Travellers heading to Hong Kong for work-related events will now find it easier to enter the city. The Hong Kong SAR government has expanded its Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (STV Scheme), adding five new sectors and nearly 100 more authorised organisations.

What is the STV Scheme?

The STV Scheme (Short-term Activities Visa Scheme) is a special program that allows foreign professionals to visit Hong Kong for a short period without requiring a work visa application.

The STV Scheme is designed to facilitate international exchanges more easily for individuals attending events, meetings, or projects in specific approved sectors.

• Stay Period: Visitors can stay up to 14 days per visit under this scheme.
• Visa Requirement: No need for an employment visa or entry permit if invited under the STV Scheme.

In short, the STV Scheme is Hong Kong’s way of welcoming global talent for brief, meaningful visits that boost knowledge-sharing and development.

What’s New

Effective immediately, the scheme now covers 17 sectors, up from 12. The latest additions include:

• Environment
• Occupational Safety and Health
• Maritime
• Think Tanks
• Others (for activities hosted or supported by government departments)

The number of authorised organisations able to issue invitations has also increased from about 400 to around 490. These organisations can invite experts and professionals from overseas to join approved short-term events and activities.

Also Read: Hong Kong to Increase Entry, Visa, and Passport Fees from Sept 8 – Full List Inside

How the STV Scheme Works

Through the STV Scheme, authorised organisations can invite qualified foreign professionals to Hong Kong for short-term activities lasting up to 14 days.

These activities can include attending business meetings, industry events, or cultural exchanges. What’s making this scheme more unique is that participants can get paid for their work without needing to apply for a separate employment visa.

However, the goal is very clear: These visits should benefit Hong Kong’s economy or policy goals and must not impact local jobs.

Why It Matters

After launching as a pilot program in 2022, the STV Scheme was fully rolled out in 2024 and already helped more than 38000 foreign professionals to participate in major Hong Kong events, like:

• Asian Financial Forum
• Hong Kong Sevens
• Performing Arts Expo

By expanding it further, Hong Kong aims to attract more global talent, boost collaboration, and strengthen its position as a “super connector” for international business and innovation.

List of all 17 Covered Sectors In STV Scheme

1. Medical and Healthcare
2. Higher Education
3. Arts and Culture
4. Sports
5. Heritage
6. Creative Industries
7. Innovation and Technology
8. The Hong Kong Laureate Forum
9. Aviation
10. International/Mega Events
11. Finance
12. Development and Construction
13. Environment
14. Occupational Safety and Health
15. Maritime
16. Think Tanks
17. Others

Final Thoughts

The expansion of the STV Scheme shows how Hong Kong continues to open its doors to global talent. It gives professionals a simple and flexible way to visit for short work trips, while helping the city maintain its reputation as one of Asia’s most dynamic business centres.

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