Hong Kong has taken a major step to boost tourism, business travel, and global cooperation. The city has expanded its Short-term Visa-Free Entry Scheme, making it easier for travel and industry professionals to join work-related events across 17 key sectors. This move strengthens Hong Kong’s role as a major hub for global exchange, innovation, and international partnerships.
The enhanced Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors, known as the STV Scheme, now welcomes a wider range of experts. It supports those attending conferences, exhibitions, cultural events, mega sports activities, and high-level industry forums. The update reflects Hong Kong’s long-term strategy to attract top global talent and promote seamless business travel.
What the STV Scheme Offers
The STV Scheme allows invited foreign professionals to enter Hong Kong without an employment visa for short-term work-related duties. Visitors can stay for up to 14 days per trip. They may take part in business meetings, industry events, knowledge-exchange programs, workshops, and cultural or sports-related activities.
A standout benefit is that professionals can receive compensation for their participation without applying for a separate work visa. This reduces paperwork, speeds up planning, and encourages more international engagement.
Introduced as a pilot in 2022, the scheme has since developed into a strategic tool for boosting cross-border cooperation. It supports Hong Kong’s goal to stay competitive, innovative, and globally connected.
Newly Added Sectors Strengthen Global Engagement
The scheme now covers 17 sectors, up from the previous 12. Five new categories have been included to match global trends and Hong Kong’s evolving priorities:
Environment
Experts in sustainability, climate solutions, environmental science, circular economy planning, and green technology can now join Hong Kong-based short-term programs.
Occupational Safety and Health
Professionals working in workplace safety, risk assessment, compliance, and public health practices now fall under the expanded scheme.
Maritime
This includes specialists in shipping, logistics, marine engineering, port operations, and maritime studies. The sector’s inclusion supports Hong Kong’s status as a major international maritime centre.
Think Tanks
Policy researchers, scholars, analysts, and strategic consultants are now eligible to join research-focused and development-related events.
Government-Supported Activities
A new “Others” category covers programs led or supported by government departments, creating broader room for collaboration.
In addition, the number of authorised Hong Kong organisations that may invite foreign professionals has grown from around 400 to about 490. These include universities, event organisers, cultural bodies, business chambers, innovation centres, and public institutions.
How the Scheme Works
The process remains simple and efficient. Authorised organisations issue invitation letters to eligible foreign professionals. Once invited, visitors may enter Hong Kong visa-free for 14 days to participate in short-term activities within the approved sectors.
These brief visits must support Hong Kong’s economic goals, industry growth, or cultural development. They should add value without replacing local labour. The flexible structure encourages knowledge sharing and strengthens Hong Kong’s international networks.
Activities often include:
- Business forums and trade events
- Mega tourism and sports events
- Art festivals and cultural showcases
- Innovation and technology demonstrations
- Research exchanges and academic conferences
This framework makes Hong Kong more welcoming for important travel-related business activities while boosting tourism from industry participants.
Why the Expanded Scheme Matters for Tourism and Travel
The broadened STV Scheme strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a global travel and business gateway. Easier access draws more foreign professionals, boosting hotel stays, conference tourism, business travel, and event-related spending.
Large-scale events such as international expos, sports tournaments, and cultural festivals benefit the most. These gatherings attract thousands of business travellers each year, supporting airlines, restaurants, transport services, and tourism operators.
Since its wider rollout, the scheme has supported tens of thousands of foreign professionals attending key Hong Kong events. These include global finance summits, innovation forums, heritage festivals, and major international sports competitions. With more sectors added, the number is expected to grow.
Hong Kong’s updated policy also aligns with global tourism trends that blend business travel with leisure travel, often known as “bleisure”. Professionals visiting for short-term work activities often extend their stay to explore attractions, boosting the city’s tourism revenue.
All 17 Sectors Covered Under the Scheme
The updated STV Scheme now includes:
- Medical and Healthcare
- Higher Education
- Arts and Culture
- Sports
- Heritage
- Creative Industries
- Innovation and Technology
- The Hong Kong Laureate Forum
- Aviation
- International and Mega Events
- Finance
- Development and Construction
- Environment
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Maritime
- Think Tanks
- Government-supported activities
This wide coverage reflects Hong Kong’s commitment to a diverse and future-ready economy.
A Strategic Boost for Hong Kong’s Global Appeal
Hong Kong’s expanded visa-free entry scheme is more than a policy update. It is a forward-looking tourism and business strategy. By opening doors for professionals across a wider range of fields, the city strengthens its global connections and increases its role as Asia’s leading centre for travel, business, culture, and innovation.
The initiative will continue to attract international partnerships, support tourism growth, and reinforce Hong Kong’s identity as a dynamic destination for global talent.
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