Hong Kong Allows Eligible Foreign Professionals to Take Part in Short-Term Activities Without a Work Visa

• Hong Kong has expanded its Short-stay Visa (STV) Scheme to cover 18 sectors, allowing eligible foreign professionals to participate in specified short-term activities without applying for an employment visa
• The expansion adds the Social Welfare sector for the first time and broadens eligibility in three existing sectors
• Approximately 490 authorized organizations are now covered by the scheme, with eligible visitors allowed to participate in qualifying activities for up to 14 consecutive calendar days per arrival

Hong Kong has expanded its Short-stay Visa (STV) Scheme to cover 18 sectors, making it easier for eligible foreign professionals and specialists to enter the city for approved short-term activities without going through the employment visa process.

The Hong Kong government announced the changes, bringing the total number of authorized organizations under the scheme to approximately 490.

The programme allows foreign talent to attend activities such as symposiums, workshops and research events organized by approved host organizations.

Hong Kong adds social welfare sector to visa scheme

The most notable change is the inclusion of the Social Welfare sector for the first time.

Foreign participants attending qualifying activities organized by authorized welfare organizations can now enter Hong Kong under the STV arrangement.

The government has also expanded three existing sectors: international and mega events, higher education, and finance. The changes involve adding more authorized organisations and eligible short-term activities.

Full list of 18 sectors covered by Hong Kong's STV Scheme

The expanded scheme covers the following sectors:

1. Medical and healthcare
2. Higher education
3. Arts and culture
4. Sports
5. Heritage
6. Creative industries
7. Innovation and technology
8. The Hong Kong Laureate Forum
9. Aviation
10. International and mega events
11. Finance
12. Development and construction
13. Environment
14. Occupational safety and health
15. Maritime
16. Think tanks
17. Social welfare
18. Others

How long can foreign visitors stay under the scheme?

According to the Hong Kong government, eligible visitors can participate in specified short-term activities for up to 14 consecutive calendar days during each arrival.

The government stated:

"They may participate in the specified short-term activities for up to 14 consecutive calendar days upon each arrival, and receive remuneration for the specified activities concerned."

This means participants may receive payment for the qualifying activities covered by the scheme.

All other arrangements under the scheme remain unchanged following the expansion.

Source: Legit.ng

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