New | Visa scheme for 2nd generation Hongkongers takes flight

A new visa scheme introduced earlier this year in Hong Kong is attracting migrants' children to return to the city and set up their own businesses.

Rene Law, a 33-year-old accountant born in Brisbane, Australia, to a Hong Kong migrant family, is among those who applied for the visa as a second generation Chinese Hong Kong permanent resident.

Law has already worked in an accounting firm in Hong Kong for several years under a working visa sponsored by his employer.

"I have always dreamed of having my own business in Hong Kong but my previous working visa did not allow me to do so. With the new visa, I am now able to stay in Hong Kong for a year without any limitations, which will allow me to set up my own business," he said.

The new visa scheme introduced in May allows the children of Hong Kong migrants settled aboard at the time of their birth to return and stay in Hong Kong for a year without a sponsor. Law's father migrated to Australia from Hong Kong so he qualified for the visa.

When announcing the scheme in his policy address in January, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said it was aimed at attracting more talent to work or set up business in the city.

During the one-year period, the visa holder is free to find a job or set up a business in Hong Kong. After that, an extension will be granted for two to three years if the visa holder has employment or a business up and running.