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* Hong Kong Scheme Seeks To Attract Best Overseas Talent







The government of Hong Kong has released details of the 'Quality Migrant Admission Scheme' (QMAS), which is aimed at attracting talented people from the Mainland and overseas to settle in the territory.Announcing details of the new scheme at a press conference, the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, said the new scheme would be launched by June this year to attract quality personnel from all over the world. "We are targeting at people that Hong Kong needs and will help our long-term development," Mr Lee stated."An initial annual quota of 1,000 is set. Applicants are required to fulfil a set of 'must-meet' requirements before they may apply under the scheme.

Under these "must meet" requirements, applicants must: be aged between 18 and 50 when lodging an application under QMAS; be able to demonstrate that they are capable of supporting and accommodating themselves and their dependants; meet normal immigration and security requirements; be proficient in Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) or English; have a good education background, normally a first degree supported by documentary evidence.QMAS immigrants will be allowed an initial stay of one year. At the end of the first 12-month period, the QMAS immigrants should be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director of Immigration that they had taken steps to settle in Hong Kong by taking up residence there, e.g. by securing gainful employment or establishing a business.If the QMAS immigrant cannot demonstrate the taking of any such steps, a one-year extension may be granted by the director if he deems this appropriate. "A non-statutory Selection Committee will be appointed by the Chief Executive to advise the Director of Immigration on quota allocation and other aspects of the scheme," Mr Lee explained.

However, the scheme is by no means universally popular, and opposition members have expressed worry that it will deprive suitably qualified local workers of job opportunities.

"I am very worried the plan will affect the career development and training of local talent. There are no barriers at all to these people coming in," stated unionist legislator Wong Kwok-hing.