Assuming things go ahead as discussed, then this document seems to provide a bit more info for people already here:
http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr05-06/engl...gcobrief-e.pdf
It differentiates between those workers already here on a sponsored work visa and those who will in future come in under the QMAS scheme. Paragraph 23 states:
23. From the imposition of the requirement in July 2003 up to end of December 2005, the Immigration Department (ImmD) has received 770 applications from dependants for permission to work. All but one application have been approved. The business community has reflected to the Administration time and again that the requirement may have affected Hong Kong?s edge in attracting professionals to come to Hong Kong. In the light of the improving economic conditions and the employment situation, the requirement that the dependants of those persons admitted into Hong Kong for employment or as capital investment entrants must apply for permission to work will be removed. In a similar vein, dependants of QMAS immigrants will be allowed to work without prior permission from D of Imm. The date for the implementation of the new policy on employment of dependants will be separately announced.
So hopefully its just a matter of the date.