Innovation and Technology Commission responds to media report

     In response to a media report yesterday (October 25) on the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS), a spokesman for the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) gave the following reply today (October 26):
      
     Since the TechTAS came into operation in June this year, 142 quotas have been allotted under the scheme.
      
     With respect to the ITC, the processing of all these 142 quota applications was completed within the target of two weeks upon receipt of all the required information and documents. On average, the processing time was around three working days.  As for the Immigration Department, 12 applications for a visa / entry permit have been approved so far. The processing of all these cases was completed also within the target of two weeks’ time.
       
     The Harbin Institute of Technology, which is mentioned in the media report, is ranked ninth in Engineering/Technology and Computer Sciences in the latest (2016) Academic Ranking of World Universities (also known as the Shanghai Ranking). It is, therefore, a well-recognised university as required by the TechTAS.  It should not be required to submit lots of documentary proof.
      
     The ITC and the Immigration Department will keep processing applications within the target timeframe, so as to facilitate the admission of required talent for the technology sector.