Govt Scheme To Help Firms Find IT Experts Outside

The government has rolled out a pilot scheme to help companies in the SAR hire IT experts from outside Hong Kong.

The Technology Talent Admission Scheme aims to lure 1,000 professionals in the first year.

The scheme, which will for run for three years, is meant to streamline the administrative recruitment procedures for companies who want to employ IT experts from overseas and the mainland.

People admitted under the scheme have to be degree holders in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (Stem) from one of the top 100 universities in international rankings for stem disciplines.

Work experience will not be required for those who have a masters degree or a doctorate in the relevant subject.

The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Nicholas Yang, said the scheme is open only for firms located at the Science Park and at Cyperport.

They can employ up to 100 people a year, after going through a four-week application process that will be reviewed by the bureau and the Immigration Department.

Yang said companies planning to join the scheme have to prove that such talent is not available in Hong Kong. He said this requirement will safeguard local workers.

The scheme also requires that companies employ one new local full-time employee plus two local interns in technology-related work for every three non-local persons admitted.