Ronnie O'Sullivan message sent by Hong Kong immigration chief after sharing living plans

icon has been urged to return to Hong Kong to finalise where to live if he's serious about his plans to permanently reside outside of the UK. The 39-year-old announced in October 2024 through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.

O'Sullivan has cited the city's food, culture, lower tax rates, and his increased work schedule in Asia as the reasons for his new residency. He's now admitted he's on the verge of basing abroad full-time, and plans to leave his current base in Essex. However, he also revealed he's considering a move to the Middle East, with 'The Rocket' running his own academy in Saudi Arabia.

"I think I am going to be moving out of the UK this year," said O'Sullivan. "A new life somewhere else, I don't know how that is going to pan out. I will still try to play snooker, but I don't know what the future looks like."

Now the country's Director of Immigration, Benson Kwok, has conceded O'Sullivan will be looking at other living options. However, he sent a message to the seven-time world champion that the Far East country was ready to find him somewhere to live.

"For a top talent like O'Sullivan, there are many options for places of residence," he said. "Hong Kong has a lot of competitors. Perhaps we need to wait until he is back in Hong Kong later to decide on where his future place of living will be."

The country is not due to host another major snooker tournament until the World Grand Prix in February 2026. However, O'Sullivan is likely to be back before then and is expected to be in neighbouring China for the Wuhan Open in August.

World no.1 also became a Hong Kong resident in January, going through the same scheme as rival O'Sullivan. He's since relocated there and now divides his time between the country and Dubai.

He's since , saying: "There's so much to do and see, and the place is buzzing. There is a lot of energy in Hong Kong, especially when the weather is good. There is a whole mix of things."