ENG-2006 — Page 488

412 Population and Immigration

Entry for Employment

Hong Kong maintains an open and liberal policy towards entry into the city for employment. People from places other than the Mainland, who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in Hong Kong, or who are in a position to make substantial contributions to the economy, are welcome to come and work. Having ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years and made Hong Kong their place of permanent residence, they may apply to become Hong Kong permanent residents in accordance with the law. During the year, 21 958 professionals and people with technical, administrative or managerial skills from more than 100 countries and territories were admitted for employment.

Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals

The Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals was launched in July 2003. The scheme's aim is to attract talented people and professionals from the Mainland to work in Hong Kong to meet local manpower needs, facilitate local economic and other development, and enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness in the globalised market.

There is no sectoral restriction or quota under the scheme. The vetting criteria are consistent with those of the General Employment Policy. Apart from professionals in the commercial and financial fields, talented people and professionals in the arts, culture and sporting sectors as well as those in the culinary profession may also apply.

People admitted under the scheme may apply for the right of abode after having ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years in accordance with the law. Since the scheme's inception, 14 155 entry applications have been approved.

Employment of Mainland Graduates with Hong Kong Degrees

With effect from August 1, 2001, Mainland students who have graduated from University Grants Committee (UGC) funded institutions since 1990 are allowed to enter Hong Kong for employment. They should also possess special skills or knowledge of value to but not readily available in Hong Kong. In July 2005, this policy was extended to those who were admitted to study at non-UGC-funded institutions in the academic year 2005-06 and thereafter, and who subsequently graduated from full-time locally accredited degree-level or above programmes. The aim of this arrangement is to attract outstanding Mainland students who have completed full-time locally accredited studies at degree or above levels to work in Hong Kong after graduation. During the year, 405 Mainland students received approval to enter through this channel.

Entry of Dependants

Under existing policy, spouses, unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 and dependent parents aged 60 or above of Hong Kong permanent residents, or of those who are not subject to a limit of stay may apply to enter Hong Kong as dependants. People who are admitted under the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme,