Coronavirus adds new hurdle for Hong Kong’s integration into China’s Greater Bay Area plan
- China’s Greater Bay Area plan is facing fresh uncertainty as the coronavirus limits the flow of people between Hong Kong and the mainland
- The outbreak is adding to reluctance among Hong Kong residents to relocate across the border, say recruitment consultants
The novel coronavirus outbreak has added a fresh obstacle for Hong Kong’s integration into China’s Greater Bay Area plan, as the epidemic is discouraging workers from taking jobs across the border.
The ambitious plan was set back when anti-government protests erupted in Hong Kong last year and faces fresh uncertainty as transport restrictions limit the flow of people between the financial hub and mainland China.
Robert Sheffield, Greater China managing director at global recruitment consultancy, Morgan McKinley, said the number of jobs in the mainland part of the region was stable, but there was a “the lack of applicants looking to relocate into that area”.
“[It] is largely driven by the political situation, and then obviously the coronavirus situation that we are currently facing,” Sheffield said. He added the reduced number of candidates in the first half of the year would drive employers to take special measures to attract applicants.