On February 18, 2025, the Hong Kong government announced that the latest round of the Talent List update has been completed.
The new Talent List will take effect from March 1, 2025, and cover 60 professions with local talent shortages. Foreign national talents who meet the eligibility criteria for relevant professions can enjoy immigration facilitation when applying under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), the General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP).
Key Changes
- Following the update, the Talent List will include nine newly added professions from the industry segments of financial services (accountants, financial professionals with Islamic market experience and experienced professionals in commodities trading), innovation and technology (experienced systems architects and patent professionals), legal and dispute resolution services (legal knowledge engineers) and aviation and shipping (ship surveyors, professionals in green shipping and aircraft maintenance engineers).
The updated List, detailed specifications of individual professions and the guidance note for applying under applicable admission schemes have been uploaded to the dedicated website (www.talentlist.gov.hk) and the website of Hong Kong Talent Engage (www.hkengage.gov.hk).
Those interested in submitting applications for the admission schemes can visit the electronic application platform of the Immigration Department and submit applications.
Background
The government drew up the first List in 2018 with a view to attracting high-quality talent. The List was reviewed and expanded in 2021 and 2023 respectively.
- Under the GEP and the ASMTP, employers who seek to fill vacancies falling under the professions on the List are not required to provide proof to substantiate their difficulties in local recruitment when making applications, thus shortening the time to recruit outside talents.
- Furthermore, since the revamp of the QMAS that took effect on November 1, 2024, last year, eligible applicants who meet the requirements of the List will be favorably considered under the General Points Test of the QMAS after assessment.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.