Hong Kong's Immigration Department recently released data showing that 31,278 foreign work visas were approved under the General Employment Policy in 2025, more than double the number in 2021. Financial services sector visa approvals rose 17% year-on-year, hitting a new high since 2022, with major applicants from Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

Amid volatile global geopolitical landscapes and intense competition for talent among major economies, these over 30,000 work visas represent a vote of confidence from foreign professionals in Hong Kong's career prospects. They also outline three powerful attractions the city has unleashed during its post-restoration progress.

The first attraction is the steady growth of Hong Kong's capital markets. Talent flows often mirror industrial development. The notable increase in financial services sector applications is no coincidence. As an international financial center, Hong Kong boasts a comprehensive financial industry chain, a highly market-oriented business environment, and diverse cross-border operations, making it a key pivot for global capital allocation and a perfect match for the experience and career growth of international talent. In 2025, Hong Kong's IPO fundraising reached HKD 285.8 billion, surging over threefold year-on-year, ranking first globally in new stock market fundraising. Average daily trading volume hit a record high. In the bond market, Hong Kong has solidified its position as Asia's leading international bond issuance hub, accounting for nearly 30% of the region's total. Hong Kong also became the world's largest cross-border wealth management center, with the government enhancing tax concessions to attract more family offices and fund managers.

The second attraction is Hong Kong's openness, inclusiveness, and livability. A superior institutional and living environment forms the foundation for attracting and retaining talent. Institutionally, under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong practices common law and maintains a simple, low-tax regime. National Committee Member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Zhu Dingjian, pointed out that Hong Kong's top salary tax rate is 15%, with no bonus tax or capital gains tax. He suggested the government create a "post-tax income calculator" for global high-end talent to showcase actual earnings in Hong Kong. On the lifestyle front, from a global flight network to top-tier educational resources and advanced medical services, Hong Kong meets the quality-of-life expectations of foreign professionals and their families. The IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026 ranked Hong Kong second globally, with high scores in factors like "Economic Performance," "Education," and "Basic Infrastructure."

The third attraction is Hong Kong's post-restoration stability, enhancing its role as a "safe haven." The influx of foreign talent relies on a stable, orderly social environment and Hong Kong's unique value of being backed by mainland China while connecting to the world. As a Hong Kong SAR government spokesperson previously stated, under the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong's safe and stable business environment has gained widespread international recognition. Recent geopolitical events have further highlighted Hong Kong's role as a "safe haven." For foreign talent, Hong Kong not only offers a rule system aligned with international standards but also serves as a convenient platform to access the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and mainland China's vast market. Based in Hong Kong as a "safe haven," they can focus on developing their careers and businesses while benefiting from China's high-level opening-up dividends.

It is worth noting that the SAR government's proactive optimization of talent policies and acceleration of emerging industry layouts have made Hong Kong's post-restoration progress a tangible development opportunity. The intensity of talent concentration reflects the city's development effectiveness. The doubling of foreign work visas indicates that international talent, through concrete actions, recognizes Hong Kong's industrial development, institutional advantages, and social stability, showcasing the city's growing irreplaceable position in the global talent landscape.