Obtaining permanent residency in Hong Kong is great because Hong Kong remains one of the most lively business capitals globally because of its buoyant economy, super opportunities, and quality of lifestyle. It holds many hopes within many minds back on Earth today who are coming for work reasons or for keeping families. Individuals seeking to come and live for more extended time spans and find it their eventual place would also want to benefit from the great chance that a Permanent Residency in Hong Kong gives them.
But, on the other hand, getting Permanent Residency isn’t that simple. It does not take anything less than getting into certain specifications. Among such popular schemes are the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), a visa scheme designed to admit Hong Kong, with the objective of allowing the migrant to live and work in Hong Kong. But how does one qualify for this program and eventually obtain Permanent Residency in Hong Kong? Let’s explore the entire process.
Understanding Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme was established by the Hong Kong government to attract highly skilled or talented individuals to the region. It is a points-based immigration system, meaning that applicants are assessed based on their skills, qualifications, work experience, language abilities, and other factors.
QMAS seeks to motivate working professionals to add to Hong Kong’s economy. In contrast, other immigration programs require job offers prior to an application for such an immigration. The QMAS gives an individual the chance to come into Hong Kong and then look for work in that person’s professional area of specialization.
Qualification for QMAS
The application to the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme and ultimately obtaining Permanent Residency in Hong Kong requires eligibility, which is shown by the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: An applicant should be at least 18 years of age.
- Good Character: A person should not have a criminal record in the home country or any country he or she has stayed in for more than one year.
- Financial Capability: You need to show that you have enough financial resources to support yourself and your dependents while living in Hong Kong.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin) is crucial for successful integration into Hong Kong society. Although no formal language test is required, applicants who demonstrate strong language skills will score higher under the points-based system.
- Education and Work Experience: You must hold a recognized qualification, such as a degree, and relevant work experience that satisfies the needs of Hong Kong’s labor market.
The Application Procedure
Applying for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme consists of several main steps. First, you would be submitting your application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. After submission, the department will check your application against various qualifications, work experience, and other criteria relevant for selection into the said scheme.
Points-Based System
A point’s system is introduced to assess an applicant’s qualification. It accords points against a range of factors, from age and educational background to the work experience or language proficiency you possess, so all that reflects your contribution to Hong Kong’s development. You can acquire a maximum 195 points but need at least 80 for eligibility. The chances of being considered and selected under QMAS increase if your score is higher.
Selection Process
After all the applications go through assessment, you will then be informed that you are pre-selected to obtain an entry permit. You get a visa permitting you to work and live in Hong Kong provided you succeed in the application, though not everybody makes it because applicants are competitive with each other. The Immigration Department holds regular selection exercises, where a specific number of candidates are invited to apply for a visa under QMAS.
Living in Hong Kong and Eligibility for Permanent Residency
You are then allowed to stay and work in Hong Kong. Permanent Residency, however, is not guaranteed once you are issued a visa under QMAS. It takes seven years of residency in Hong Kong for you to qualify to apply for Permanent Residency. You will be expected to show that you have been positively contributing to Hong Kong’s society and economy during this time.
This may include stable employment, paying taxes, and engaging in community activities. The more you can integrate into the community, the better your chances of being granted Permanent Residency in Hong Kong after the required seven years.
Advantages of Permanent Residency in Hong Kong
This is because Permanent Residency in Hong Kong affords a list of benefits making it highly welcoming to people wishing to settle in the area. One of these benefits is;
- Freedom to Stay and Work: Permanent residents are allowed to live and work anywhere within the entire Hong Kong without any compulsory renewal of the visa.
- Access to Public Services: Permanent residents can enjoy the access to Hong Kong’s fine healthcare system, education, and social services.
- Eligibility for Government Subsidies: Permanent residents often become eligible for many government subsidies that make it cheaper to stay in Hong Kong.
- Ease of Travel: With Permanent Residency, you are free to come and go out of Hong Kong without having any additional visas.
Securing permanent residency in Hong Kong through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme is a fantastic opportunity for highly skilled individuals who wish to live and work in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. The process may require patience and a good understanding of the application system, but with the right qualifications and the necessary skills, you can successfully navigate the journey.
Through these eligibility criteria, good scores on the points-based system, and staying in Hong Kong for the specified time, you can make Hong Kong your home permanently. And if you are determined to work and live in Hong Kong, then QMAS will be the way to achieve Permanent Residency in Hong Kong, offering hundreds of opportunities for personal as well as professional development.
