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Kimmy Chung

The number of Hongkongers trying to emigrate to other parts of the world reached a three-year high last year, according to the latest government data.
Figures released by the Security Bureau show 7,600 applied for a certificate of no criminal conviction (CNCC) for outward immigration purposes – 8.6 per cent more than in 2015 and 10 per cent more than in 2014.
Housing issues and pollution lead to Hong Kong trailing Singapore in quality-of-life rankings
The last time so many locals applied to leave the city was in 2013.
The United States remained the most popular destination, with 2,800 applying for immigration visas, the highest in five years.
Australia and Canada attracted 2,100 and 1,000 applications respectively.
Although the figures provide a rough estimate of the number of Hongkongers emigrating, the government noted that not all successful CNCC applicants obtained immigration visas.
Is the expat community changing in Hong Kong?
Nevertheless, Goldmax Immigration Consulting director Benny Cheung said social, political and financial pressures had caused an increasing number of locals to seek greener pastures.
“There are three catalysts: the national education protest in 2012, the Occupy movement in 2014 and the Mong Kok riots in 2016. We received a surge of inquires soon after the incidents emerged.” Cheung said.

He believed skyrocketing property prices and issues surrounding the education system were also key reasons for so many residents choosing to leave.
Cheung said Taiwan had also surfaced as a favoured relocation destination. “It is close to Hong Kong, with similar language and culture, and the spending is relatively lower,” he said.
Figures released by Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency, show 1,086 Hong Kong residents were granted residency permits last year.
Forget Hong Kong, Taiwan is the new expat hotspot
Centaline Immigration Consultants director David Hui similarly said emigration inquires from Hong Kong residents had been growing, but there had not been as many successful cases because of stricter immigration controls overseas.
Eric Tang, 33, is a typical young professional keen to escape the city. With immigration visas ready, he sets off to Canada with his wife in two weeks.
Tang, who works for an international financial consultancy firm, said social and political factors in the city had influenced his decision, with the Occupy movement a trigger point.

“You could see Beijing is the boss and no matter who becomes the chief executive, he or she cannot implement policies that safeguard the interests of local people,” he said, adding that the development of Hong Kong had lagged behind other cities in recent years, in terms of infrastructure projects as well as innovation and technology policies.
Tang and his wife plan to have a baby in a year or two and believe Canada, with its better air quality, larger homes and more relaxing school life, will be a more suitable environment.


Number of people seeking a fresh start outside Hong Kong hits three-year high

There has been an 8.6 per cent increase in the number of Hongkongers applying for immigration visas. Photo: AFP

Graphic

Foggy weather was seen around the Victoria Harbour in this morning. 13MAR17 SCMP/David Wong

No reason to stay, no way to go for many of Hong Kong’s disillusioned young people

Recent studies showed an alarming 40 per cent of people want to leave the city. Photo: Shutterstock

Lau Ming-hei and his wife (not pictured) are planning to move to Australia in about two years’ time. SCMP / Peace Chiu

scmp

Young adult on migration Konvic Yiu Chu-kong, poses fora picture at One Island East, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay. 03NOV16 SCMP / Dickson Lee

Occupied area in Admiralty during "Occupy Central" movement. 18NOV14

So half of our youth want to leave Hong Kong? We need to make sure they have reasons to stay

Young people over the past year have shown their disappointment with the Hong Kong government through protests and demonstrations for academic freedom and universal suffrage. Photo: AFP

Students gather to call for academic freedom at Hong Kong University in Hong Kong on October 9, 2015 as fears grow that Beijing is interfering in the city's education. More than 1,000 students, alumni and teachers joined a protest at the university as anger mounts over political interference in the city's education system. AFP PHOTO / Philippe Lopez / AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE LOPEZ

One in five Hongkongers 'considering emigration' as pessimism hangs over city

News

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Economy

There was an 8.6 per cent increase in the number of locals applying for immigration visas, according to government data
