The Innovation and Technology Commission announced in Wednesday new measures under the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) for Hong Kong to attract more global innovation and technology (I&T) talents.

The commission said the enhancement measures will expedite the admission of I&T talents from around the world by eligible companies to facilitate their research and development (R&D) activities in the special administrative region.

The enhancements include streamlining application procedures to allow technology companies and eligible talents to submit applications for quotas and visas/entry permits in parallel, and lifting the requirement of engaging in R&D in 14 designated technology areas to better address ever-changing I&T developments.

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A new dedicated application channel for the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park will also be launched to provide one-stop assistance to their tenants in application and subsequent follow-up action.

Launched in June 2018, TechTAS provides a fast-track arrangement for admitting overseas and Chinese mainland technology talent.