Hong Kong expands facilitation scheme for visitors participating in short-term activities

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Invited persons can participate in certain short-term activities and receive remuneration without applying for a work visa.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has announced the expansion of a pilot scheme on immigration facilitation for visitors participating in short-term activities in designated sectors, effective from 1 February 2023.

This expansion will allow more non-local talent to come to Hong Kong to participate in certain short-term activities as visitors without having to apply for an employment visa/entry permit.

In addition to the existing 10 designated sectors, the pilot scheme has been expanded to cover two new sectors, ‘finance’ and ‘development and construction’, and has added about 50 sanctioned host organizations. It covers more specific short-term international events and large-scale activities, such as the Asian Financial Forum and international horse racing events.

The expanded pilot scheme will cover the following 12 sectors, with a total of approximately 400 approved host organizations:

• medical and healthcare;
• higher education;
• arts and culture;
• sports;
• heritage;
• creative industries;
• innovation and technology;
• Hong Kong Winners Forum;
• aviation;
• international/large events;
• finance; and
• development and construction.

A host organization approved by the relevant government agency/department can issue invitations to relevant non-local talent in the field. The invited person can come to Hong Kong to participate in certain short-term activities as a visitor without having to apply for an employment visa/entry permit from the Immigration Department (ImmD).

Invited non-local talents are talents in short supply or talents whose participation in specific short-term activities in Hong Kong will help achieve economic development or related policy objectives. They can participate in specific short-term activities for up to 14 days per arrival and are rewarded for relevant specific activities. There is no cap on the number of designated short-term activities an Eligible Visitor may participate in during her 14-day period.

The pilot scheme applies to eligible visitors including:

1. Nationals of countries likely to visit Hong Kong Special Administrative Region no visa (This includes visitors from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, etc. – click here for the full list)
2. Persons requiring a visa/entry permit to enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for their visit; and
3. Residents of mainland, Macau and Taiwan.

If the eligible visitor is not a visa-free national, he or she must obtain a visit visa/entry permit before coming to Hong Kong SAR. For eligible visitors who are residents of the mainland, Macau and Taiwan, the general entry procedures for these residents to visit the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region continue to apply. If the eligible visitor is a mainland resident, they must apply for travel documents and exit authorization corresponding to their nature of coming to Hong Kong from the relevant mainland authorities in accordance with general requirements.

Launched in June 2022, the scheme aims to promote business and promote the development of related sectors, as well as boost Hong Kong’s international profile. As of December 2022, the scheme has benefited her over 800 non-local talents who have traveled to Hong Kong to attend various events such as the Hong Kong Sevens and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s performances.

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