The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced changes to the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme to cast a wider net for quality migrants.

The existing upper age limit of 50 has been lifted so applicants aged 51 or above are now eligible.

The marking scheme under the General Points Test has been adjusted so that younger (in particular those between 18 and 24) degree holders have a better chance to meet the minimum passing mark for further assessment. Marks were originally accorded only for "five years or more" working experience. To cast the net wider for quality applicants, marks will also be given for "two to five years" working experience. Extra marks will be given to applicants who are proficient in a foreign language in addition to Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) or English.

The extension of stay requirement for entrants admitted through the scheme's Achievement-based Points Test (APT) has also been streamlined. The Immigration Department will grant an extension to an APT entrant and his/her dependants if the department is satisfied that he/she has the financial means to sustain their living in Hong Kong.

The annual quota of 1,000 entrants under the scheme remains unchanged. The changes will take immediate effect and the new marking scheme will apply to all applications already submitted and being processed.

For further information, please visit the website - http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/QMAS.htm