【Hong Kong’s Spiralling Emigration Trend】 | MiExpert | All-i

Migration Statistics

The net migration rate for Hong Kong in 2022 was approximately 3.316 per 1000 people in the population, which is surprisingly low for a developing financial hub. This number marks a 4.85% decline in migration rate from 2021. Currently in 2023, the net migration rate continues to drop to 3.147 per 1000 population, a 5.1% decline from 2022. While this might be due to a decrease in immigrants coming to Hong Kong, it is also telling of an increasing amount of emigrants who are choosing to leave their homes.

Emigration Factors

One of the main drivers of this trend is the political situation in Hong Kong. In 2019, the city was rocked by months of protests against a proposed extradition bill that would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be extradited to mainland China for trial. The protests eventually led to the bill being withdrawn, but the unrest has continued, with many residents feeling increasingly disillusioned with the government and the direction of the city.

Another factor driving emigration from Hong Kong is the economic situation. The city has long been one of the most expensive places to live in the world, with high housing costs and a competitive job market. In recent years, the economic situation has become even more challenging, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating existing problems and leading to job losses and business closures.

Despite these challenges, Hong Kong remains a popular destination for many people, with its vibrant culture, world-class dining and shopping, and stunning natural scenery. However, the emigration trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, as people seek out new opportunities and a better quality of life elsewhere.

Popular Emigration Destinations

In terms of the most popular destinations for Hong Kong emigrants, the United Kingdom and Canada have traditionally been popular choices, offering a high standard of living, good job opportunities, and a welcoming environment for immigrants. Australia follows closely after as one of Hong Kong’s emigrant hotspots, with its impeccable weather and economic stability. That said, a decent chunk of emigrants have decided to relocate to Asian countries, with some moving into Mainland China, and others to Singapore and Taiwan.

Hong Kong’s population has dropped for a third straight year since 2019, with a net outflow of 60,000 residents. More than 113,000 residents have left Hong Kong amid an emigration wave over the past 12 months, contributing to a drop of nearly 1% drop in the population. In fact, the number of departures was nearly 1.3 times higher than the amount recorded between mid-2020 and mid-2021, when 89,200 residents left Hong Kong in search of greener pastures.