Hong Kong reveals priority sectors for foreign talent

The list reveals how Hong Kong hopes to continue developing as a high value-added and diversified economy.
By: | August 30, 2018

As part of efforts to lure qualified international professionals to stay and work in Hong Kong, the city government released a list of 11 types of foreign skilled labour that will be given priority should they apply to live in the city.

The list includes international professionals in the fields of investment management, financial services, law, technology, as well as those in creative industries such as game design and music.

The Labour and Welfare Bureau hopes to attract talent that can support the territory’s development as a high value-added and diversified economy.

“The talent list highlights specific professions needed most for Hong Kong’s economic development,” said it said, in a statement announcing the list.

“The [talent list] is one of our major initiatives to enhance our competitive advantages in attracting international talents, creating cluster effects, stimulating the development of local talents and propelling Hong Kong forward,” added Matthew Cheung, Chief Secretary of the Bureau.

Professionals in the specified fields will be allowed to enter Hong Kong through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, which allows up to 1,000 people into the territory, even if they don’t have a job yet.

Check out the full list below:

  • Experienced waste treatment specialists/engineers
  • Experienced management professionals in asset management including but not limited to trust fund management
  • Experienced professionals in marine insurance
  • Actuaries
  • Experienced professionals in fintech
  • Experienced data scientists and experienced cybersecurity specialists
  • Innovation and technology experts in fields such as pharmaceutical and life sciences/biotechnology, data engineering and materials science/nanotechnology
  • Naval architects
  • Marine engineers and superintendents of ships
  • Creative industries professionals in music, digital entertainment, game production and film
  • Dispute resolution professionals