Official figures have shown that 95 percent of approved applicants for the Hong Kong Talent Scheme are from mainland China. This scheme was launched in 2018 by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government to attract and retain talent from around the world. The scheme offers a fast-track visa and work permit process to eligible applicants who possess special skills, knowledge, or experience that is needed in Hong Kong.
The HKSAR government has said that the scheme is open to applicants from all over the world, and that its aim is to attract the best and brightest to the city.
However, the latest figures show that the vast majority of successful applicants are from mainland China. Out of the 6,000 applications that were approved as of the end of 2021, 5,700 were from mainland China.
The figures have sparked some criticism from those who argue that the scheme is too heavily skewed towards mainland Chinese applicants, and that it is failing to attract talent from other parts of the world. Some have also raised concerns about the impact of this on Hong Kong’s diversity, as it could potentially lead to a homogenization of the talent pool.
However, the HKSAR government has defended the scheme, arguing that the large number of mainland Chinese applicants reflects the fact that Hong Kong is part of China, and that many talented individuals from mainland China have ties to Hong Kong.
They have also pointed out that the scheme is open to applicants from all over the world, and that they are actively promoting it overseas to attract more diverse talent.
It is worth noting that the Hong Kong Talent Scheme is just one of many initiatives that the HKSAR government has launched in recent years to attract and retain talent. Other schemes include the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, the Technology Talent Admission Scheme, and the Global STEM Professorship Scheme. These initiatives are all aimed at attracting talent from around the world, not just mainland China.
In conclusion, the latest figures on the Hong Kong Talent Scheme show that the vast majority of successful applicants are from mainland China. While this has sparked some criticism, it is important to note that the scheme is open to applicants from all over the world, and that the HKSAR government is actively promoting it overseas to attract more diverse talent.
As Hong Kong continues to face economic and demographic challenges, it is crucial that the city is able to attract and retain the best and brightest from around the world, regardless of their country of origin.
