HK01: Government expands importation of technical talent — 8 trades including nurses, aircraft maintenance, electricians
A government spokesperson said that from the 30th of next month, a new channel under a "Technical Talent List" will import non-degree talent in 8 manpower-shortage technical trades, aged 18–40, on a 3-year trial with 10,000 places in total and a 3,000 cap per trade.
Sources say employers of the 8 trades will be exempt from market supply tests proving local recruitment difficulty. A government source explained that these industries are genuinely "severely short", and the arrangement saves the industry lengthy recruitment time.
The government will add the channel under the General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, allowing non-local applicants to come to Hong Kong for 8 trades in "extreme shortage".
1. New-industrialisation technician 2. Nurse 3. Aircraft maintenance technician 4. Marine technician (local vessels) 5. Information technology technician 6. Lift/escalator technician 7. BIM co-ordinator 8. Electrical technician
Target: experienced non-degree mid-level technical talent, attracted to settle long term
The spokesperson said that per the 2023 manpower projection, the overall shortfall will reach 180,000 by 2028, one-third of it skilled technicians. After policy-bureau review and industry consultation, the list was compiled, selecting 8 trades vital to Hong Kong's city operations, facing severe shortages for at least 5 years, and not fillable through local training in time.
The channel targets qualified, experienced, non-degree mid-level technical talent, aiming to attract long-term settlement — explicitly different from existing imported-labour schemes, with no overlap. The arrangement runs 3 years on trial, reviewed after one year.
The 8 trades share 10,000 places, 3,000 per trade. Sources stressed that not every industry will exhaust its quota — "industries vary in scale; very large ones will use quotas quickly, leaving smaller ones unused". Applicants must meet the list's requirements on qualifications, years of service and professional skills such as registrations or licences. Under the GEP and ASMTP, talent must first obtain a local employer's offer, with pay at market level for comparable work.
Market supply test waived — "severely short, saves time"
Employers of the 8 trades will be exempt from the market supply test proving local recruitment difficulty. Sources said the 8 industries' shortages are well understood, so no further market testing is needed, saving the industry time. For employers, "the scheme takes considerable effort": generally requiring employment contracts of at least 24 or 36 months to maximise quota value, plus finding suitable candidates, settlement and adaptation support.
The first entry visa for technical talent is valid 24–36 months; renewal requires continued employment in the same trade. Reportedly, switching to other work requires the Director of Immigration's consent. Renewals grant extensions of up to 36 months, or the contract's validity if shorter.
Applicants may bring spouses and children
Technical talent may bring spouses and unmarried dependent children under 18. A government source noted industry consultations suggested most such talent don't bring families immediately — "they test the waters first, then bring family if it works" — so such cases are expected to be few.
Original article: https://www.hk01.com/article/60243271?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral