Government updates Talent List to tie in with development into high value-added and diversified economy
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Following the update, the Talent List will include nine newly added professions from the industry segments of financial services (accountants, financial professionals with Islamic market experience and experienced professionals in commodities trading), innovation and technology (experienced systems architects and patent professionals), legal and dispute resolution services (legal knowledge engineers) and aviation and shipping (ship surveyors, professionals in green shipping and aircraft maintenance engineers).
The Chief Executive announced in his Policy Address last year that the Government will update the Talent List in early 2025 to include top talents and professionals required for the development of industries related to the "eight centres" with a view to generating new impetus for their growth. The Labour and Welfare Bureau and relevant bureaux and departments updated the professions covered in the Talent List after careful consideration and in consultation with stakeholders including industry organisations of various sectors, major business chambers, the Human Resources Planning Commission and the Labour Advisory Board.
A Government spokesman said, "In reviewing the Talent List, the Government has considered whether talents of the professions concerned are readily available in the local employment market and whether the talents in demand cannot be nurtured by local training in good time. This round of update has also included emerging industries, as well as some professional occupations identified in the 2023 Manpower Projection announced last November as being in demand in the coming five years, requiring academic qualifications at degree level or above."
The updated List, detailed specifications of individual professions and the guidance note for applying under applicable admission schemes have been uploaded to the dedicated website (www.talentlist.gov.hk) and the website of Hong Kong Talent Engage (www.hkengage.gov.hk). Those interested in submitting applications for the admission schemes can visit the electronic application platform of the Immigration Department (www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/index.html#tab_b_1) and submit applications.
The Government drew up the first List in 2018 with a view to attracting high-quality talent in an effective and focused manner. The List has been reviewed and expanded in 2021 and 2023 respectively to cover the talents that Hong Kong needs most. Under the GEP and the ASMTP, employers who seek 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 to recruit outside talents. Furthermore, since the revamp of the QMAS that took effect on November 1 last year, eligible applicants who meet the requirements of the List will be favourably considered under the General Points Test of the QMAS after assessment.
Ends/Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:00
Issued at HKT 17:00
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