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Snooker star Hossein Vafaei looks primed to set up a new home in Hong Kong after being granted residency by its government. The Iranian ace has thanked the authorities for their decision as he follows the sport's other stars away from the United Kingdom.

Judd Trump departed for the United Arab Emirates in 2025, but wasleft homeless when he exited the region due to conflict in the Middle East. The 36-year-old did not want to get stuck and relocated to Bangkok.

Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has settled in Hong Kong and Dubai in recent years and the Rocket revealed his family's decision to leave their home in Chigwell, in part, came down to its convenience for the tournament circuit. O'Sullivan made the move with his wife not keen on relocating to Sheffield.

While O'Sullivan resides in Dubai, he initially made his move to Hong Kong through the 'Quality Migrant Admission Scheme' and it appears Vafaei may have had a similar success.

"Thanks to Hong Kong government for gifting me Hong Kong residency," Vafaei posted on Instagram.

The Persian Prince has already seen a well-travelled career and found himself living in Darlington somewhat by accident in 2021. Vafaei relocated to County Durham where he practiced at the Q House Academy with players including Zhou Yuelong, Thepchaiya Un-nooh and compatriot Soheil Vahedi.

After travelling to the United Kingdom for the World Championship, lockdown struck and he remained. "At the moment I'm living in Darlington, for the last World Championship I came with one small suitcase and after that I couldn't go back," Vafaei said at the time.

"I just came by myself, I couldn't even go back to change my clothes or anything, and now everything's closed I couldn't buy anything. Oh my God, what I've done, trying to lose some weight! I ordered stuff but it was too big, so I had to wait till lockdown finished to go to the shop."

More recently, Vafaei took up residence in Sheffield. A decision he was very pleased about when it came to competing at this year's World Championship at the Crucible.

"I live in Sheffield," he said. I wake up from my own bed, I come to the match. Perfect.

"That's why I came to live in Sheffield and be beside the Crucible, and to imagine one day lifting the trophy, and then it should happen."

Vafaei was the only qualifier to make it past the first round last month before ultimately falling to eventual champion Wu Yize in the quarter-finals. Wu also resides in Sheffield, training at Ding Junhui's academy.

"Sheffield is a snooker city. They love snooker. Lots of snooker academies here, lots of good international restaurants," Vafaei has also said on living in the Steel City.

"Whenever you want to play someone, there's always someone for you to play and not easy opponents, they always give you a good game. Sheffield is a good city."