Hong Kong Expands Visa Scheme for 18 Occupations

The Hong Kong government has announced an expansion of its Short-stay Visa (STV) Scheme to cover 18 sectors, enabling non-local talent to enter the city for specific short-term activities without the need for employment visas. This update increases the number of authorized organizations under the scheme to approximately 490.

The initiative aims to simplify the process for foreign professionals and specialists to engage in activities such as symposiums, workshops, and research organized by approved host bodies. A significant addition to this expansion is the inclusion of the Social Welfare sector, which allows foreign participants attending qualifying activities organized by authorized welfare organizations to enter Hong Kong under the STV arrangement.

Additionally, the government has broadened the scope of three existing sectors (international and mega events, higher education, and finance) by adding more authorized organizations and eligible short-term activities to each.