Advertisement
OpinionComment

Hong Kong should welcome cross-border marriages, and make it easier for more to wed

Paul Yip says the city must not ignore the impact of such unions and other demographic trends, given the need to mitigate population ageing and boost workforce numbers

Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
0
Paul Yip says the city must not ignore the impact of such unions and other demographic trends, given the need to mitigate population ageing and boost workforce numbers
Paul Yip
Hong Kong has witnessed at least 300,000 cross-border marriages in the past two decades. Illustration: Craig Stephens
Hong Kong has witnessed at least 300,000 cross-border marriages in the past two decades. Illustration: Craig Stephens
Cross-border marriages have become a significant component of Hong Kong marriages. According to the latest figures, in 2015, about 35 per cent of registered marriages, or 17,953 out of 51,609, were cross-border marriages. Of these, 13,123 involved mainland brides and 4,830 mainland bridegrooms. Cross-border unions are also common between Chinese and our neighbours from Taiwan (9,000), Japan (6,000) and Korea (4,500).

One reason Hong Kong people look outside the city for a partner is because of the difficulties of finding a spouse locally, given the mismatch in expectations as women become more educated.

Improvements in education and career opportunities for women have led to greater numbers being self-sufficient and financially independent. The social norm of “women marrying up” is still prevalent in society and many have difficulty finding a suitable partner in a small pool. Potential matches are in short supply.

Men who struggle to do as well as women in education and work also face difficulties in finding a suitable partner if they adhere to the preference of “marrying down”.

A couple pose for a wedding photo on a promenade overlooking Victoria Harbour. A significant proportion of Hong Kong people seek a spouse from outside the city because of the difficulties of finding a local partner. Photo: AFP
A couple pose for a wedding photo on a promenade overlooking Victoria Harbour. A significant proportion of Hong Kong people seek a spouse from outside the city because of the difficulties of finding a local partner. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong singles ‘world’s most desperate’, suggests data from dating app

On top of all this, the preference mainly among professionals for staying single or marrying later has also gained momentum and has had an impact on marriages.

Advertisement