One-third of Hong Kong residents want to leave: survey

The poll, conducted from Oct. 9 to 25, found that 34% of respondents would consider leaving if given the opportunity. Among those, 26.6% said they had already taken steps to prepare for relocation, the Dimsum Daily reported.

The reasons behind the desire to emigrate are varied, with many citing economic challenges and unsatisfactory living conditions as factors. Despite this, the survey also indicates a slight improvement in the city's overall livability. Residents rated Hong Kong's livability at 60.8 out of 100 this year, up from 56.5 in 2023.

The survey, which polled 711 residents, also identified the most popular destinations for potential emigrants, including Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada, the South China Morning Post reported.

Emigration from Hong Kong has been a growing trend in recent years, contributing to a population decline from 7.47 million in 2020 to 7.41 million in 2021. However, the city's population has begun to rise again, reaching approximately 7.51 million by June 2024, partly due to the resumption of international travel and government efforts to attract talent.

Professor Paul Yip Siu-fai, a demographic expert at the University of Hong Kong, attributed the desire to leave to an uncertain economic outlook. He suggested that Hong Kong’s economy needs to become more diversified and inclusive.