The Scheme will cover 10 sectors, including medical and healthcare; higher education; arts and culture; sports; heritage; creative industries; innovation and technology; the Hong Kong Laureate Forum; aviation; and international mega-events.

Under the Scheme, host organizations authorized by the relevant government organizations can issue invitation letters to relevant non-local talents in their sectors. Invited persons may come to Hong Kong to participate in designated short-term activities as visitors without the need to apply for employment visas or entry permits from the Immigration Department.

Invited non-local talents may participate in the designated short-term activities for up to 14 days upon each arrival and receive payment for the specified activities.

The Scheme will run for two years.

In addition, the government's current immigration facilitation for non-local speakers will be further relaxed. With effect from tomorrow, non-local speakers across the board will be allowed to deliver speeches or presentations without the need to apply for an employment visa or entry permit for 14 consecutive days (up from seven days) upon each arrival, and the cap on the number of events will be removed.

However, the condition that they should not be reimbursed (other than expenses regarding the provision of accommodation, passage, meals, etc., relating to the event) will remain unchanged.

All persons are subject to applicable immigration control for visiting Hong Kong, including examination upon arrival in accordance with the applicable laws, policies, and practices. They are also subject to any prevailing Covid-19-related entry restrictions.

More information is provided on the Immigration Department website.