Hong Kong’s labour chief Chris Sun has said geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have made the city, with its relative security and stability, a more attractive place for global talent, including from Gulf countries. About a fourth of imported workers from various schemes are foreign passport holders. The Global Talent Summit Week, which he attended on Wednesday, drew participants from Europe, the United States and Southeast Asia.
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han has said geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have made the city, with its relative security and stability, “a more attractive place” for global talent, including those from Gulf countries. Speaking at the Global Talent Summit Week on Wednesday, he highlighted the government’s recent efforts to attract talent while dismissing concerns that most successful applicants under its schemes were from mainland China. He noted that about a fourth of imported workers from various schemes were foreign passport holders. “A significant number of overseas talents choosing Hong Kong as their base for development truly demonstrates the city’s importance and attractiveness as a talent hub,” he said. “We know that, given the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Hong Kong – with our secure environment and very stable opportunities – has become a more attractive place for talent from around the world, including those from the region who can use Hong Kong as a base for development.” The event drew participants from Europe, the United States and Southeast Asia. Hong Kong Talent Engage, a government office under the Labour and Welfare Bureau, visited Saudi Arabia last year. Keywords mentioned include Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, KESK, Qianhai, CareerConnect Expo, Middle East, Saudi Arabia, Southeast Asia, Iraq, and Global Talent Summit Week. The article was published on 2026-03-18.
