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Hong Kong has announced plans for a new visa category allowing non-local participants to attend recognised short-term training programmes, as the city seeks to develop into a regional training hub.
The measure appears in Chief Executive John Lee’s 2026 Policy Address, delivered on 16 September. The address sets out initiatives guided by Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan for 2026–2030. Government announcement
Under the proposal, training programmes must be recognised by government bureaux and departments. Enrolling in a course would therefore not, by itself, establish eligibility for the new route. The announcement does not provide a list of qualifying programmes or detailed application instructions. 2026 Policy Address, paragraph 152
Some further details have emerged through reporting. The South China Morning Post reported on 16 September that the visa could become available as early as the first quarter of 2027, covering recognised programmes lasting less than 12 months. That remains a reported timetable, rather than a confirmed opening date in the Policy Address. Programme length should also not be treated as confirmation that every successful applicant would receive a 12-month stay. SCMP report
Hong Kong already has immigration arrangements for training. The Immigration Department’s existing guidance allows eligible applicants to undertake training for up to 12 months to acquire skills and knowledge unavailable in their place of residence. It also distinguishes certain classroom seminars that visitors may attend from activities involving on-the-job training, secondment or internships in an employment relationship. Those existing rules should not be mistaken for the application conditions of the newly announced category. Immigration Department guidance
The proposal sits alongside wider changes to talent admission. The government will consider adding more AI-related professions to the Talent List and plans to ease certain Top Talent Pass Scheme extension requirements for proprietors of technology start-ups supported by designated public-sector organisations. These are targeted measures, rather than a blanket relaxation for all founders. 2026 Policy Address
For prospective participants, the key details still to check are the recognised programmes, application process, permitted length of stay and conditions attached to the new visa. In the official material reviewed for this article on 30 September 2026, I could not verify a dedicated application guide for the new category.
