Snooker stars not in Hong Kong just for low tax, immigration chief says

Hong Kong's immigration chief has dismissed allegations that world-class snooker players are leveraging the city's talent scheme primarily for tax avoidance purposes. Director Benson Kwok Joon-fung stated that tax havens with zero taxation would be more suitable if tax reduction was the sole objective. Kwok emphasized that Hong Kong's public safety, efficient transportation, and world-renowned education system are key attractions for global talent.

He attributed the recent residency of snooker legend Jimmy White to the city's unique offerings, including its public security, convenient transit, top-tier education for children, and the favorable Hong Kong passport for international travel. Kwok pointed out that although Middle Eastern countries offer no taxation, they lack Hong Kong's distinct advantages.

He noted that other top snooker players like Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan have also obtained residency through the same scheme, although O'Sullivan later expressed intentions to relocate to the UAE due to commercial opportunities. Despite O'Sullivan's departure, Kwok clarified that White remains committed to Hong Kong, expressing plans to establish a snooker academy in the city.

Since the introduction of the Top Talent Pass Scheme in 2022, Hong Kong has welcomed 34,763 applicants through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme and 123,177 under the Top Talent Pass Scheme, with the majority hailing from mainland China. Approximately 53% of Top Talent Pass holders have requested extensions, aligning with government projections.