Shiu Ka-fai urges HK$20 million visa for Northern Metropolis
SingTao · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Ahead of the release of the Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address on September 16, Liberal Party chairman Shiu Ka-fai said Hong Kong must focus fully on economic growth in its new stage of development. He argued that development of the Northern Metropolis and deeper integration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area should be top priorities, using Hong Kong’s legal system and national backing to build a larger commercial circle. Shiu also proposed a new investment immigration scheme for the Northern Metropolis with a threshold above HK$20 million, including a mandatory HK$10 million investment in a physical shop employing at least two to three local workers. Other lawmakers from the Federation of Trade Unions and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong called for stronger labour participation targets, AI job monitoring, and a balance between imported labour and local employment protection
Key Points
- Shiu Ka-fai said the Five-Year Plan and the new Policy Address will be released on September 16, with economic growth central to improving living standards
- He described the Northern Metropolis and Greater Bay Area integration as crucial, saying Hong Kong should help quality products reach Belt and Road and Southeast Asian markets
- Citing rapid ageing, Shiu said about one-third of Hong Kong residents already hold JoyYou Cards, making population expansion and talent admission increasingly important
- His proposed investment immigration plan would require over HK$20 million, with HK$10 million used to open a physical shop and hire two to three locals
- Lawmakers Tang Ka-piu and Elizabeth Quat said policy priorities should include jobs, housing, elderly care, AI safeguards, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises
Why It Matters
The proposals show how debate over the coming Policy Address is centring on whether Hong Kong can attract capital and people without weakening job security for local workers. They also point to pressure on the government to connect long-term development in the Northern Metropolis with immediate concerns over ageing, youth employment, and the impact of AI on lower-skilled work