Lack of Cantonese language skills biggest barrier to finding work for Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities, study finds
Cantonese ability top concern in hiring non-Chinese employees for almost two-thirds of firms polled, but work attitude also important
An inability to speak Cantonese remains the biggest barrier for those from ethnic minority groups looking for a job in Hong Kong, according to a study by a non-profit youth organisation.
More than half of 150 non-Chinese employees surveyed by Junior Chamber International (Harbour) said they encountered difficulties applying for work largely because of language issues.
About 54 per cent cited their inability to speak any Cantonese as an impediment to securing employment, and 47 per cent pointed to their inability to write Chinese.
Cantonese ability was the top concern for almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of the 50 companies polled in hiring a non-Chinese employee, but work attitude was also important.
More than 70 per cent of the 50 firms said they believed job attitudes were about the same between Chinese and non-Chinese staff.
Ho Chung-ho, service supervisor for the Salvation Army Yau Ma Tei Integrated Service for Young People, which took part in the survey, said many young people from ethnic minority groups, especially from low-income families, felt discouraged by the language barrier and this limited their vision in what careers to pursue.