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(SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST)Hongkongers who qualify through a talent scheme will be able to permanently settle in Beijing and apply for household registration from next month, under measures announced by the Ministry of Public Security yesterday.
The policy, which takes effect on March 1, makes “special talents” and their families from Hong Kong and Macau eligible for permanent residency and Beijing household registration, which will grant them access to social welfare services, Xinhua reported.
Meanwhile, foreign “high-level talents”, “innovative and entrepreneurial talents” and Hong Kong and Macau “high-level talents” who hold permanent residency or work residence permits, will be allowed to bring foreign domestic helpers to the capital.
On the mainland, the phrases “special talents” or “high-level talents” usually refer to senior managers and professionals with significant experience in high-tech industries. The city’s Human Resources and Social Security Bureau determines whether an overseas talent is qualified.
The measures were among 20 announced by the ministry as part of Beijing’s efforts to support innovative development.
Beijing’s Zhongguancun Science Park, a high-tech hub, will pilot the policies.
Some Hongkongers working in Beijing were unimpressed by the move.
“I am here because Beijing offers better job opportunities, permanent residency is a not a significant factor to make me stay,” said George Yue Hong-chu, who has been working in Beijing in technology and operation management for eight years.
Yue had no plans to stay permanently as he said it was difficult to integrate into the local culture, while pollution was also a concern. “Permanent residency may offer some benefits in medical and other areas, but these are not enough to attract me to stay for a very long time,” he said.
Tomy Chan Joon-sheng, founder of Beijing-based bicycle accessory start-up Bikiros, doubted his family would benefit from permanent residency. “I prefer sending my son to international school. I think we will not enjoy the medical benefits as we don’t go to public hospitals. The main reason I am staying is opportunity for work,” he said.
Eddy Kwan King-hung, from EK Immigration Consulting in Hong Kong, said Hongkongers working as senior executives on the mainland might not find local medical or educational services attractive, because most preferred international hospitals, clinics and schools. But if obtaining household registration enabled Hongkongers to enter industries that were previously restricted, some businessmen might found it attractive.
