The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is a special immigration program launched by Hong Kong to attract highly skilled or talented individuals from around the world to settle in Hong Kong without first securing a job offer. Unlike GEP or ASMTP which require an employment sponsor, QMAS is a points-based quota scheme. Applicants are assessed based on their talents, qualifications, and potential contribution to Hong Kong, and the best candidates are granted the opportunity to move to Hong Kong freely to seek employment or entrepreneurial opportunities. QMAS reflects Hong Kong’s proactive approach to enriching its human capital by bringing in experts in various fields (finance, technology, arts, etc.) who can enhance the city’s competitiveness.
Key Features of the Scheme
• Quota-Based: QMAS has a quota (a limited number of slots) available. The quota is administered through periodic selection exercises (typically quarterly). Applicants who meet the basic requirements enter a pool, and Hong Kong’s Immigration Department selects the highest scoring or most qualified applicants up to the quota limit. (As of recent years, the quota has been on the order of a few hundred to 1,000 per year, subject to change based on talent policy).
• No Job Offer Required: Applicants do not need a local job offer at the time of application. They apply on their own credentials. If approved, they are allowed to come to Hong Kong for an initial period (usually 2 years) to explore opportunities. They can take up employment or start a business once in Hong Kong without further permission, as long as they fulfill the conditions of stay.
• Points-Based Assessment: QMAS uses a points scoring system to evaluate applicants under two avenues :
• General Points Test (GPT): This is the common route for skilled individuals. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, educational qualifications, professional experience, language proficiency (English and Chinese), and family background. For example, younger applicants (in their 30s) get more points for age, post-graduate degrees earn higher points, proven work experience especially if in international companies or at senior level yields points, and proficiency in both English and Chinese is a plus. Having an income above certain thresholds or business ownership experience can also contribute points . The pass mark (minimum points) is set by authorities (often around 80 out of a maximum 225 in the GPT). Meeting the pass mark allows entry into the selection pool but does not guarantee approval – those with the highest points or special backgrounds are chosen in each round.
• Achievement-based Points Test (APT): This is a special one-time route for individuals with exceptional talent or outstanding accomplishments . Examples include Olympic medalists, Nobel laureates, or globally recognized experts in a field. If an applicant can demonstrate a truly exceptional level of achievement (with significant awards or recognition), they may be awarded full points under APT (which has a high passing mark but if achieved, basically ensures approval). The APT is geared for the creme de la creme who have extraordinary talent.
• Basic Requirements: Regardless of points, all QMAS applicants must meet certain basic criteria: they must be at least 18 years old, have no criminal record or adverse immigration record, have sufficient financial means to support themselves and dependents in HK (since initially they arrive without a job, they shouldn’t become a burden on public resources), and be proficient in written and spoken English or Chinese (to ensure they can integrate and work in HK) – although language proficiency is also part of points scoring.
Application Process and Stay Arrangements
Prospective candidates apply to the Hong Kong Immigration Department with documentation of their qualifications, work history, awards, etc. After a paper assessment and scoring, Hong Kong holds selection exercises (typically a selection committee meets to decide which applicants to approve among those meeting the pass mark). If selected, the applicant is allotted a quota slot and issued a visa under QMAS.
Approved QMAS entrants are usually granted an initial stay of 24 months (2 years) without employment conditions (they have freedom to find jobs or start businesses) . They must secure a livelihood (e.g. get employed) within that time to be eligible for extension. Upon renewal, if they show they have settled in well (e.g. gained employment at a certain level or engaged in viable business or professional activities), they get extended for 3 more years, and then another 3, and then eligible for permanent residency after 7 years total (2+3+3) .
If a QMAS holder fails to demonstrate they have made a contribution (for instance, they did not actually find any employment or pursue the activity they claimed), the visa might not be extended. This ensures the scheme admits people with potential and then retains those who do contribute.
QMAS allows the entrant to bring dependants (spouse and minor children) as well, who can live in Hong Kong. However, QMAS itself being competitive, most applicants are mid-career professionals or young talented individuals often without large families.
Importance and Impact
The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme is an important tool for Hong Kong to attract global talent in a very competitive international market. By not requiring a job offer, it opens the door for talents who might be interested in Hong Kong but haven’t gone through a traditional expat recruitment. Many QMAS candidates are entrepreneurs, researchers, or multi-talented individuals who see value in basing themselves in Hong Kong to pursue regional opportunities. The scheme has brought in experts in finance, tech innovators, artists and film professionals, etc.
The use of a points test makes the selection transparent and merit-based. It also allows Hong Kong to indirectly signal what qualifications it values (for example, emphasizing STEM degrees or bilingual ability via the points system). Over the years, QMAS has been adjusted – for instance, raising the quota or adjusting the pass mark – in line with Hong Kong’s development needs.
In conclusion, QMAS offers a pathway for non-local talent to make Hong Kong their home and workplace, even without a pre-arranged job. It complements employer-sponsored visas by capturing a different segment of talent. For those who are highly qualified and eager to move to Hong Kong’s vibrant economy, QMAS is a golden opportunity.
