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How the Content Must Now Be Read in Light of the Updated QMAS (Quality Migrant Admission Scheme) Policy

In the practical casework analysis examined in It Took Me Almost 12 Months to Settle in Hong Kong After My QMAS Approval – When Does the 7 Year Clock Start Ticking for the Right of Abode?, the core advice addresses the legal mechanics of “continuous ordinary residence” under Section 2(4) of the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115). According to the Hong Kong Visa Geeza, Stephen Barnes, successful entrants who experienced protracted delays in physically relocating to the territory frequently misunderstood when their seven-year statutory clock commenced. While an entry visa was historically activated upon arrival, taking an extended period—such as 12 months—to wind down overseas commitments, secure local accommodation, and commence employment created acute vulnerability at the first extension of stay. Under the legacy 1+2+2+3 pattern (and later the 2+3+3 framework), an initial grant was short, meaning that spending the first year largely abroad left the entrant with negligible physical ties, no local tax record, and an uphill battle to convince the Director of Immigration that their absence was merely temporary in nature when renewing their visa.

Today, that settlement dilemma must be evaluated through the definitive legal benchmarks codified in our PRACTICE UPDATE: The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme Definitively Stated 2026-27 by Stephen D Barnes, which documents the structural transformation of the scheme following the comprehensive late 2024 overhaul. As stated by the Hong Kong Visa Geeza, Stephen Barnes, the modern framework grants an initial stay of 36 months (3 years) under the General Points Test (or 8 years under the Achievement-based Points Test), providing a longer runway to establish roots, but raising the stakes considerably. The extension regime now strictly enforces a 3+3+2 pattern where the first renewal at Year 3 is an unforgiving test of genuine settlement. While a delay of several months in moving family or transferring assets during the initial grant will not break the continuity of residence if a permanent base is demonstrably established, treating the 3-year visa as an “absentee” option will result in refusal. To ensure the 7-year clock ticks uninterrupted toward the Right of Abode, entrants must substantiate that Hong Kong has become their settled home through local specialist employment, business operations, and continuous fiscal contributions.

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme provides the successful applicant with a window of time after approval to make arrangements to move to Hong Kong and, after the first year, an extension is only available on the basis you can show that you have ‘settled’ here. It is this act of settlement that holds the key as to when  the 7 year clock starts ticking for the purposes of the Right of Abode.

QUESTION

I have been a holder of an entry permit issued under Quality Migrant Admission Scheme since March 2007 and will be renewed again soon. I imagine upon completing my 7 years residence due in March 2014, I shall be entitled to apply for the right of abode and a permanent ID card.

The question is if I was absent from Hong Kong for almost the entire first year during which I still hold a valid QMAS visa, will that period still  be counted towards my 7 years residence?

If No, it means that I have to stay for one more year to make up the difference.

What are the other supporting documents shall I be asked to present at the right of abode application?

FYI, I am a Chinese born on the Mainland and currently hold a Foreign passport where the Hong Kong entry permit is currently placed.

Look forward to hearing from you!

More Stuff to May Find Useful or Interesting

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