Population and Immigration | 413
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 2009, some 181 500 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 it, talented people may apply to enter and settle in Hong Kong without first securing an offer of local employment. At the end of 2009, a quota of 1 479 applications had been allotted. These are approved in principle subject to further assessment and applicants' acceptance of the offer made under the scheme.
Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme was launched in October 2003. Its aim is to facilitate the entry of people who make capital investments in Hong Kong but would not engage in the running of the business. 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. Since March 16, 2009, applicants were allowed to hire a Certified Public Accountant (Practising), who must be a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, to issue a report to demonstrate that they meet the assets requirement.
By the end of 2009, a total of 5 953 applicants had been granted formal approval under the scheme. They invested a total of $42.1 billion, or about an average of $7.1 million per applicant.
Entry for Employment as Professionals
Hong Kong maintains an open and liberal policy towards entry into the city for employment as professionals. People with special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in Hong Kong, or who are in a position to make substantial contribution to the economy, are welcome. Since the reunification of Hong Kong with China in 1997, over 260 000 non-local talents and professionals. have been admitted to Hong Kong via various admission arrangements to work in the city.
Employment of Non-Local Students
Since May 19, 2008, non-local students graduating from a full-time locally- accredited programme at degree level or above have been permitted to apply to remain in Hong Kong for one year to take up employment. Those who graduated from such a programme before that date may also apply to return to Hong Kong for
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