Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun stressed that obtaining a visa under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) does not automatically grant permanent residency.

Speaking after a radio programme on Saturday, he said those admitted under the scheme must have their talent scheme visas renewed twice and demonstrate stable employment or business operations within Hong Kong to qualify for permanent resident status.

Sun's comments addressed concerns raised by Leung Chun-ying regarding resource sharing, with the former SAR chief executive expressing apprehension that some mainlanders might be using talent schemes primarily to gain Hong Kong residency and access associated benefits.

Sun emphasised the critical importance of attracting top talent to counter the SAR's declining labour force and shrinking young population, saying that they provide significant impetus to the city's economy.

The labour chief said talent and their children who come to Hong Kong in accordance with the law should be welcomed as part of the community, adding that all systems and social services must operate in an orderly manner, ensuring fairness for both locals and newcomers.

"We are making full use of the whole spectrum of talent admission schemes available to us, including the schemes targeting those [who] already had a job offer before arriving in Hong Kong," he said.

"And also, for talents under the TTPS, where we only require them to prove either they are high-earners, or graduates from one of the top 100 universities in the world.

"We are encouraged by the visa renewal outcome of the TTPS. We are going to further step up our promotion, so that we are going to attract more talents to Hong Kong to help us grow our economy."

Sun also expressed deep concern over an industrial accident that occurred on Friday, in which a 20-year-old MTR worker died after being pinned against the wall by an engineering vehicle that rolled backwards at the company's Siu Ho Wan depot on Lantau.

Sun confirmed that the Labour Department has issued a suspension notice related to the incident.

He said the authorities would conduct a strict investigation according to relevant regulations and that any legal violations uncovered would be pursued.