Hong Kong to review local university student definition amid claims of talent visa abuses

Education authorities will review the definition of local students by Hong Kong’s universities after some mainland Chinese people were accused of exploiting various talent schemes for their children to enjoy cheaper tuition fees.

Under Secretary for Education Jeff Sze Chun-fai said concerns had been raised about children of holders of various talent schemes undergoing Hong Kong’s entrance exams and enrolling in government-funded universities as local students.

“The government will consider reviewing the definition of local students adopted by tertiary institutions when admitting students,” he said in the Legislative Council on Thursday.

An online petition addressed to the council was launched last Friday claiming that “some people and intermediaries” had arranged for parents who did not intend to settle in Hong Kong to apply for the city’s talent admission schemes so that their children could obtain a dependent visa.

It said that with the visa, the children could become non-permanent residents of Hong Kong.

“These children would prepare for the Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) through tutorial institutions outside Hong Kong, and sit the exam as private candidates,” petitioners said.