Hong Kong is Greasing Immigration Doors for Blockchain Professionals

Job seekers worldwide with a flair and expertise in blockchain technology will be favored in Hong Kong, part of the country’s unique immigration policy seeking to attract talented professionals.

This week, the Hong Kong government unveiled its first-ever ‘Talent List to attract quality people’ from around the world who specialize in 11 professions determined as the most crucial job profiles required for the country’s economic development. “Innovation and technology experts” in blockchain technology, alongside artificial intelligence (AI), data engineering, robotics, biometric and industrial/chemical engineering are among the specializations sought.

The government is attracting candidates by facilitating their immigration to eligible individuals through Hong Kong’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS).

Hong Kong’s chairman of the Human Resources Planning Commission Matthew Cheung Kin-chung stated:

Hong Kong welcomes talents from all over the world with valuable skills, knowledge and experience to work here, bringing their talent into full play and further developing their careers.

Established in 2006 for all nationals – with a handful of exceptions – over the age of 18, QMAS has a quota for 1000 successful applicants selected to “enhance Hong Kong’s economic competitiveness”, according to the scheme’s objective.

Applicants are required to fulfill certain prerequisites by opting to be assessed under a ‘General Points Test’ or an ‘Achievement-based Points Test’. Blockchain specialists will see ‘bonus marks’ awarded under the General Points Test of the QMAS, the government confirmed.

Applicants will also be required to prove financial independence with an educational background, “normally a first degree from a recognized university or a tertiary educational institution’. Special considerations will be made for proven professional abilities or technical qualifications as exceptions to basic educational degrees.

“Successful applicants are not required to have secured an offer of local employment before their entry to Hong Kong for settlement,” it notably adds, marking an important distinction compared to other job-related visa categories commonly chosen by professionals seeking to enter and work in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong image from Shutterstock.