Snooker star Jimmy White becomes Hong Kong resident through talent scheme

Snooker player Jimmy White, affectionately called "The Whirlwind," has been granted residency in Hong Kong through a talent scheme, and he's eager to establish a snooker academy in the city to cultivate local talent. The Immigration Department revealed that White recently acquired his identity card and settled in Hong Kong via the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.

White joined fellow snooker stars Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan in calling Hong Kong home. White shared a video on the department's Instagram page, recounting his appearance in a 1991 Hong Kong film alongside comedian Stephen Chow, and expressing his desire to meet up with his "old friend." Moreover, White expressed his aspirations to promote snooker in Hong Kong and even hinted at opening a snooker academy.

White reminisced about his connection to Hong Kong, having featured in the 1991 film "Legend of the Dragon." He also shared his appreciation for the city, calling it his "favorite city in the world." White fondly recalled his days in Hong Kong during the 1980s, including winning the 1988 Hong Kong Masters and reaching the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Open in 1989.

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, launched in 2006, has attracted over 31,918 applicants from mainland China, Canada, Australia, the United States, and other countries between 2023 and 2025, according to the department's data.