Hong Kong jobseekers on dependent visas hampered by language skills as employers ‘pivot’ to mainland China market
- ‘Do you speak Chinese?’ common question by many potential hirers, according to former job-hunter
- Scepticism over visa status another obstacle as candidates’ stay seen as dependent on partners
Ace Ara came to Hong Kong to start a new life in his wife’s hometown in June 2022, but little did he know that the decision was the beginning of a year-long job hunt spanning about 500 applications.
Experts have warned that employers are sceptical about hiring people on dependent visas and if Hong Kong wants to remain an international city, the job market must accommodate them.
A consultant at a semi-official Beijing think tank also said the government, commercial sector and other industries should work out a comprehensive approach to attract talent, including offering help to dependent visa holders.
Immigration Department data shows that from 2018 to 2022, authorities approved about 23,500 dependent visas per year.
From January this year to June, the number of approvals of dependent visas skyrocketed to 48,691, largely because of the Top Talent Pass Scheme.
