professions in 2018, with a view to attracting high-quality talent in an effective and focused manner to support Hong Kong's development into a high value-added and diversified economy. Upon a review in 2021, the List was expanded to cover 13 professions. Under the QMAS, eligible applicants who meet the requirements of respective professions on the List will be awarded 30 bonus points under the General Points Test to stand a much better chance of approval. Starting from December 28, 2022, employers recruiting talent under the GEP and the ASMTP to fill vacancies falling under the professions on the List are not required to provide proof to substantiate their difficulties in local recruitment when making applications, thus shortening the time for employers to recruit outside talent.

For details, please see:

Government announces expanded Talent List to attract more high-quality talent

Summary list of 51 professions/occupations under nine industry segments in updated Talent List