Hong Kong Expands Short-Term Visa Scheme To 17 Sectors To Attract Global Professionals

• The Hong Kong SAR government has expanded the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities (STV Scheme).
• The STV Scheme simplifies entry for international professionals attending work-related events in Hong Kong.
• It allows foreign experts to visit for short-term engagements without needing a full employment visa.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government has broadened its Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (STV Scheme), simplifying entry for international professionals attending work-related events in the city.

The STV Scheme is a tailored visa program that allows foreign experts to visit Hong Kong for short-term engagements without the need for a full employment visa. Under the scheme, participants can stay in Hong Kong for up to 14 days per visit.

This initiative aims to promote global knowledge exchange by enabling professionals to attend meetings, events, or short-term projects across approved sectors. Visitors under the scheme do not require an employment visa or entry permit if invited through the program, providing a more efficient pathway for brief but productive business trips.

Expanded Sectors

The Hong Kong SAR government has announced that the scheme now encompasses 17 sectors, up from the previous 12. Newly added sectors include:

• Environment
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Maritime
• Think Tanks
• Other activities organized or supported by government departments

The full list of sectors under the STV Scheme now includes:

• Medical and Healthcare
• Higher Education
• Arts and Culture
• Sports
• Heritage
• Creative Industries
• Innovation and Technology
• The Hong Kong Laureate Forum
• Aviation
• International/Mega Events
• Finance
• Development and Construction
• Environment
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Maritime
• Think Tanks
• Other government-supported activities

The number of authorised organisations allowed to send invitations has also increased from around 400 to approximately 490. These organisations can now invite qualified international professionals to participate in approved short-term activities in Hong Kong.

How the STV Scheme Operates

Under the program, authorised organisations can invite foreign professionals for activities lasting up to 14 days. These can include industry conferences, business meetings, cultural exchanges, and other events. Participants are even permitted to receive remuneration for their work without requiring a separate employment visa.

The government has highlighted that visits under the scheme should contribute to Hong Kong’s economic development or policy objectives and must not displace local employment.

Since its pilot launch in 2022 and full implementation in 2024, the STV Scheme has allowed over 38,000 international professionals to attend major events in Hong Kong, including the Asian Financial Forum, Hong Kong Sevens, and the Performing Arts Expo.

With this expansion, Hong Kong seeks to attract more global talent, foster collaboration, and reinforce its position as a leading hub for business and innovation in the region.