Hong Kong has approved nearly 90% of applications under its Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) over the past two years, signaling a robust push to attract skilled workers to bolster key industries. According to Chris Sun, Secretary for Labor and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, 47,000 of the 53,000 ASMTP applications were greenlit, with 54% securing long-term roles in commerce, finance, and academia.
Another key initiative, the General Employment Policy (GEP), accepted 67,000 applicants, approving 63,000 for roles largely in tourism (70% short-term contracts), academic research, and financial services. Salaries for incoming professionals typically ranged between HK$20,000 to HK$79,999 monthly, reflecting competitive remuneration to sustain Hong Kong’s economic vitality.
The ASMTP and GEP programs prioritize filling skill shortages in strategic sectors, with the HKSAR government emphasizing their role in maintaining the region’s global competitiveness. Sun noted that the schemes aim to address workforce demands and foster innovation-driven growth.
Analysts suggest this influx of talent could reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a hub for international business, research, and cross-border collaboration, aligning with broader ambitions to integrate with the Chinese mainland’s economic development goals.
