My Take | An expat exodus is looming fast as Hong Kong’s allure fades
- Hong Kong must do all it can to keep foreign residents from leaving and attract others like them if it wishes to make good on its claim to be an international city
A familiar remark by long-time foreign residents of Hong Kong is that they had only intended to stay a year or two when they first arrived. The appeal of this dynamic city, with its opportunities and freedoms, kept them here. Many have stayed for decades.
Sadly, Hong Kong’s allure appears to be fading. It is facing an exodus. The American Chamber of Commerce released results of a survey among its members last week. The poll showed 42 per cent of the 325 respondents are planning or considering leaving.
The political environment and Covid-19 restrictions were the reasons cited most. More than 62 per cent of those considering a departure said the national security law, passed last year, made them feel uncomfortable. More than a third were worried about the quality of education after the passing of that law. Nearly half considering leaving cited quarantine restrictions making it more difficult for them to visit family overseas.
Comments made by respondents included concerns the fabric of Hong Kong is rapidly changing and the culture at work appears less international. Most worrying was the feedback citing anti-Western sentiment and a waning of the tolerance traditionally shown to expats.
China’s foreign ministry took a more positive view of the results. It pointed out that 58 per cent of those who responded intended to stay. It is, perhaps, a question of whether you see the glass as half full or half empty. Among those who said they were remaining, the quality of life, excellent business environment and belief that the city offers a promising future, were the most commonly cited reasons.
But the survey reflects anecdotal evidence that expats are planning to get out in significant numbers. Among them are many who have lived in the city for years. Every day I seem to speak to someone who is putting an exit strategy in place. Intentions to retire in Hong Kong are being abandoned. Vague notions of returning home someday are suddenly becoming concrete plans.