The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) rolled out a publicity exercise today (September 7, Toronto time) to promote the Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents (ASSG) in Canada.
      
     The ASSG was implemented by the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government on May 4, 2015 to assist the return of the second generation of Hong Kong emigrants for employment.
      
     The Director of Toronto ETO, Miss Kathy Chan, said that in view of its ageing population and shrinking labour force, Hong Kong needs to attract talent, professionals and entrepreneurs from outside Hong Kong to support its economic development. The ASSG is the latest admission scheme to be introduced. The aim of the publicity exercise is to let more members of the second generation of Hong Kong emigrants in Canada to know that they can make use of the ASSG to start a promising career in Hong Kong.
      
     She encouraged those who are eligible to apply for the scheme. “Hong Kong has one of the largest overseas Canadian communities in the world. We speak both English and Chinese, practise common law, have a simple tax system with low tax rates, maintain an international trade network and enjoy preferential access to the vast Mainland China market,” Miss Chan said.
      
     “As a global finance, trade and business hub, Hong Kong provides career development opportunities unparalleled in any other place,” she added.
      
     Under the publicity exercise, a dedicated webpage (assg.hketo.ca) about the ASSG has been added to the Toronto ETO’s official website. The new webpage serves to provide second generation of Hong Kong emigrants in Canada with information on the latest developments of Hong Kong as well as details on the ASSG including its implementation, characteristics, eligibility criteria and application procedures. Videos of two successful candidates from Canada have been uploaded to highlight their positive experience of the scheme.
      
     Via the webpage, visitors can also watch videos of six Canadians who talk about their living and working experience in Hong Kong.
      
     In addition to the ASSG, the HKSAR Government also administers other admission schemes including the General Employment Policy, the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. Details can also be found on the new webpage.
      
     As well as creating the dedicated webpage, the Toronto ETO has also published full-page supplements on the ASSG in both English and Chinese newspapers in Canada, which can also be viewed on the new webpage.

     Toronto ETO will continue reaching out to Hong Kong emigrants and foreign students in Canada through other channels to promote the various admission schemes.
      
     As at August 25, 2016, the Immigration Department had received 56 ASSG applications from Canada, of which 30 were approved.    
      
     Enquiries about the ASSG or other admission schemes can be made to the Immigration Department via its hotline (852 2824 6111) and email (enquiry@immd.gov.hk). Enquirers can also contact Toronto ETO at (416) 924 5544 and its liaison office in Vancouver at (604) 331 1300 or through email (info@hketotoronto.gov.hk).

Ends/Thursday, September 8, 2016
Issued at HKT 4:00

NNNN