Government data showed Hong Kong's talent admission schemes drew more than 130,000 applicants in their first two years, even as overall emigration outflows continued to weigh on the city's working-age population.
The Top Talent Pass Scheme, launched at the end of 2022, has been the largest single channel, dominated by graduates from mainland Chinese universities seeking access to the city's labour market.
Officials argue the schemes are stabilising headcount in finance, technology, and education, but critics question the longer-term retention of new arrivals, given Hong Kong's elevated cost of living.
The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address pledged additional channels and benchmarks aimed at deepening the city's talent pool through 2030.