AGE LIMIT RAISED TO 40 FOR SKILLED WORKERS SCHEME
The Hong Kong government has announced a new channel for importing skilled labor, set to bring 10,000 non-local professionals into the city across eight designated job categories. A key change in this initiative is the increase of the upper age limit for applicants from a previously proposed 35 to 40 years.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun Yuk-han, detailed that this new channel, operating under two existing talent admission schemes, will commence on June 30th. It targets non-degree professionals between 18 and 40 years old, who will be eligible for visas lasting 24 or 36 months, with an option to extend for an additional three years. Mr. Sun expressed that raising the age limit to 40 is ideal, anticipating that these workers could contribute to Hong Kong’s economy for at least 25 years, potentially working until the age of 65.
The initiative aims to address an “acute” manpower shortage, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s policy address having projected a deficit of approximately 180,000 workers across various sectors in the next five years. The eight specified job categories include nurses (in care homes), lift maintenance workers, electrical technicians, and technicians in new industrialization, information technology, marine services, building information modeling, and aircraft maintenance.
A government spokesman emphasized that these trades are critical for Hong Kong’s operations and face significant shortages. The selection was made after careful consideration and consultation with industry stakeholders. The program is also designed to attract professionals for emerging industries where specific skills, like those in robotics or biomedical engineering, are not yet readily available locally.
Notably, employers will be permitted to directly offer jobs to non-local candidates without first needing to prove they attempted to hire locally. Initial contracts will be for a minimum of 24 or 36 months. While no restrictions on origin are set, a significant number of workers are anticipated to come from mainland China. Mr. Sun believes the influx will have a minimal impact on local employment. To ensure equitable distribution, each industry will have a maximum import quota of 3,000 workers.
Stringent requirements regarding qualifications and job scope will be enforced. The IT industry is expected to accommodate at least 1,000 new hires, while the construction sector aims to fill a shortage of 2,000 workers by 2027 through this scheme. The program will undergo a review after one year. Upon contract renewal, workers can extend their stay for up to 36 more months and will be eligible to apply for permanent residency after seven years in Hong Kong.
We expect that if they come at 40, they can work until 65, meaning at least 25 years of contribution to Hong Kong’s economy. – Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han
Key changes and points highlighted:
- Clarity on the core change: Age limit increase.
- Specific numbers: 10,000 workers, 8 job categories, 180,000 projected shortage.
- Key personnel: Secretary Chris Sun Yuk-han, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.
- Logistics: Visa duration, extension, permanent residency possibility.
- Rationale: Addressing shortages, long-term contribution, supporting emerging industries.
- Conditions: No prior local hiring proof needed, industry quotas, program review.
- Target demographic: Non-degree professionals.
