Ronnie O’Sullivan, the celebrated snooker champion, has applied for and been granted residency in Hong Kong through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), demonstrating the city’s ongoing commitment to attracting global talent.
It also reaffirms Hong Kong’s ability to draw high-caliber individuals from around the world, who will contribute to the city’s diversity and international standing. O’Sullivan’s decision to settle in Hong Kong highlights the success of the city’s talent trawling program, boding well for its drive to become a global talent hub.
The QMAS has consistently proved to be a powerful tool in attracting individuals of exceptional merit from around the world. O’Sullivan, a seven-time world snooker champion, is an exemplary figure whose decision to settle in Hong Kong illustrates the effectiveness of the city’s talent attraction initiative. His stature in the international sports community is unparalleled, and his choice to base himself in Hong Kong reflects the city’s growing appeal to elite professionals from elsewhere. This is not a coincidence but a well-calculated outcome of Hong Kong’s strategic efforts to maintain its global competitiveness by offering an environment conducive to professional success and personal fulfilment, inspiring others to seek similar opportunities.
One of the primary factors that has drawn O’Sullivan to Hong Kong is its unique and highly attractive tax regime. The city’s low tax rates provide significant financial incentives for international professionals, offering economic freedom that few other global cities can match. O’Sullivan has cited this as a critical factor in his decision to move to Hong Kong, and it is easy to see why. In an era where professionals are increasingly mobile and discerning about where they live and work, Hong Kong’s competitive tax structure is a definite advantage. The city’s financial policies are built to attract and retain top-tier talent, and O’Sullivan’s move is a clear affirmation of the success of this strategy.
Moreover, O’Sullivan’s decision to reside in Hong Kong is not solely based on financial considerations. His statements about the city reflect a deep personal affinity for its culture, people and lifestyle. He has spoken warmly about his many trips to the city, the friendships he has cultivated, and the vibrant sporting community he has seen here. His participation in events such as the Hong Kong Masters and his social media posts chronicling his experiences highlight the city’s unique combination of professional opportunities and personal enjoyment, piquing the interest of potential talent.
Hong Kong’s competitive tax regime, vibrant culture, and high quality of life make it an ideal location for international professionals seeking a balance between career advancement and personal fulfilment. O’Sullivan’s move to the city will inspire others to follow in his footsteps
Critics have raised concerns about Hong Kong’s increasing integration with the Chinese mainland. But they often fail to account for the nuanced reality of Hong Kong’s position. As a special administrative region of China, the city enjoys a high degree of autonomy, particularly in areas such as immigration, legal governance, and economic policy. This autonomy allows Hong Kong to maintain its distinct identity as the freest economy in the world, as well as its time-tested capitalist system, common law system and appeal while benefiting from its close economic ties with the mainland, the world’s second-largest economy. For professionals like O’Sullivan, the city offers the best of both worlds: the stability and opportunities of being part of China, combined with the freedoms and vibrancy that have long characterized the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. His decision to make Hong Kong his home is a powerful rebuttal to those questioning the city’s prospects.
The QMAS is not merely about attracting high-profile figures like O’Sullivan; it is part of a broader strategy to position Hong Kong as a global leader across multiple sectors. By selectively admitting individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their fields, Hong Kong ensures its workforce remains dynamic, innovative and competitive. This strategy is paying off. Through this program, thousands of professionals from diverse industries — from finance and technology to creative arts — have successfully integrated into Hong Kong’s economy. O’Sullivan’s residency is just one high-profile example of a much larger trend that is helping solidify Hong Kong’s place in the world.
It is also important to note that the success of the QMAS is not measured solely by the number of individuals it attracts. The key to long-term success lies in Hong Kong’s ability to retain these talented individuals by offering them an environment where they can thrive professionally and personally. O’Sullivan’s ongoing hiatus from competitive snooker because of medical reasons serves as a reminder that health and well-being are important considerations for any professional when choosing a place to live. Hong Kong’s world-class healthcare system, combined with its high standard of living, ensures that residents have access to the support they need to maintain their physical and mental well-being. This holistic approach to talent retention is one of the key reasons Hong Kong remains a preferred destination for professionals worldwide.
Hong Kong’s competitive tax regime, vibrant culture, and high quality of life make it an ideal location for international professionals seeking a balance between career advancement and personal fulfilment. O’Sullivan’s move to the city will inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
As the city continues to evolve and adapt, its appeal to international talent is expected to grow, offering a compelling mix of economic opportunity, cultural vibrancy, and lifestyle advantages that few other cities can match, instilling confidence in its prospects.
The author is a solicitor, a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area lawyer, and a China-appointed attesting officer.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
