On 6 October 2021, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam delivered her annual policy address at the Legislative Council. Measures were proposed to promote the personnel flow and consider extending the Immigration Arrangement for Non-local Graduates (IANG) programme to cover graduates of Chinese mainland-Hong Kong universities located in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). UIC graduates are expected to gain more possibilities to work in Hong Kong once the initiatives to expand Hong Kong's talent pool are implemented.
Hong Kong, in recent years, has cooperated with the Chinese mainland for full-scale cooperation in seven higher education institutes. UIC, founded by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and Beijing Normal University (BNU) in Zhuhai, was the forerunner.
The arrangement, which allows graduates to seek employment in Hong Kong, currently applies only to non-local graduates who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time locally accredited programme in Hong Kong.
It was reported that Hong Kong Education Bureau would launch a further discussion on relevant issues and requirements for mainland applicants.
UIC graduates in HKBU commencement
UIC graduates after the graduation ceremony
Perspectives from UICers
Zhang Zihan
Fourth-year student in Accounting (ACCT) Programme
"An extra option for employment in the Greater Bay Area"
Zhang Zihan said that the new initiative would give more chances to those who would like to stay and work in Hong Kong. However, to further increase students' willingness to stay in Hong Kong, it is still needed for substantial improvement in housing, social benefits, salary, and transport. Zhang Zihan is applying for a master's degree in Hong Kong. Attracted by the accounting industry's high standard, prospects, and wages payment, Zihan hopes to stay in Hong Kong, her first choice for employment in the GBA.
Zhang Zihan
Xu Mengru
2015 graduate in Social Work and Social Administration (SWSA) Programme
"Challenge yourself until the dream comes true"
Xu Mengru is currently a human resource manager in China Minsheng Banking Corp (CMBC) International Holdings Limited. It has been six years since she started to work in Hong Kong. Her original intention to stay in Hong Kong was to challenge herself. However, as time went by, she gradually fell in love with the city and intends to stay here. The people she has met in her career brought unique visions and ideas to her. They also led her to grow in personal values and professional capabilities.
Xu Mengru
Mei Di
2013 graduate in Applied Economics (AE) Programme
"Grow with UIC Alumni Association (UICAA)"
Mei Di has worked in the field of finance in Hong Kong for seven years. He also grew a network in UIC Alumni Association (UICAA), with those supporting each other. According to Mei Di, universities like UIC adopted the teaching model that helps graduates adapt to Hong Kong life and the working environment. The new initiative would leave more job opportunities to UIC graduates once the government implement it.
Mei Di (front row, second from the right) and Hong Kong members of UICAA gathering
From MPRO
Reporter: Du Jiewen
Editors: Samuel Burgess, Deen He, Covee Wang
