The Hong Kong Government introduced a Scheme which is nearly similar to UK’s Highly Skilled Migrant Program. The Scheme is an entrant scheme. It is quota-based and seeks to attract highly skilled or talented persons who are fresh entrants not having the right to enter and remain in Hong Kong to settle in Hong Kong in order to enhance Hong Kong’s economic competitiveness in the global market. Successful applicants are not required to secure an offer of local employment before their entry to Hong Kong for settlement.

Immigration to Hong Kong or Hong Kong Work Permit is basically skilled workers work and residence permit popular these days. The reason behind this is that the process if of just 7-8 months and sencondly you don’t require IELTS Test report form for this. The Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme i.e. QMAS is an entrant scheme meant for foreigners who wish to come to Hong Kong to explore employment or business opportunities. The scheme is quota based and operates on a points based system. Successful entrants must take steps to settle in Hong Kong by securing gainful employment or establishing a business during the visa validity period.

Should I Move to Hong Kong?
The British influence on Hong Kong is clear for all to see but that doesn’t change the fact that you’ll find yourself immersed in a fast paced and apparently alien culture. How you adapt to that is up to you. In my personal experience, most people love Hong Kong, or at least grow to love it after initial problems. It seems to me that cases where people can’t wait to leave Hong Kong are rare and I would suggest that if you’re having doubts or worries about moving here, just throw them out the window and go for it. You’ll probably be asking yourself ‘What was I so worried about’ once you arrive and have settled in.

You’re biggest problem will probably be one of perception. Even though so many things will appear so far removed from what you are used to, behind all the Chinese neon signs and bizarre looking food, it’s just another city with ordinary people going about their lives and is really not that different when all is said and done.

Is Hong Kong Safe?
Worried about your safety? In a word, don’t! Hong Kong is an extremely safe place to live and although it has its problems, like any other city, the police are professional and nearly all places are relatively safe to walk even at night. Just to convince you further, it has been described as one of the safest cities in the world and boasts a very low crime rate. Obviously you should take the usual precautions but it should not be something you spend time worrying about. Whenever I am in Hong Kong, I just feel safe somehow.

The Cost of Living in Hong Kong is on a par with Western Europe, as are the wages. Something that will really help is the favourable tax regime and you’ll be the envy of your Western counterparts back home when they find out how little you pay. The tax system is also very simple and your tax returns will take no time at all.

The trick for cost effective living is to avoid getting into the routine of frequenting restaurants that serve Western food, just because you can’t be bothered to get used to the local cuisine. Buy local brands and eat with the locals, it’s not so hard once you get used to the way things work and you’ll probably get to like it so much you won’t look back. As a rule of thumb, many people agree that the cost of living is lower that the time of the handover in 1997 but then, so are the wages (Time of writing – July, 2011).

Car ownership is really not necessary in my opinion. Nearly all Hong Kong residents rely totally on public transport. You can literally go anywhere at any time of the day or night on the world class transport system. It really is not an issue. So there’s another thing you won’t need to worry about. A car is not necessary and would probably be more of a hindrance

Transport
Tram Ride (Any distance)
2 HK$
Taxi (Central to North point)
50 HK$
MTR
3.80 – 26.00 HK$
Health
Typical doctors appt. (Including medications)
500 HK$
Gym Membership
500 – 1000 HK$
Other Costs
Unlimited broadband Internet
300 HK$
Landline Phone
100 HK$ p/m
Basic Cellphone Package
100 – 150 HK$ p/m

Living Expenses
Meal for two (Mid priced restaurant)
500 – 800 HK$
Beer in Lan Kwai Fong/Wan Chai (Bottled or Draught)
50 HK$
Cigarettes
30 – 35 HK$
Fast food burger meal
25 HK$
6 large navel oranges
~20 HK$
Ground Coffee (250g)
40 – 50 HKD
Frozen Chicken (Per Kg)
40 HK$
Minced Beef (Per Kg)
50 HK$
1 Litre milk
25 HK$
12 Eggs
15 ~ 20 HK$

Hong Kong also has many wet markets, where low cost produce and goods will be available. You tend to find more of these in areas with public housing. These are great places to get food and basics and can help to keep the cost of living down.

What are my chances of getting a job in Hong Kong ?
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China is widely seen as an attractive place to work and there is always competition for jobs from both domestic and overseas graduates. Cantonese is increasingly used as the language of business and unless you speak the language fluently, there will be limited opportunities available.

• Typical problems encountered: fierce competition from domestic and overseas graduates, including Chinese graduates. Finding an employer willing to apply for a work permit on your behalf may be difficult. Most expatriates in graduate-level jobs in Hong Kong have been relocated to the region by their current employer.

• How to improve your chances: professional training in areas such as law, banking, accountancy and finance, advanced manufacturing, engineering, biotechnology, computing, telecom, healthcare and architecture, planning and construction may increase your chances of finding an employer willing to apply for an appropriate visa on your behalf. Learning Cantonese will also improve your chances of finding work. For those who only speak English and who have relevant experience, there may be opportunities in areas such as teaching, media, hospitality and banking and finance.

• Language requirements: Chinese and English are the official languages of Hong Kong. English is widely used in the government and also in the legal, professional and business sectors. However, Cantonese is increasingly being used as the language of business and fluency in Cantonese is a distinct advantage for many jobs. Mandarin is also useful due to the increased trade and commercial links with mainland China. English may be sufficient for jobs with large multinational companies but knowledge of Cantonese is beneficial.

Where can I work?

• Major industries: service industry (accounts for more than 90% of gross domestic product (GDP)), especially financial and professional services. Hong Kong is a high-tech country and there are ample opportunties for IT and Telecom related professionals.

• Major companies: Bank of China (BOC) Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific Airways, Cheung Kong, China Mobile, China Netcom Group, China Unicom, CLP Holdings, Cnooc, Henderson Land, Hutchison Whampoa, Jardine Matheson, Sun Hung Kai Properties, Swire Pacific.

What’s it like working in Hong Kong?
• Average working hours: Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm (or longer, depending on the business), with an occasional half-day required on Saturday.

• Holidays: there are two types of public holiday in Hong Kong: statutory and general holidays. Statutory holidays must be provided to all employees. General holidays include every Sunday, all statutory holidays (12) and an additional five holidays. See the Hong Kong Government website for more details.

• Tax rates: maximum salary tax is 17% (2009/10). Check with the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department for up-to-date rates and breakdowns.

• Working practices and customs: fairly formal work environment, conservative dress code, long working hours, business networking after work – business lunches/dinners are common

This is just a brief summary of things and if you have the opportunity to live here and experience things for yourself, why would you want to miss out? Go for it!

Please Click Here  to download an exclusive and detailed guide based on Hong Kong Immigration and to Caluculate your points for Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme  - Skilled Professionals Work Permit
Pakistanis willing to apply for Hong Kong Immigration can email their CV at below given email id for free initial assessment: Hassan@CareerCounsel.pk. Alternatively, they can contact us at: +92-313-8593207