In detail

The Hong Kong government announced that from 1 February 2023, the Pilot Scheme for STV has been expanded, allowing more overseas individuals with specific skills to participate in specified short-term activities as visitors, without the need to apply for employment visas or entry permits. In addition to the 10 existing designated sectors, the Pilot Scheme for STV includes two new sectors, namely “Finance” and “Development and Construction,” and 50 more authorised host organisations. More international events and mega activities, including the Asian Financial Forum and international horse racing events, are also included.

Launched in June 2022, the Pilot Scheme for STV aims to facilitate entry for visitors who have been invited or sponsored by authorised host organisation to participate in specified short-term activities in Hong Kong. These invitees can participate in such activities, including paid activities, for up to 14 consecutive calendar days upon arrival, without the need to apply for employment visas or entry permits from the Hong Kong Immigration Department. 

After this expansion, the Pilot Scheme for STV now consists of a total of 12 sectors with around 400 authorised host organisations. These sectors include: “Medical and Healthcare”; “Higher Education”; “Arts and Culture”; “Sports”; “Heritage”; “Creative Industries”; “Innovative Technology”; “Hong Kong Laureate Forum”; “Aviation”; “International or Mega Events”; and the abovementioned newly additional sectors, “Finance” and “Development and Construction.”

Please click here for the latest list of authorised host organisations and the scope of facilitation under the Pilot Scheme for STV as endorsed by the relevant government bureaux and departments in Hong Kong.

The Pilot Scheme for STV is applicable to all relevant overseas invitees with specific skills or whose participation in the specified short-term activities would be conducive to Hong Kong's economic growth. Eligible overseas invitees include those requiring entry-visa or entry permit to visit Hong Kong and those who can visit Hong Kong visa-free. Eligible individuals are required to be endorsed by the authorised host organisations by way of invitation letters, and they must strictly adhere to the scope of the specified short-term activities and their role(s) as specified in the invitation letters. 

The increased coverage of the Pilot Scheme for STV, together with the fact that it normally takes four to six weeks to process a typical employment visa or entry permit application means that the Pilot Scheme for STV will continue to enhance efficiency and convenience for authorised host organisations and overseas invitees. It will also promote and develop relevant sectors and support major international events to raise Hong Kong's profile as an international city.

For more information, please contact Rowan.McKenzie@bakermckenzie.com or Charmaine.Ng@bakermckenzie.com.