Hong Kong government announced Thursday that it will launch a new immigrant scheme to attract top talents from the Chinese Mainland and overseas for the long-term development of the special administrative region.

Under the scheme, applicants who meet specific eligibility criteria in academic attainment, professional qualifications and work experience, can stay in Hong Kong for a certain period of time, without the requirement of securing an offer of local employment beforehand. The initial annual quota is 1,000.

According to the Director of Immigration Lai Tung-kowk, after meeting the "must-meet" requirements and the minimum passing mark, applicants would be ranked according to the scores they are awarded, while qualifications and experience would account for 60 percent of the marks.

The scheme would be reviewed after one year and the government would decide if it should continue or be enhanced on the advice from a selection committee.

Hong Kong government hopes the new scheme would boost the region's competitiveness in the global economy.

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2006)