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

Hong Kong’s immigration chief has rejected claims that world‑class snooker players are using a local talent scheme primarily to cut their tax bills, saying zero‑tax Middle Eastern destinations would be more logical if avoidance were the only goal.

Director of Immigration Benson Kwok Joon‑fung stressed on Sunday that the city’s public safety, convenient transport and education system appealed to global talent, pushing back against criticism in a televised interview after snooker icon Jimmy White recently became Hong Kong’s latest high‑profile resident.

He was among 138 current or retired athletes who had come to Hong Kong through talent schemes since 2023, including more than 10 snooker players, Kwok said.

When asked to respond to critics who said White and other top players chose Hong Kong to lower their tax bills, Kwok said: “Some people say they come just to evade taxes. Indeed, the low tax rate in Hong Kong is an attraction.”

But Kwok pointed out that some countries in the Middle East did not impose any tax, arguing those destinations would be better options if the athletes were only trying to dodge duties.

“Hong Kong has its own unique attractions, including our good public security, convenient transport, top‑tier education for their children, world‑renowned food and the Hong Kong passport that is convenient for travelling,” he said.