Hong Kong’s Top Talent Pass Scheme: Progress, Challenges & Future Outlook (2022–2025)

The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), launched by the Hong Kong government in December 2022, was designed to attract high-calibre professionals and graduates from top global universities to bolster the city’s workforce and economic competitiveness. As of 2025, the scheme remains active and has undergone several updates to improve its effectiveness and broaden its scope.

Current Status (2025)

• High Uptake: By the end of 2024, nearly 116,000 applications had been received, with over 92,000 approved. More than 75,000 talents have arrived in Hong Kong, many accompanied by their families.
• Visa Validity Extension: In response to feedback, the government extended the initial visa validity for Category A applicants (those earning over HK$2.5 million annually) from two to three years.
• Employment Trends: Over 50% of TTPS entrants are employed in managerial and professional roles, with a median monthly salary of HK$50,000, and about 25% earning HK$100,000 or more.
• Support Infrastructure: The government has launched Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) to assist newcomers with job matching, adaptation, and integration.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Underutilisation: Some TTPS recipients have struggled to find jobs matching their qualifications, leading to concerns about underemployment.
• Lack of Diversity: Over 90% of applicants are from Mainland China, raising concerns about the scheme’s ability to attract a truly global talent pool.
• Sectoral Imbalance: Applications are heavily concentrated in finance, while sectors like energy and automotive remain underserved.

Future Scope and Developments

• Expansion of Eligible Universities: The government plans to include more institutions, especially from Mainland China, in the list of eligible universities.
• Targeted Recruitment: Lawmakers are advocating for age limits and sector-specific criteria to better address Hong Kong’s manpower gaps.
• Retention Focus: A key performance indicator has been set to approve at least 50,000 visa extensions annually from 2025 to 2027.
• Global Positioning: TTPS is part of Hong Kong’s broader strategy to remain competitive against regional rivals like Singapore’s ONE Pass and Thailand’s LTR Visa, though Hong Kong’s scheme is more focused on younger professionals and high-income earners.

Economic and Social Impact

• TTPS has injected new energy into Hong Kong’s workforce, especially among professionals under 40, contributing positively to the demographic structure.
• The scheme is seen as a strategic response to the talent drain caused by the pandemic and political shifts, aiming to revitalize Hong Kong’s status as a global financial and innovation hub.