Population and Immigration | 407
Certificate of Entitlement Scheme
Under Article 24(2)(3) of the Basic Law, people of Chinese nationality born outside Hong Kong of Hong Kong permanent residents are entitled to be permanent residents of the HKSAR with right of abode. The Immigration Ordinance stipulates that in order for a person to qualify for the right of abode under Article 24(2)(3) of the Basic Law, at least one of his or her natural parents must be a Chinese citizen who has the right of abode at the time of birth of that person.
The Government introduced the Certificate of Entitlement Scheme on July 10, 1997, under which a person's status as a permanent resident of the HKSAR under Article 24(2)(3) of the Basic Law can be established only by holding a valid travel document such as a One-way Permit with a valid certificate of entitlement affixed to it. This arrangement enables systematic verification of right of abode claims and ensures orderly entry. Between July 1, 1997 and the end of 2008, some 176 500 certificate of entitlement holders entered Hong Kong from the Mainland.
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme launched in June 2006 seeks to enhance Hong Kong's pool of human capital. Under the scheme, talented people in any area can apply to enter and settle in Hong Kong without first securing an offer of local employment. To cast a wider net for quality migrants, the Government completed a review and improved the scheme by relaxing various restrictions and prerequisites with effect from January 2008. Key enhancements include lifting the age limit so that potential candidates aged 51 or above are eligible to apply, and adjusting the marking scheme to make it possible for younger degree-holders with less working experience to meet the passing mark for further assessment. As at the end of 2008, 886 places had been allotted under the scheme to applicants from a wide range of professions, ranging from the commercial sectors to the arts and sports.
Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
The Capital investment Entrant Scheme was launched in October 2003. Its objective is to facilitate the entry of people who make capital investments in Hong Kong but would not engage in the running of the business. The scheme is applicable. generally to foreign nationals, residents of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), Chinese nationals who have obtained permanent resident status in a foreign. country, and residents of Taiwan. Successful applicants are required to invest in Hong Kong not less than $6.5 million in real estate or permissible financial assets, such as equities or debt securities.
By the end of 2008, a total of 3 347 applicants had been granted formal approval under the scheme. They invested a total of $23.8 billion, about $7.1 million per applicant on average.
Entry for Employment as Professionals
Hong Kong maintains an open and liberal policy towards entry into the city for employment as professionals. There is no sectoral restriction or quota under the admission arrangements. People with special skills, knowledge or experience of value