Hong Kong Working Visas Surge in 2025 as Short-Term Contracts and Lower Salaries Reshape Employment Landscape

Editorial Team
22 hours ago
5 min read

Updated: 3 minutes ago

HONG KONG, August 29, 2026 — Hong Kong's General Employment Policy (GEP) granted 31,278 working visas to foreign nationals in 2025, marking the second consecutive year the scheme has cleared the 30,000-level, according to the latest Immigration Department data. While approvals have stabilized above the 30,000 mark, the figure remains significantly below the pre-pandemic peak of over 40,000 annual approvals recorded in 2018 and 2019.

The latest statistics reveal a significant shift in the profile of successful applicants, with approximately 80% hired on short-term contracts and nearly half earning less than HK$20,000 (US$2,564) per month. These trends have prompted immigration experts to examine the changing dynamics of Hong Kong's labour market and the role of mega-events in driving demand for foreign professionals.

Published: August 29, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team

Hong Kong GEP working visas 2025 infographic showing 31,278 approvals, 80% on short-term contracts, 50% earning below HK$20,000 per month, pre-pandemic peak of 40,000+, and comparison with QMAS and TTPS alternative schemes. — Hong Kong granted 31,278 GEP working visas in 2025. 80% on short-term contracts.

GEP Approvals: 2025 at a Glance

The latest Immigration Department data paints a clear picture of Hong Kong's evolving work visa landscape. The General Employment Policy, which is the primary work visa scheme for foreign professionals in Hong Kong, saw 31,278 approvals in 2025, according to data cited by SCMP [citation:9]. While this marks the second consecutive year above the 30,000 threshold, it still represents a decline from the pre-pandemic peak years of 2018 and 2019, when approvals exceeded 40,000 annually [citation:9].

Key Statistics

Metric	Value
Total GEP Approvals (2025)	31,278
Short-Term Contracts	~80% of successful applicants
Monthly Salary Below HK$20,000	~50% of successful applicants
Pre-Pandemic Peak (2018-2019)	40,000+ annually
Eligibility	Foreign nationals only (Mainland Chinese excluded)

The substantial proportion of short-term contracts suggests a fundamental shift in employer hiring patterns. Companies are increasingly utilizing the GEP for project-based work and temporary assignments rather than permanent positions, reflecting broader global trends toward flexible workforce arrangements. Almost half of successful applicants earning below HK$20,000 per month also indicates a lower wage threshold for GEP approvals compared to previous year .

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What Is the General Employment Policy?

The General Employment Policy is Hong Kong's cornerstone work visa framework for foreign professionals who possess special skills, knowledge, or experience that is of value to the city's economy. The scheme was established to allow businesses in Hong Kong to attract talent from around the world when local candidates cannot fill specific roles.

Key Features of the GEP

Open to foreign nationals from all countries (Mainland Chinese residents are not eligible)
Requires a confirmed job offer before an application can be submitted
Candidates are required to possess appropriate qualifications and professional experience
Employers need to prove that the role cannot be filled by local candidates
Applications are assessed based on the applicant's skills, experience, and contribution to Hong Kong's economy

The GEP operates alongside other immigration schemes such as the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) and the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) , which offer alternative pathways for highly skilled professionals and top graduates.

Factors Driving the Surge in Applications

Mega-Events Boost Short-Term Demand

Immigration experts have attributed the increased visa approvals to a series of major international events hosted by Hong Kong in recent years [citation:9]. These events have driven significant demand for short-term professionals across various sectors, including event management, logistics, hospitality, and specialized technical roles.

Global summits, international sports competitions, cultural festivals, and business exhibitions have all contributed to the need for foreign talent with specific expertise. The concentration of these events in recent years has created a pattern of short-term employment contracts that has reshaped the GEP landscape.

Short-Term Contract Dominance

The high proportion of short-term contracts suggests a structural change in how employers use the GEP. Rather than sponsoring foreign workers for permanent positions, companies are increasingly using the scheme for:

Work based on projects with specified beginning and ending dates
Seasonal roles in tourism and hospitality
Event-specific positions for major international gatherings
Consulting and advisory roles with limited durations

This trend aligns with the growing gig economy and flexible workforce arrangements seen globally, as employers seek to avoid long-term commitments while accessing specialized skills.

Alternative Hong Kong Work Visa Options

While the GEP remains the primary work visa channel for foreign professionals, Hong Kong offers several other pathways for skilled workers and talent.

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)

The QMAS is a points-based immigration scheme for highly skilled professionals who wish to settle in Hong Kong without a prior job offer. The scheme was introduced to attract talent in fields where Hong Kong faces shortages and has been a popular alternative for professionals who are able to secure work in the city after arrival.

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

The Top Talent Pass Scheme has emerged as a notable alternative for high-income earners and graduates of top universities, with earnings among successful applicants often surpassing those of the GEP [citation:9]. The scheme offers a 2-year visa with flexible employment, allowing holders to work in Hong Kong without being tied to a specific employer.

Comparison of Hong Kong Work Visas

Scheme	Target Group	Key Feature	Job Offer Required?
GEP	Foreign professionals	Standard work visa	Yes
QMAS	Highly skilled professionals	Points-based system	No
TTPS	High-income / top graduates	2-year flexible visa	No

Employer Obligations and Compliance

Employers sponsoring GEP visas must meet specific requirements to ensure compliance with Hong Kong's immigration laws. The Immigration Department assesses each application based on:

The applicant's qualifications and professional experience
The employer's ability to provide a stable and legitimate job
The local labour market situation and whether the position can be filled locally
The contribution the applicant will make to Hong Kong's economy

The high proportion of short-term contracts in the latest data may be a factor in the lower wage levels observed, as temporary positions often command lower salaries than permanent roles.

Future Outlook for Hong Kong Work Visas

The trend toward short-term contracts and lower salaries under the GEP is likely to continue as employers increasingly prioritize flexibility in their workforce planning. However, Hong Kong's ongoing need for specialized skills suggests that demand for foreign talent will remain strong.

The government has shown a willingness to adjust its immigration policies to attract and retain talent, as demonstrated by the introduction of the TTPS and other initiatives designed to address labour shortages in key sectors. Immigration experts are monitoring how the policy landscape will evolve in response to changing economic conditions and global competition for talent.