The Government has implemented the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals since 15 July 2003. According to a letter to the Federation from the Immigration Department:
Under the Scheme, there is no quota or sectoral restrictions and successful applicants are allowed to bring in their spouses and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to Hong Kong. Furthermore, the Scheme permits companies with established operations in Hong Kong to sponsor the entry of a Mainland employee working in their Mainland offices for intra-company transfer to or cross-posting in Hong Kong. Companies can thus post their employees in the Mainland to Hong Kong for exposure or for assisting in operations relating to the interface between the Mainland and other markets.