{
  "id": 1210517,
  "title": "Snooker stars not in Hong Kong just for low tax, immigration chief says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/snooker-stars-not-in-hong-kong-just-for-low-tax-immigration-chief-says",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T05:58:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post - Hong Kong",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post-hong-kong",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364174/snooker-stars-not-hong-kong-just-low-tax-immigration-chief-says"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hong Kong's immigration chief has firmly denied rumors that top snooker players have migrated to the city solely to minimize their tax obligations. Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon-fung stated that Middle Eastern countries with no taxes would be more suitable if tax avoidance were their only motive. Kwok emphasized that Hong Kong's appeal lies in its public safety, excellent transport, education system, world-class cuisine, and advantageous passport, rather than just tax benefits. The recent residency of snooker legend Jimmy White, obtained through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, has sparked discussion. White plans to establish a snooker academy in the city, joining 138 athletes and former players who have used talent schemes to move to Hong Kong since 2023. Kwok acknowledged tax rates as an attraction but highlighted other unique benefits of living in Hong Kong. Notably, Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan, both prominent snooker players, also secured residency through the same scheme. However, O'Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, later expressed intentions to relocate to the United Arab Emirates, citing a desire for greater sponsorship opportunities and development prospects. Kwok explained that O'Sullivan is not abandoning Hong Kong but seeking better commercial opportunities. Since the introduction of the Top Talent Pass Scheme in late 2022, Hong Kong has seen significant interest from global talent, with over 34,000 Quality Migrant Admission Scheme applications and 123,000 Top Talent Pass grants approved between 2022 and 2025. Currently, nearly half of Top Talent Pass holders have applied for extensions, aligning with the government's expectations.",
  "summary": "Hong Kong’s immigration chief has rejected claims that world‑class snooker players are using a local talent scheme primarily to cut their tax bills, saying zero‑tax Middle Eastern destinations would be more logical if avoidance were the only goal. Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon‑fung stressed on Sunday that the city’s public safety, convenient transport and education system appealed to…",
  "key_points": [
    "Hong Kong immigration chief denies tax avoidance as sole reason for snooker stars' migration",
    "Middle Eastern countries offer better tax benefits than Hong Kong",
    "Jimmy White and 138 athletes moved to Hong Kong via Quality Migrant Admission Scheme"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Hong Kong's immigration chief reframes the city's appeal to high-profile migrants like snooker stars as centered on quality of life and opportunity, rather than just tax benefits or residency.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "Snooker stars not in Hong Kong just for low tax, immigration chief says",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/snooker-stars-not-in-hong-kong-just-for-low-tax-immigration-chief-says-1211638",
        "published": "2026-08-16T05:58:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}