Charlotte Wu
Some 30,000 people have already arrived in Hong Kong under the Top Talent Pass Scheme as of the end of November as Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han hailed the scheme’s success.
Speaking on radio yesterday, Sun said the top talent scheme had received over 50,000 applications by late November, with over 47,000 approved and 40,0000 visas issued.
”Although Hong Kong will not provide monetary support and accommodation when competing for talents, opportunities will be offered. As long as opportunities are given, talents will naturally be willing to stay and come to Hong Kong,” he said.
He noted that the one country, two systems provided advantages for the legal, financial and social systems of Hong Kong.
Sun also said he has seen some Hongkongers who emigrated abroad have returned. He said the SAR welcomed them back as Hong Kong is their home, with plenty of opportunities for them.
Amid a record-low birth rate of 0.9 in 2022, Sun said citizens should give birth at an early age, and the government would provide more support for childcare services.
”I became a father at the age of 39 and our process [of having a baby] was not easy. Citizens should give birth at an early age, and the government will provide support for childcare services as much as it can,” Sun said.
Hong Kong is also facing an aging population with one out of every five persons aged 65 or above, and this is expected to rise to one of three in the future.
But Sun said: “I do not consider 65 to be old age. Some who are healthy and experienced can work until 70 years old. More organizations are also changing their retirement age. Elderly who are capable and energetic should work or volunteer more often.”
He said the re-employment allowance pilot scheme targeting persons aged 40 or above who have not been in paid employment for three consecutive months had received positive feedback.
”Women aged between 40 and 59 have a much lower labor force participation rate than men. With the increased childcare and community living room services, we hope to attract more women to re-enter the labor market,” he said.
He said the government’s care teams will start contacting seniors living alone in subdivided flats in hopes of supporting these “hidden elders.”
”Care teams will be contacting elderly living alone during spring this year. They will visit on-site or call to make a referral to a social welfare agency if necessary.”
charlotte.wu@singtaonewscorp.com
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