Government unveils ‘wish list' of in-demand workers

Naval architects are amongst those who may enjoy prioritised immigration treatment.

The government has unveiled its first ‘Talent List’ which contains 11 in-demand professions that the administration has deemed most necessary for the city’s continued economic development, according to a statement.

The list includes waste treatment specialists/engineers; management professionals in asset management including but not limited to trust fund management; professionals in marine insurance; actuaries; fintech professionals; data scientists and experienced cyber security specialists;innovation and technology experts; naval architects; marine engineers and superintendents of ships; creative industries professionals; and dispute resolution professionals.

Also read: Hong Kong may turn overseas to scout big data talent

Immigration facilitation will be provided to eligible candidates under the Talent List through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS). Successful applicants under the QMAS are  also not required to have a local job offer.

"The promulgation of the Talent List is one of our major initiatives to enhance our competitive advantages in attracting international talents, creating cluster effects, stimulating the development of local talents and propelling Hong Kong forward," Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, Chief Secretary for Administration and Chairman of the Human Resources Planning Commission, said in a statement.

Also read: Hong Kong firms may shell out extra $40,539 per skilled worker to avoid losing talent

Applicants under the QMAS for eligible candidates in the Talent List kicked off on August 28.

Faced with a shrinking workforce and ageing population, Hong Kong ranks fifth in the Asia Pacific markets that stands to lose the most if it fails to plug its labour deficit that’s poised to hit 1.88m by 2030, according to business consulting firm KornFerry.