Wanted: top mainland Chinese workers in 6 fields can get talent visas for Hong Kong, Macau from February 20
- Multiple-entry permits for targeted professionals aim to make scientific research and academic exchanges easier within Greater Bay Area
- Experts cautiously welcome the move but point out skills shortages are affecting industries across the GBA
Announcing the pilot programme on its website on Thursday, China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) said people in six categories of expertise were eligible to apply, including science and research, academia, health, law, and other higher management and professional personnel.
The NIA said these skilled professionals could contribute greatly to the GBA’s development or were desperately needed in the two special administrative regions.
Eligible candidates will be able to apply for visas ranging from one to five years, depending on their category, permitting multiple visits between the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, for stays of no longer than 30 days each time.
The NIA said the policy was intended to “make it more convenient for GBA talent to engage in scientific research and academic exchanges, and to promote development of the GBA area”.
Under the Chinese government’s GBA plan, the cities of Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Zhongshan, Dongguan, Huizhou, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing will be integrated into an economic and business hub by 2035.