What’s working in Hong Kong’s talent scheme and what needs tweaking?

With Hong Kong leader John Lee set to deliver his annual policy address on September 17, the Post examines key topics the chief executive is expected to focus on, including a mega infrastructure project near the border, new economic drivers and livelihood issues.

In the fourth of a seven-part series, Willa Wu gives an update on the city’s talent schemes and examines how they can be refined to match Hong Kong’s economic needs.

Zhang Jun* had a bittersweet moment when he renewed his visa under Hong Kong’s talent scheme in August.

When he first applied to work in the city in 2023, the Hangzhou native had a rosy vision of some day sending his son to one of Hong Kong’s universities, paying lower local tuition fees after the boy completed his secondary education in mainland China.

But in July, education authorities announced that children of non-local talent must complete a mandatory residency period before qualifying for subsidised tertiary education rates. This means Zhang’s 16-year-old son now must enrol in a local school next year.

Searching for a suitable school has proven daunting. There are no vacancies in the city’s elite schools, while second-tier schools are overwhelmed by applications from children of other “non-local talent families” like Zhang’s.

“While my visa renewal acknowledges my contributions to Hong Kong, I question what I’m receiving in return,” insurance agent Zhang, 45, said. “It is not fair.”