The Immigration Department has received more than 200 daily calls for the details and procedures of the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, and received one application from an overseas professional.

Speaking on a radio show today, Assistant Director (Visa & Policies) of Immigration Helen Chan said the department hopes to fill the 1,000 quotas of its first phase of implementation in one year, and then review the scheme to see if it is necessary to adjust the quota.

She is confident of the scheme's attractiveness, saying Hong Kong has the freest economy in the world, a sound legal system and press freedom, which are the advantages in the eyes of Mainland and overseas experts and professionals wishing to develop their career here.

Liaison promotion

Ms Chan said the department will liaise with different Government departments and bodies, including Hong Kong's Beijing Office, the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Guangdong, Invest Hong Kong and the Trade Development Council to promote the quality migrant scheme on the Mainland and overseas.

On the possible impact of the scheme on local graduates, Ms Chan said their job opportunities will not be compromised as the scheme targets talent with long work experience. Import of talents and capital to Hong Kong as evidenced in the department's other migration schemes, will create more job opportunities.

Since its launch in 2003, the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme has approved 726 applications, inviting investments of $5.23 billion. The average investment sum was $7.2 million, exceeding the minimum requirement of $6.5 million.