Why Are So Many People Leaving Hong Kong? 202120748H. That strategy, which has long required weeks-long quarantines for all arrivals, is becoming even stricter as the city battles a surge in infections that has crossed into more than 6,000 daily cases. Others are deleting social media accounts and disliking pages linked to protesters. What to watch this month Netflix & more! Some of those rainmakers the city is pulling in command bigger salaries than others. This has caused concern among expatriates and prompted them to leave Hong Kong. Young activists like Wong have no patience with the older generation of Hong Kong activists. A recent survey commissioned by the Democratic Party of Hong Kong found that 65 percent of respondents believe the city needs to adopt a COVID-19 strategy to combat the viral outbreak. People are also facing the prospect of waiting months before they can reunite with their belongings. After more than two years of Covid-19 restrictions that have no end in sight alongside a deepening political crackdown, the ranks of people leaving the Asian financial hub for good are steadily increasing - but many are finding that getting out is no easy feat. Theyve had enough, he said. In addition, more than four out of five expatriates say that the language is not difficult to learn, which is essential if you want to stay in the city for a long time. Im lucky enough to have met my amazing husband here and very sadly watched him battle with cancer and depart this world. Foreigners are leaving Hong Kong, believe it's turning into mainland Some want to go underground, while others are preparing for a more violent path. Another said the National Security Law was destroying Hong Kongs international appeal. Many ex-pats went home for a few months this year. Buying a Home in California Is Already Hard. Required fields are marked *. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. B.N. The death knell for Hong Kong has been sounded many times since Britain returned this city to China in 1997. Hong Kong, once a paradise for foreigners seeking to work . Nine out of ten expatriates surveyed in the study said housing is unaffordable in Hong Kong. He said he had also become more cautious when talking to people as Hong Kongs situation was sensitive. The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change. It found that 44% of individuals said that they may leave Hong Kong due to its border controls and social restrictions. The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong pointed to border closures as a major issue for those surveyed. Thats an additional $S27,900 per year, after tax, Andrew points out. HONG KONG (BLOOMBERG) - After calling Hong Kong home for 30 years, Tina, a self-employed mum, is calling it quits on the city and moving to Portugal. No. Non-ethnic Chinese citizens can also apply for naturalization. 2023 Expat Living Hong Kong, All Rights Reserved. And thats if you can find an apartment. Big Take: Why Expat Bankers Are Leaving Hong Kong - Bloomberg Why Are Expats Leaving Hong Kong? China Communist Party and Covid 3:30 Download Embed Enlarge this image Kevin Tranbarger poses with his two children outside the Hong Kong International Airport in July, before they left for the United. She moved back to Perth in mid-2020 due to the pandemic and worked remotely. Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months. While firms remained broadly optimistic, strained US-China relations, the high cost of living and other issues have caused concerns. (O) status before handover would be granted a special visa. The citys repercussions are not only health-related but also economic, as it is the only place in the world where the number of cases is this high. According to a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce, 42% of expatriates in Hong Kong are considering leaving Hong Kong. The Big Take is the very best of Bloomberg's in-depth, original reporting from around the globe every day. The British government opened a particular visa scheme for BNO holders earlier this year. Thirty-five percent of respondents had, Read More Are Most Hong Kong Residents Moving to Other Countries?Continue, Do all Hong Kong residents live in apartments? Signal downloads have spiked as a result of this censorship. This is a massive concern for Hong Kong residents, who feel unable to express themselves freely. Real estate agents say the last time they can remember the private rental market so hot was in 2007. However, many people do not understand this. Areas on the southern part of the island such as Repulse Bay and Stanley used to be an expatriates paradise. Moving to Hong Kong and not sure where to start? Many have been charged with security offenses and are in jail for their actions. Some of the partners argued that the survey sample was too small. About half of that number are domestic. High-profile activists and ordinary people could now consider emigrating to the U.K. without fear of being deported. However, China will no longer recognize them as valid travel documents or proof of identity. Moving checklist: 6 things every expat should do before leaving Hong Kong After calling Hong Kong home for 30 years, Tina, a self-employed mom, is calling it quits on the city and moving to Portugal. Law.com Compass includes access to our exclusive industry reports, combining the unmatched expertise of our analyst team with ALMs deep bench of proprietary information to provide insights that cant be found anywhere else. Despite concerns, freedom of association and assembly remains a fundamental human right in Hong Kong. Prof Schirmer, who has four pets, will not be able to take all of them on a commercial flight due to limits, and is now planning to travel with her elderly dog on a private jet while the others fly as excess baggage and cargo. When China was unsure about the future of Hong Kong, Britain introduced three categories of citizenship. Why Hong Kong's COVID clampdown is raising fears of an exodus - NPR Hong Kong Expats Leaving As City Aligns With Beijing Over - Insider It allowed Hong Kong residents to visit and work in the U.K. without a permit and the ability to apply for British citizenship later. 17 January, 2023 by Catherine Cooper articles a month for anyone to read, even non-subscribers. This censorship has resulted in illegal assembly and sedition cases brought under colonial-era sedition laws. VideoDo Russians really hate the West? Should Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong Have the Right to Vote? The Communist Party imposed a temporary quarantine to contain the virus. Most of the leases in Hong Kong are based on two years with a break clause after the first year, the notice period can be from one to three months. In those years, Ive watched my nieces grow up, and Ive waved them goodbye as they departed for the US. For more than two-and-a-half years, people have not been able to leave the city without enduring hotel quarantine on return. Chinas policies and rhetoric have further eroded Hong Kongs reputation as an international financial hub. Unlimited access to International Edition, Access to additional free ALM publications, 1 free article* across the ALM subscription network every 30 days, Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications. "People ask me every day whether expats are leaving Hong Kong following the stress of the 2019 violent protests, the passing of the national security law, recent electoral reform and strict . We loved living there for a long time. Rents in high-end enclaves such as Repulse Bay and Mid-Levels are plunging, international schools are closing, and the car market is saturated with second-hand luxury cars as expatriates leave in droves. Now back in the US, she is due to leave her post as AmCham HK's president in March and said she has been unable to return to the city after Hong Kong closed its border to America. PHOTO: AFP, city's growing isolation from the rest of the world. Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Russia struggling to keep its SE Asia arms markets, AUKUS is moving to intelligent drone swarms, China seizing US arms markets in the Middle East, War game: China hypersonics sink US carrier every time, AUKUS drops the nuclear proliferation gauntlet, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Leaving Hong Kong? Check this to-do list, twice - Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong China and Hong Kong joined the scheme in 2018, allowing them to receive addresses, tax . It is just too hard.. Although there are many different types of apartments, they all share several important characteristics. In 2019, one academic took on what she describes as her dream job with an Australian university in Singapore. After a qualifying five-year period, Hong Kong residents with a BNO visa can apply for indefinite leave to remain in the U.K. To qualify for this, Hong Kong BNO visa holders must have lived in the U.K. continuously for five years, during which time they have not been absent from the country for more than 180 days in twelve months. Previously, I never had a worry about what I said or wrote when I was in Hong Kong. Have they cramped living spaces? The high cost of moving pets also means that shelters are full as many owners choose to leave them behind. What happened to Ukraine's General Valerii Zaluzhny? But my brother had returned to Hong Kong and started a family, and when his second daughter was born it made sense for me to return too, which I did some 17 years after leaving as a family. Next month, Cathay Pacific Airways only has three scheduled flights to London Heathrow, four to Sydney and none to New York. Contact Us| Although people in Hong Kong were probably thrilled at the prospect of independence from colonial rule, they should also be proud of their new Chinese passport. Expats Leave Hong Kong Amid Perpetual Crisis - Bloomberg Hong Kong's expat bankers spurred to leave by ruined Christmas by David Rothnie 18 January 2022 The pressure of Hong Kong's tough quarantine laws have proved to be the final straw for one expat banker. Despite the danger, some still leave Hong Kong for their safety. Both options are priced the same. Pro-democracy activists have also driven people away from Hong Kong. Expat families are by definition used to relocation, but this year patterns established for decades have been shaken up. A pacifist grass-roots and middle-class could revitalize the Hong Kong protest movement. It is our privilege & honor to announce the addition of Steven H. Cohen, Patricia Z. Boguslawski, Evan D. Baker & Kelly A. Conlon as new partners of DAVIS, SAPERSTEIN & SALOMON, P.C. House & Home Hong Kong's expat party continues but for how long? Read this subscriber-only article for free! Over 40% of expats may soon leave HK, AmCham survey says I go to the supermarket and the notice board has a lot more relocation sales of Mercedes and BMWs.. These expats said national security was a norm in todays world. The NSL has resulted in a chilling effect on online speech. I was nine years old and at boarding school when my parents came to see me one Sunday afternoon to tell me we would be moving to Hong Kong. As such, their status may change depending on the U.K. immigration policy at the time of applying for a BNO visa. In Hong Kong's affluent Mid-levels, in the subtropical foothills of Victoria Peak, the talk today among well-heeled expatriates inevitably turns to one subject: Who will be the next to. State Farms Exit Makes It Harder. This article examines why so many people have left Hong Kong. I know several cases where the asking price doubled. Were fortunate in that my employer has helped cover some of that, but we have still had to look at what we will stop doing to make up the shortfall. The gift link for this subscriber-only article has expired. Give no less than one months notice in order to receive your final green tax form, which will . Hong Kong has been ranked the worst in the world for the last two years in an Expat Insider survey. The restrictions have also hit headhunters and businesses hard, as their ability to hire talented locals is restricted. The job, Read More Is it Hard to Get a Job in Hong Kong Without a Visa?Continue, Whether Indians need a transit visa for Hong Kong is an important question, as it is essential to know the rules and procedures before traveling to Hong Kong. While this will help restore the citys reputation as an international finance hub, many say it is too little too late. As the end of the lease approached, he offered to pay 10 per cent more for another two years. What memories. After all, they are employees of Hong Kong businesses and are eligible to apply for permanent residency. Many who stayed are angry and disappointed and moving to Singapore, says Winsome Lee, a Hong Kong property agent who manages properties rented to expatriates. They may also vary in cost, size, and location. According to a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce, 42% of expatriates in Hong Kong are considering leaving Hong Kong. See more in ourLiving in Hong Kong section. She was editor of the Perspective and Review sections. Indeed, not everybody feels safe and secure under the security law. Alibaba co-founder: Jack Ma is doing well and Hong Kong will be - CNN The monthly rent has jumped 25 per cent to $S11,625 ($12,416). However, many have not returned after their trip. Britain wants Hong Kong residents to have their passports to increase their influence on Hong Kongs future. This great exodus has been talked about to death. An exodus of expatriates and locals from Hong Kong is poised to intensify in 2022, as policy makers continue their crackdown on civil society and brush off an increasing uproar over aligning. Expat exodus builds in Hong Kong, but escape is expensive, All done! Singapore/Tokyo: When Australian expat Nic rang her daughters teacher in Hong Kong and asked for a report card so she could enrol the five-year-old in a school in Singapore, the teacher replied she had already had three calls asking for the same thing for the same reason that day. Moreover, he fears the police will follow him to the docks to arrest him. Ive made the most amazing friends, some who are still here and others who have also had to move on. "I'm completely, emotionally overwhelmed," said Tina, who asked not to be identified by her full name. "I keep telling her how much I love her.". Tina is currently reserved on a flight to Amsterdam the first week of March and has given her landlord notice. In addition to the stress of another nixed flight wreaking havoc on her plans, she also has to avoid catching the coronavirus in the midst of the citys worst outbreak so far, as becoming infected could delay her exit potentially by weeks due to quarantine rules. There is also the fear of being ushered off into an Orwellian government quarantine facility if you test positive for COVID-19 on arrival back into the city. The sentiment among many expatriates has turned from benign to sour, largely triggered by excessive Covid measures that stirred fear and anger, yet stillfailed to keep the city safe. They thought it was expensive at $S9300 ($9933) a month. But with 10 of her booked flights to Europe cancelled in the past year, her travails show how Hong Kong's "zero-Covid-19" policy is making getting out almost as hard as coming in. But Hong Kong Watch has welcomed the new rules, saying they give everyone in Hong Kong an insurance policy against the erosion of their rights. Finally, after much haggling, the family secured a new lease for the property. Lets start with the situation in Hong Kong. To answer this question, lets examine the circumstances driving many of these expatriates to leave Hong Kong. Buying a Home in California Is Already Hard. The Asian financial hub has some of the world's tightest coronavirus rules as it follows mainland China's tough zero-Covid policies. Seven Summer Camps Just for Adults, Goldman CEO Loves Summer Camp So Much Hes Expanded His Portfolio, How Summer Camp Became Such a Hot Mess for Parents, Union Action Shuts Some Key West Coast Ports, Employers Say, Amazon Fired Another Alabama Union Organizer, Union Says, US Concerned About Vietnams Detention of Environmentalist, A Global Stock Traders Guide to More Extreme Weather Events, New Jersey Senior-Living Facilitys Woes Exacerbated by Construction Delays. Different business entities would have different reasons to stay or otherwise, but I think figures also speak for themselves, he said, adding that the number of overseas firms with regional offices in Hong Kong has remained steady at about 9,000. Now, it could take double the time, with shipments delayed as much as 120 days because some firms wait for prices to drop before they ship. An expat exodus is looming fast as Hong Kong's allure fades Liang, who is also president of the Hong Kong Association of Falun Gong, said the assailant jumped out of a black Mercedes-Benz and repeatedly hit her legs with the bat, causing multiple bruises. The authorities use criminal penalties to punish independent journalism and protect human rights activities. Under this scheme, Hong Kong residents can visit the U.K. and work, study, and live in Britain for up to five years. She is leaving with just a handful of boxes and a few pieces of furniture. You should know several things, including the HK$ 47 service charge for each application, the 14-day visa-free stay, and the documents you need to bring. Other requirements include a valid passport and a COVID-19, Read More What Are the Requirements to Visit Hong Kong?Continue, Are most Hong Kong residents moving to other countries due to political conflicts? More expats may quit Hong Kong over its tough Covid laws: Survey They had a more minor stake in the city than Hongkongers and were reluctant to give up their cosmopolitan lifestyles. I would love to see Hong Kong succeed.". If one thing goes wrong, it affects your entire planning for the trip.". It has given me love and heartbreak, but all the while caring for me and giving so much more than it could ever take away. However, they cannot vote in elections. Read about our approach to external linking. A passenger aircraft takes off fromHong Kong International Airport. Similarly, many other ex-pats have left the city. Borders closed to travelers and mandatory three-week quarantine for residents returning from abroad: these measures, already adopted in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, are far from being felt as positive signals by expatriates settled in Hong Kong, where the number of final departures now exceeds that of arrivals, report it South China Morning Post. But executives say . Hong Kong has doubled down on "zero-Covid-19". She says rents in high-end properties on the southern side of Hong Kong were renting for between HK$55,000 to HK$60,000 ($10,600 to $11,600) a month before the pandemic, but had now been reduced to HK$43,000 to HK$49,000 (($8300 to $9500). Companies leaving Hong Kong are eyeing Singapore - Fortune This can be done either by telephone or sending an email to taxinfo@ird.gov.hk stating your name, HKID number and file number. What adventure! Financial talents, just like financial institutions, are attracted to opportunities, Eddie Yue, chief executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, wrote in his blog earlier this year. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. It was rented at $S2400. Most prominent pro-democracy figures and opposition lawmakers have either been jailed or exiled. Singapore stands to gain | CNN Business Hong Kong expats are up in arms about quarantine. If so, how? Once one of the world's premier transit hubs, Hong Kong has now banned flights from nine countries including Britain and the US, and halted passengers transiting from all places except China and Taiwan. Do Indians Need a Transit Visa for Hong Kong? I cried. COVID-19 restrictions have fueled the exodus. Despite a lack of certainty about future immigration trends, the move to extend the rights of BNO passport holders may lead to more acceptance among U.K. allies. Expats leaving Hong Kong? 4 reasons the city's financial status isn't Those who have applied for B.N. (O) passports to stay in Hong Kong and enjoy the benefits of citizenship. The price to transport the three dogs and a cat will add an additional US$30,000 or more to her costs. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions with the United Kingdom, which offers a path to citizenship and residency for residents of Hong Kong. About 52% of those who planned to leave Hong Kong said they would leave within a short time frame, or as soon as they could relocate. Companies are eyeing Hong Kong's exits. The main thing driving away high-earning expatriates is Hong Kongs tight border rules. Another factor contributing to Hong Kongs emigration crisis is censorship. You should, Read More Do Indians Need a Transit Visa for Hong Kong?Continue, Many people wonder whether the Basic Law has given foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong the right to vote. HONG KONG - Around 42% of expatriates are considering leaving Hong Kong, with most saying they are uncomfortable with the new national security law imposed by Beijing on the city, according to a survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce. https://www.law.com/international-edition/2022/02/10/hong-kong-the-great-departure/. In 1989, Mao Zedongs Communist Party put the city under a three-week quarantine. Nic says the family is sorry to have left Hong Kong after seven years. It is unclear how the proposed changes will affect existing Hong Kong passport holders. Read about our approach to external linking. The city-state has also introduced a new visa, the Overseas Networks and Expertise pass, to attract a particular class of foreign talent. (But I will be back!). Law.com Compass delivers you the full scope of information, from the rankings of the Am Law 200 and NLJ 500 to intricate details and comparisons of firms financials, staffing, clients, news and events. In Singapore, soaring prices mean some would-be expats are having to reconsider their plans. P.C. 2 Min Read, https://expatliving.hk/why-leaving-hong-kong-is-hard-british-expat-shares-her-story/. Hong Kong expats are relocating at a faster pace than before, but Singapore isn't their only destination | South China Morning Post While some jobs and expats in law and banking are heading to. Anger in Belgium over verdict in student's hazing death, Beijing's comedy crackdown is hitting its music scene, Tracking the rise of Russias missile strikes on Kyiv, 'There's no one way to be autistic' Video'There's no one way to be autistic', Five ways to stay as healthy as the Dutch. PDF Should I Stay or Should I Go? A Temperature Testing Survey of Expats in Since the implementation of the new national security law, some expatriates have begun to question whether its time to leave the city. The family will pay just under $S15,000 ($16,000) a month for a four-bedroom apartment near Tanglin Rd in Central Singapore that came in just within their budget. VideoFive ways to stay as healthy as the Dutch, Why the city that never sleeps is slowly sinking. The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong's (AmCham HK) 2022 Business Sentiment Survey polled 262 individuals and corporate representatives, many of which have moved to the city from overseas. Back in Hong Kong, the government indicated this week it was finally preparing to abolish the citys mandatory hotel quarantine rules. You also dont need to apply for a work permit or a permanent visa before moving to the city. High rent prices: Hong Kongs living cost is notoriously high. After quarantine, they will be expected to monitor themselves for seven days. Whether youre a student, a graduate, or a recent college graduate, you can find a job in Hong Kong. 2023 Covering geo-political news and current affairs across Asia. Ultimately, a thriving economy will require many skilled workers, but Hong Kong is not attracting enough to meet demand. A leading business organisation says more than 40% of its members are considering leaving Hong Kong due to the city's strict coronavirus rules. However, as Hong Kong politics worsened, the BNO visa became a lifeline. In the past, the British government had issued B.N. After 1997, China did not recognize dual nationality for British citizens. However, bars and nightclubs remained open, despite fears from corporate executives. "It's really awful - incomprehensible, that I have to re-home my cat," she said. I will miss you! A recent report from the European Chamber of Commerce in the city said that Hong Kong's isolation could last into 2024, and that it anticipates an unprecedented exodus of foreigners as a result. Fully vaccinated travelers are permitted to enter Hong Kong from April 1 this year and must have seen the U.K. within 14 days of the entry date. Now lots of people, including my neighbours, are moving to Singapore, says Raymond Yeung, ANZs Hong Kong-based chief China economist. As a result, there have been numerous reports in international media about an exodus and brain drain from the city. Chicago Sued Over Deal to Lease Public Land toEx-Mayors Billionaire Donor, Bitcoin Faces Fresh Challenges After Debt Deal Moves Forward, Citigroup Warns, FTX Objects to Extension of Mediation Talks for Bankrupt Crypto Lender Genesis, Key House Republicans Unveil Crypto Market Structure Draft Bill. He was told he had insulted the landlord. So far, the numbers are up by as much as 30 per cent, says Sinead Collins, UWCSEAs director of engagement and external relations. All rights reserved. Is it Hard to Get a Job in Hong Kong Without a Visa? Schools and houses, schools and houses, they are the two things you absolutely have to focus on. Its been two decades since Hong Kong reunited with its motherland. By registering, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy. Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Options are limited as major airlines have stopped or reduced flights to Hong Kong due to the city's quarantine rules for air crew and penalties for airlines that carry too many infected passengers. But with 10. Were not hearing companies moving away, but they are reviewing contingency plans if in the future they may decide to move, Jeff Nankivell, the consul general of Canada in Hong Kong and Macau, told Hong Kong media last week. "I feel sad but I'm a realist. For many expats Singapore, Hong Kongs long-time rival as a regional hub, is the obvious alternative. Now Ive been living in Hong Kong for 13 years, and I continue to call it my home. And the security law imposed by the government has made life more difficult for expatriates. Of course, it would be better for me to do the job in Singapore, but we really didnt have much choice., Megan Kinder, a property agent in Singapore who helps expats find properties, is having some tricky conversations. The British National Overseas passport, or BNO, was once considered an obsolete travel document until the Hong Kong government confirmed the Reuters report. Therefore, it is essential to follow all procedures carefully and understand the consequences before proceeding. That compares to 26% of the companies surveyed saying they are . China has a stricter policy toward dual citizenship, and it is not unusual for some of the citys wealthiest people to secretly hold a foreign passport.
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