The Government announced on 23rd February 2006 detailed operation of the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS). The new scheme is opened to all Mainland and overseas professionals to settle in Hong Kong, and was launched on June 2006.
The major difference between the QMAS and the existing employment visa is that prior employment arrangement is not required for QMAS applicants. Once the applications have been approved, QMAS applicants can take up whatever employment or set up their own companies in Hong Kong.
The assessment will comprise two phases. During phase one, applicants will be assessed based on a point test which incorporate factors such as age, academic / professional qualifications, working experience, language proficiency, family connections in Hong Kong, spouse's achievement, number of dependent children, achievement in a particular field, etc. A minimum passing mark will be set.
Having met the above requirements and the minimum passing mark, applicants will be ranked according to the scores they are awarded. High scoring applicants will be shortlisted to enter a selection pool (Phase Two) for further comparison. Quota will be granted to the most meritorious applicants.
