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 to accommodate more non-local talent. The social welfare sector was added to the covered activities starting October 1, increasing the total to 18 sectors. Existing sectors now include international and mega events, higher education, and finance, with 490 authorized organizations benefiting from the scheme.
Since its pilot launch in June 2022, the scheme has supported over 56,000 non-local talent who participated in more than 9,500 short-term activities. These activities encompass events like the Asian Financial Forum, the Hong Kong Sevens, and the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo, with participants receiving remuneration for their work.
The Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons will be extended to Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Previously limited to five bureaus, all government departments can now issue invitations. The scheme allows invited individuals to receive streamlined processing through an electronic platform, reduced self-service clearance criteria, and simplified information requirements for visa applications. Both expansions commence on October 1.
Written by urgent.news from RTHK English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Govt expands talent, invited guest visa-free schemes news.rthk.hk
