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Snooker stars not in Hong Kong just for low tax, immigration chief says
HK🏛️ PoliticsCenter8 days ago

Snooker stars not in Hong Kong just for low tax, immigration chief says

Hong Kong's immigration chief, Benson Kwok Joon-fung, addressed recent criticisms that world-class snooker players are using the city's talent schemes primarily to avoid taxes. He argued that while Hong Kong's low tax rates are an attraction, destinations like Middle Eastern countries with zero taxation would be more logical if tax avoidance were the main goal. Kwok emphasized that Hong Kong's appeal lies in factors such as public safety, transportation, education, food quality, and the convenience of the Hong Kong passport. He highlighted that snooker legend Jimmy White, known as 'The Whirlwind,' recently gained residency through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme and plans to establish a snooker academy in the city. Over 138 athletes, including over 10 snooker players, have moved to Hong Kong via talent programs since 2023.

UK officials have ruled out deporting former Hong Kong opposition leader Wu Chi-wai following a recent complication in his application for permanent residence. The British immigration minister, Jo White, confirmed in a written response to former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten that overseas convictions will not automatically disqualify individuals from applying for settlement under the British National (Overseas) route. Wu, a former chairman of the defunct Democratic Party and a former legislator, had faced initial rejection at London Heathrow Airport earlier this month before being temporarily admitted. Wu was released from a Hong Kong prison in late June after completing a four-year-and-five-month sentence related to a landmark subversion case tied to his participation in a 2020 unofficial primary election. He had previously considered applying for the BN(O) pathway to UK citizenship to join his family, who already reside in Britain. His application process encountered delays, with him initially granted only seven days of temporary admission. However, after public advocacy efforts led by figures such as Patten, he was allowed to stay as a visitor for six months. Patten, who once served as Hong Kong’s chief executive, wrote to the government urging clearer guidelines for caseworkers and border staff regarding the treatment of individuals facing political persecution. Patten's involvement highlights the broader context of concerns over the treatment of dissidents in Hong Kong. His letter to the Home Office emphasized the need for fairness and transparency in assessing applications from those who might face discrimination or unfair treatment abroad. This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by pro-democracy activists and former lawmakers seeking refuge in Western countries. Separately, another notable figure has gained residency in Hong Kong through a different route. Snooker star Jimmy White, known as “The Whirlwind,” has officially become a Hong Kong resident via the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. The Hong Kong Immigration Department announced on Wednesday that White received his identity card and is now settled in the city. Joining him in this status are other prominent players such as seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and current world number one Judd Trump, who also secured residency through the same program in 2024. In a video shared on the department’s Instagram account, White reflected on his past connections to Hong Kong, recalling his appearance alongside comedian Stephen Chow Sing-chi in a 1991 film. He expressed hopes of reconnecting with old friends and contributing to the local community. His long-term goal includes establishing a snooker academy to develop local talent and promote the sport in Hong Kong. “My plan in Hong Kong is to maybe open a snooker academy and find the snooker talent of Hong Kong, promote snooker as much as I can,” he stated. Both developments reflect the diverse pathways available for individuals seeking residency in Hong Kong, whether through political asylum, sports talent programs, or personal ties. While Wu’s case continues to draw attention due to its political dimensions, White’s move illustrates how international recognition and professional achievements can also play a role in shaping migration patterns. As these stories unfold, they highlight the complex interplay between law, politics, and individual aspirations in the context of global mobility.

3 reports

South China Morning Post logoSouth China Morning PostIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9012 days ago
Snooker star Jimmy White becomes Hong Kong resident through talent scheme

Snooker player Jimmy White has become a Hong Kong resident through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, a program designed to attract skilled individuals to the region. He has expressed intentions to establish a snooker academy in Hong Kong to develop local talent. White joined other notable snooker players like Judd Trump and Ronnie O'Sullivan, who also became residents under the same scheme in 2024. In a video released by the Hong Kong Immigration Department, White reflected on his past involvement in a 1991 Hong Kong film alongside comedian Stephen Chow and mentioned hopes of reconnecting with him. White emphasized his desire to promote snooker in Hong Kong and support emerging talent.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a non-controversial immigration policy and personal ambitions of a celebrity, with no evident ideological framing or biased language. It presents factual information about the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme and does not take a stance on political issues.

Why factuality (95): The article factually reports Jimmy White's residency status in Hong Kong through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, citing official announcements and mentioning other notable individuals who have joined the scheme. It includes direct quotes from White and contextualizes his move within the broad

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral and balanced tone, focusing on factual reporting without apparent bias. It highlights White's personal connections to Hong Kong and his future plans, but does so in a straightforward manner without overt emotional appeal or editorializing.

South China Morning Post logoSouth China Morning PostIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 7510 days ago
UK rules out deporting ex-Hong Kong opposition leader after entry hiccup

The UK has ruled out deporting former Hong Kong opposition leader Wu Chi-wai despite initial entry complications. Immigration Minister Jo White stated that overseas convictions should not automatically disqualify individuals from the British National (Overseas) citizenship route. Wu, who was released from Hong Kong prison in June after a four-year-and-five-month sentence related to a 2020 election case, was initially denied entry to the UK but later granted temporary admission. He had considered applying for the BN(O) pathway to join his family already living in Britain. Public advocacy, including from former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten, led to extended visa terms and calls for clearer guidelines on handling politically persecuted applicants.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the UK government's decision, citing official statements and the background of Wu Chi-wai's legal history. It includes perspectives from both the UK authorities and advocacy groups, without overtly favoring either side. The framing remains neutral, focusing

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the UK's decision not to deport Wu Chi-wai based on statements from the UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship. It provides context about Wu's background, his release from prison, and the political advocacy involved in his case. While it does not include direct quot

Why objectivity (75): The article presents the information in a neutral tone but includes some emotionally charged language such as 'political persecution' and emphasizes the humanitarian aspect of Wu's case. This may slightly skew the narrative towards supporting his right to stay, though it remains largely objective.

South China Morning Post logoSouth China Morning PostIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 658 days ago
Snooker stars not in Hong Kong just for low tax, immigration chief says

Hong Kong's immigration chief, Benson Kwok Joon-fung, addressed recent criticisms that world-class snooker players are using the city's talent schemes primarily to avoid taxes. He argued that while Hong Kong's low tax rates are an attraction, destinations like Middle Eastern countries with zero taxation would be more logical if tax avoidance were the main goal. Kwok emphasized that Hong Kong's appeal lies in factors such as public safety, transportation, education, food quality, and the convenience of the Hong Kong passport. He highlighted that snooker legend Jimmy White, known as 'The Whirlwind,' recently gained residency through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme and plans to establish a snooker academy in the city. Over 138 athletes, including over 10 snooker players, have moved to Hong Kong via talent programs since 2023.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced perspective by quoting the immigration chief directly, emphasizing both the tax advantages and other non-tax-related attractions of Hong Kong. There is no overt ideological slant or selective emphasis on specific viewpoints. The framing remains neutral, focusing on事实和

Why factuality (75): The article reports on statements made by Hong Kong’s immigration chief, Benson Kwok Joon-fung, regarding the motivations of snooker players like Jimmy White moving to Hong Kong. It cites specific numbers, such as 138 athletes since 2023 and over 10 snooker players, which align with the cross-source

Why objectivity (65): The article presents the immigration chief's perspective but also includes critics' viewpoints, though it frames the debate around the chief's rebuttal. While it avoids overt bias, there is a slight tilt toward the government's position, particularly when emphasizing Hong Kong's 'unique attractions.

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