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SCMP Reporter

Updated at 7.02pm:
The government announced on Thursday that it would launch a scheme aimed at attracting talented people from the mainland and overseas to settle in Hong Kong.

The scheme, known as the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), was first proposed in the last year's Policy Address.

Announcing the details on Thursday, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong revealed that the scheme would be launched by June.

He said the scheme aimed to attract quality people from overseas. 'We are targeting at people that Hong Kong needs and [those who] will help our long-term development.'

Mr Lee said an initial annual quota of 1,000 was planned. Applicants would have to fulfil a set of requirements before they can apply under the scheme.

He said QMAS immigrants might be permitted to bring in dependants provided they were capable of supporting themselves without relying on public assistance in Hong Kong.

Dependants of QMAS immigrants would be allowed to work without prior permission from the Director of Immigration, he said.
 
'From July, 2003, dependants of persons admitted into Hong Kong for professional employment or as capital investment entrants are not allowed to work unless they have the permission from the Director of Immigration,' Mr Lee said.

'With the improving economic conditions and employment situation, it has been decided to remove this restriction to enhance Hong Kong's edge in attracting professionals,' he explained.

Director of Immigration Lai Tung-kwok said the basic requirements for the scheme would include age, financial status, character, language proficiency and educational qualifications.


Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 50 when lodging an application under QMAS;


 Financial Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate they are capable of supporting and accommodating themselves and dependants, without relying on public assistance;


 Good Character: Applicants must meet normal immigration and security requirements. They should not have any criminal or an adverse immigration record;


 Language Proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) or English; 


 Basic Educational Qualification: Applicants must have a good education background, normally a first degree supported by documentary evidence. In special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence may be considered.


Mr Lai said the competitive selection process comprised two phases.

During phase one, applicants will be assessed based on a points test which incorporates factors such as age, academic/professional qualifications, working experience, language proficiency, family connections in Hong Kong, spouse's achievement, number of dependant children, achievement in a particular field, etc.

A minimum passing mark will be set. Interested parties are advised to assess whether their credentials are adequate to meet the passing mark before they submit an application.

'Having met the 'must-meet' requirements and the minimum passing mark, applicants will be ranked according to the scores they are awarded. High scoring applicants will be shortlisted to enter a selection pool for further comparison. Quota will be granted to the most meritorious applicants,' Mr Lai said.

Under the new scheme, QMAS immigrants will be allowed an initial stay of one year. At the end of the first 12-month period, the QMAS immigrants should demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director of Immigration that they had taken steps to settle in Hong Kong by taking up residence here, such as by securing employment or establishing a business.

'If the QMAS immigrant cannot demonstrate the taking of any such steps, a one-year extension may be granted by the director if he deems this appropriate,' Mr Lai said.

'If the person is still not able to demonstrate the taking of the steps required by the end of the first 24 months, further extensions of stay will normally not be given.'
'At the end of the first 36 months, the QMAS immigrants must be able to demonstrate to the director's satisfaction that they had settled in Hong Kong and were making contribution to Hong Kong . . .' Mr Lai said.

Mr Lee said the government's target was people with both an established track record and potential to develop from all over the world.

'The new scheme will facilitate local economic development which would in turn create more jobs for the local population. It will also enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness in the global market and improve the quality of our population,' he said.



HK to launch scheme to attract talented foreigners