Hong Kong minister defends goal to renew 50,000 talent scheme visas a year, says target will be met
Government does not intend to ‘babysit’ talent but rather help them settle in Hong Kong by providing them with opportunities, labour chief Chris Sun says
Hong Kong’s labour chief has brushed aside concerns over a new government goal of annually renewing visas for only 50,000 people who have moved to the city under talent schemes, stressing it has already been enhanced and authorities are confident in attaining it.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han told lawmakers on Monday that the government did not intend to “babysit” talent but rather help them settle in Hong Kong by providing them with opportunities.
“Just like other major cities, talent flow in and out. If they can contribute to Hong Kong, they are welcome to stay,” Sun said in a Legislative Council panel meeting on talent policies.
His remarks followed a question from lawmaker and chairman of the Hong Kong Top Talent Services Association Jesse Shang Hailong.
Shang, whose association has more than 5,000 registered members, asked if the low target reflected reduced confidence in the city’s ability to retain talent as the figure was relatively small compared with the number of applications.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced in his policy address earlier this month that the administration aimed to extend visas for at least 50,000 newcomers annually from 2025 to 2027. Official data showed Hong Kong had approved close to 240,000 out of 380,000 visa applications under different talent schemes over the past two years.
