Welcome mat: The Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents & Professionals will commence in July.

The Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents & Professionals will help attract  more investment and boost Hong Kong's economy, Secretary for Security Regina Ip says.  

Announcing details of the scheme at a press conference today, Mrs Ip said that the scheme will start in July. The Government will not impose any sectoral restrictions or quotas.

Mainland residents who satisfy the following eligibility criteria may apply for entry under the Scheme:

* a good education or background, normally a first degree in the relevant field. In special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence may also be accepted;

* a confirmed offer of employment. The applicant should be employed in a job relevant to his academic qualifications or working experience which cannot be readily taken up by the local workforce; and

* a remuneration package that is broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level.

The Government will also consider applicants' integrity and their security background, Mrs Ip added.

The new scheme will replace the existing Admission of Talents Scheme and the Admission of Mainland Professionals Scheme.

Successful applicants will be allowed to bring their spouses and unmarried dependent children under the age of 21 to Hong Kong.

The Government will also allow Mainland residents to enter Hong Kong for intra-company transfers on a similar basis as foreign nationals and Taiwan residents.

According to Mrs Ip, the Administration will set up a non-statutory advisory committee to advise on applications submitted under the Scheme.

The Financial Secretary will chair the committee. Its members will include the Secretary for Security, officials responsible for Hong Kong's economic affairs, private-sector representatives and employees.

The Immigration Department will start handling applications in July. Each application will take about six weeks for processing.

Speaking on the scheme's effect on the local labour market, Mrs Ip believed the scheme will not adversely affect local labourers' wages, adding that the scheme will help attract more investments and enhance Hong Kong's economic development.