Hong Kong QMAS –  Is There Such a Thing as an ‘Occupations in Demand’ List In 2023?

All Hail The Talent List …

How the Content Must Now Be Read in Light of the Updated QMAS (Quality Migrant Admission Scheme) Policy

In the previous advisory analysis found in Hong Kong QMAS – Is There Such a Thing as an ‘Occupations in Demand’ List In 2023?, the discussion addressed how the HKSAR Government utilized an expanded 50+ profession Talent List to grant a direct 30-point bonus within the legacy points calculation. According to the Hong Kong Visa Geeza, Stephen Barnes, applicants frequently misinterpreted the Talent List as an exclusive occupations-in-demand mandate, when in reality it operated as an optional points-accelerator atop the legacy 245-point General Points Test. Candidates in standard corporate vocations—such as general sales, marketing, and mid-tier telecommunications—could still technically qualify and submit an application provided they achieved the 80-point pass mark through general age, education, and language points. However, Barnes consistently cautioned that the Talent List was evaluated against demanding technical specifications and credentialing requirements, warning applicants that merely matching a job title on paper did not guarantee that vetting officers would award the coveted bonus points during selection exercises.

Today, this legacy perspective must be read through the lens of our PRACTICE UPDATE: The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme Definitively Stated 2026-27 by Stephen D Barnes, which documents the complete abolition of the numerical points matrix and the 30-point Talent List bonus following the late 2024 overhaul. As stated by the Hong Kong Visa Geeza, Stephen Barnes, occupational alignment is no longer evaluated as a numerical booster, but has been absorbed directly into the 12 binary assessment criteria—specifically Criterion 9, which requires at least 3 years of specialist experience in designated Key Sectors such as Innovation & Technology, Fintech, and International Trade. Generalist vocations without top-tier credentials can no longer scrape through on basic pass marks. Furthermore, the 2026–27 update emphasizes that clearing initial selection under these priority sectors is only the opening hurdle: entrants are granted a 3-year initial stay under a 3+3+2 extension regime, during which they must substantiate genuine local economic integration and tax-paying employment to secure continued residency in Hong Kong.

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme is very often compared with other immigration programmes in the quality of life jurisdictions such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, USA and the UK. Recently, the HKSAR Government has supercharged it in a number of ways, including the temporary removal of the quota until 2025 and the expansion of the Talent List.

QUESTION

“I am from India and have done a BA and an MBA (Sales & Marketing). Currently, I am working as Sales Manager in a telecommunication company. I just wanted to confirm if my profession is eligible under the QMAS points scheme for Hong Kong.”

ANSWER

The Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) c/w Talent List is a program designed to attract highly skilled professionals in specific sectors to Hong Kong. The Talent List highlights the industries and professions that are in high demand in Hong Kong, allowing qualified individuals to apply for a visa under the QMAS program.

The Talent List is applicable in other areas of Hong Kong immigration practice, but this post will concentrate on its applicability to the QMAS programme alone.

Key Features of the Talent List:

1. Targeted Industries: The Talent List focuses on 50+ in-demand industries, including asset management, data science, fintech, and more.
2. Points-based Test: Applicants must pass either the General Points Test or the Achievement-based Points Test to be eligible for the visa.
3. Selection Process: Applicants are selected based on their scores in the Points Test, and the highest-scoring candidates are granted visas.
4. Visa Duration: Successful applicants are initially granted a visa for 1 year, which can be extended for 2 years, 3 years, and then indefinitely, subject to meeting specific requirements.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the QMAS Talent List, applicants must:

1. Be aged 18 or above when applying.
2. Have a good education background, usually a first degree from a recognized university or a tertiary educational institution.
3. Have good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities, and relevant experience in the targeted industries.
4. Have a genuine intention to settle in Hong Kong.
5. Be proficient in written and spoken Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin) or English.
6. Have a clean criminal record and good character.

Application Process:

1. Submit an application for the QMAS Talent List program, along with all required supporting documents.
2. Take either the General Points Test or the Achievement-based Points Test.
3. If you meet the minimum passing mark, your application will be processed, and you will be ranked with other applicants.
4. If you are among the highest-scoring candidates, you will be issued a visa under the QMAS program.

The Hong Kong QMAS Talent List can be found here.

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