Hong Kong is widening its visa-free short-term entry scheme to include professionals in five additional sectors, as part of efforts to strengthen its position as an international connector for talent and global cooperation. The policy expansion will take effect from Saturday.
The newly added sectors are environment, occupational safety and health, maritime, think tank, and a flexible category listed as others. With this expansion, the total number of sectors covered under the scheme rises to 17. The programme was first introduced in June 2022 to encourage more overseas professionals to take part in short-term work-related activities in the city.
According to the government, the initiative aims to enhance cross-border exchange while supporting Hong Kong’s strategic role as a link between global markets under the one country two systems framework. It noted that the broader coverage will bring greater flexibility and allow more experts to participate in collaborative projects and knowledge sharing.
Since its launch, more than 38,000 non-local professionals have visited Hong Kong under the scheme. They have taken part in various major events including international business forums, cultural festivals, and sporting events.
Currently, the programme allows authorised organisations in Hong Kong to issue invitation letters to eligible professionals. This enables them to enter Hong Kong as visitors for up to 14 consecutive days without applying for an employment visa. Participants may also receive payment for their involvement. The activities under this framework are required to support economic development or policy objectives and must not replace local jobs.
The existing list of sectors already includes healthcare, higher education, arts and culture, sports, heritage, creative industries, innovation and technology, aviation, finance, development and construction, and international large-scale events.
The newly introduced others category will allow government departments and policy bureaus to invite overseas professionals for specific policy-related events or programmes.
Lawmaker Jesse Shang Hailong welcomed the expansion and said the change could encourage more foreign expertise to come to Hong Kong. He added that further widening the scheme to support sectors where Hong Kong seeks stronger development would align with the city’s long-term strategic goals.
The move supports Hong Kong’s role in China’s 14th Five Year Plan, which identifies the city as an international centre for finance, innovation, trade, shipping, aviation, culture, legal services, and intellectual property management.
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