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News that snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan has taken up Hong Kong residency under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme has sparked renewed conversations around the city’s efforts to attract high-skilled talent from around the world. O’Sullivan, remarking on his decision, cited the allure of Hong Kong’s favorable tax regime and vibrant culinary scene as major factors in his relocation. His presence serves as a noteworthy example of the scheme’s potential effectiveness in attracting talent to the region.
However, the overall efforts to bolster Hong Kong’s global talent pool remains an uphill task.
In the wake of the sociopolitical upheavals in recent years, Hong Kong witnessed substantial emigration to destinations like the United Kingdom and Canada. Many Hongkongers who left are highly educated and skilled individuals with deep roots in the city and who have made significant contributions to its economy and cultural fabric. The alarming fact remains that Hong Kong’s workforce experienced a net loss of over 100,000 individuals between 2020 and 2022. The numbers for 2023 have shown some improvement; however, they continue to fall short of the pre-pandemic levels. Combined with the demographic challenges of low birth rates and an ageing population, this decline presents a serious workforce gap. To address this, the government has implemented initiatives such as the Top Talent Pass Scheme to attract high-calibre international professionals. As of February this year, this scheme had approved over 50,000 applications; however, with more than 90 percent of these coming from mainland China, a critical shortfall remains in the diversity and expertise required to position Hong Kong competitively on the global stage.
**Interview with Hong Kong Talent Policy Expert, Dr. Emily Chan**
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us, Dr. Chan. Recently, snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan announced that he has obtained residency in Hong Kong under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. What do you think his decision says about this scheme and its effectiveness?
**Dr. Chan:** Thank you for having me. Ronnie O’Sullivan’s move to become a Hong Kong resident certainly highlights the appeal of the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. It signals that this initiative is attracting notable figures from various fields, particularly high-skilled professionals and talent. The scheme provides a platform for individuals with exceptional skills to contribute to Hong Kong’s vibrant economy.
**Interviewer:** O’Sullivan mentioned the city’s favorable tax regime as a factor in his decision. How significant is this aspect in attracting talent?
**Dr. Chan:** The favorable tax regime is indeed a significant advantage. Hong Kong is known for its low personal tax rates, which can be particularly appealing for high-income earners like O’Sullivan. It enables them to retain a larger portion of their earnings, thus making it an attractive destination for not just athletes, but also business leaders and professionals seeking financial advantages.
**Interviewer:** There has been some debate over the effectiveness of the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. What are your thoughts on its impact on the local economy and talent pool?
**Dr. Chan:** The scheme has the potential to diversify and strengthen Hong Kong’s talent pool, which is crucial in today’s competitive global landscape. By bringing in international figures like O’Sullivan, it not only boosts the profile of Hong Kong in the world of sports but also can have a ripple effect on tourism and local businesses. However, the effectiveness can vary, and continuous evaluation is necessary to ensure that it meets the city’s long-term economic goals.
**Interviewer:** Given the mixed sentiments surrounding immigration policies in various regions, how do you see the public reaction to O’Sullivan’s residency?
**Dr. Chan:** Public sentiment can vary tremendously. Some may view it as a positive move, showcasing Hong Kong as a desirable location for global talent. Others may express concerns about the implications of such schemes on local job markets. It’s essential for the administration to communicate the benefits clearly and demonstrate how such high-profile individuals can integrate and contribute to the community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Chan, for sharing your insights on this development.
**Dr. Chan:** My pleasure! It will be interesting to see how this story unfolds and what it means for Hong Kong in the future.
