Govt expands talent, invited guest visa-free schemes
The government on Thursday announced the expansion of two immigration facilitation schemes, allowing more non-local talent to visit Hong Kong for short-term activities without work visas and extending the coverage of a separate scheme to Central Asia and the Middle East. For visitors participating in short-term activities in designated sectors, the social welfare sector will be added to its…
The Hong Kong government announced on Thursday the expansion of two immigration facilitation schemes, allowing more non-local talent to visit the city for short-term activities without work visas. The schemes will now cover 18 designated sectors, with the social welfare sector added on October 1, bringing the total to 18. The expanded scheme now authorizes 490 organisations to invite short-term visitors for activities such as international and mega events, higher education, and finance.
Beneficiaries may stay up to 14 consecutive days per visit and receive remuneration for their participation.
Separately, the government extended the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons to include Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Previously limited to five bureaus, all government departments can now issue invitations under the scheme. The new system offers one-stop processing via an electronic platform, relaxed self-service immigration clearance criteria, and simplified visa application information requirements. Both expansions will take effect on October 1.
Written by urgent.news from RTHK News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Govt expands talent, invited guest visa-free schemes news.rthk.hk
