The Admission of Talents Scheme was introduced on December 17, 1999. It operates on a quota-free and non-sector specific basis with the objective of admitting talented persons from all over the world, those from the Mainland in particular, into Hong Kong for employment. The scheme is targeted at talented persons with expertise and skills not readily available in, and of value to, Hong Kong. The admission of such persons would enhance the competitiveness of the HKSAR as a manufacturing and services centre, particularly in technology-based, knowledge-intensive and high-valued added activities.

    The persons admitted may bring in their dependants. They and their dependants may apply for right of abode after having resided in Hong Kong for seven years. Since the inception of the scheme, a total of 256 applications have been approved. Most of the successful applicants worked in the information technology/communication/multimedia technology and engineering sectors.