Speech at Policy briefing cum meeting of Panel on Security

Briefing by the Secretary for Security on the Chief Executive’s 2017 Policy Address

Relaxing the visa requirements for nationals of the Belt and Road countries

Noting that the Administration would consider relaxing the visa requirements for employment, study and visit visa for nationals of the Belt and Road countries, Mr CHAN Chun-ying expressed concern about whether the Administration would consider relaxing the visa requirements for nationals of the Belt and Road countries in mid-western Asia, Central Europe and Eastern Europe. S for S responded that among about 60 Belt and Road countries, visa-free access had been granted to nationals of about 40 countries.

Attracting talents and professionals from other places to work in Hong Kong

Mr CHAN Chun-ying asked whether the Administration had any further plans to attract talents and professionals from other places to work in Hong Kong. S for S responded that under the General Employment Policy (“GEP”) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (“ASMTP”), employers could apply for employment of professionals from other places who possessed skills and knowledge not readily available or in shortage in Hong Kong, subject to the requirement that the remuneration package was broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level for professionals in Hong Kong.