The vibrant city of Hong Kong is a long-time favourite for expats with a penchant for all things Asian. Known for its sophisticated nightlife, delectable food and dazzling cityscape populated with glittering skyscrapers, Hong Kong is a fascinating mix of cutting edge modernity and traditional culture – a city where east meets west amidst the sparkle of big city lights.
Why Hong Kong?
According to the HSBC Expat Explorer Survey 2014, Hong Kong ranks sixth in the world on the economics league table. This is due to the higher salaries and greater disposable income expats can expect to enjoy while working in this city that never sleeps. In fact, according to the survey, 52% of respondents cited better job prospects as the driving factor which brought them to Hong Kong. Hardly surprising as the city is a major global power in terms of trade and finance. However, if you’re moving to Hong Kong from London, don’t make the assumption that walking into a job will be as easy as pie – for expats, at least, it may take more time and effort than you might initially think.
The labour market in Hong Kong
The focus on the financial service industry in Hong Kong means that the economy did experience a hit from the crises of the past few years. However, this has manifested itself in a slower rate of economic growth instead of ending in total disaster – there are still opportunities to be found and overall the unemployment rate has decreased and stabilised at approximately 3%. The tricky part of the expat job-hunt is that organisations have to prove the positions they offer cannot be filled by a local worker. As a result, many expats currently working in Hong Kong find themselves there by assignment.
Those seeking work in the service sector will be the most impressed with Hong Kong’s employment offerings. Accounting and finance; banking; healthcare; IT and ecommerce; architecture; management and HR; and international law are among the top sectors for expats seeking work in the city.
Job-seeking expats
Expat advice site, InterNations, claims it is advisable to look for and lock down a position before arriving in Hong Kong for the greatest peace of mind. Your new employer will automatically become your sponsor and will assist you with the visa application process. However, as previously stated, the majority of expats find a transfer within their current company to a Hong Kong location is the easiest way to relocate and take advantage of the job prospects on offer.
It is, of course, possible to enter the country on a visitor visa and job-hunt on arrival – this is one of the most challenging options available to expats but that isn’t to say it hasn’t proved successful in the past. An expat fluent in Cantonese is likely to find it easier to access the opportunities on offer.
Although some appropriate opportunities might be advertised in Hong Kong’s various English and Chinese newspapers or trade magazines, searching online is recommended by InterNations with XpatJobs and the Career Times specified as two excellent places to start.
Should you succeed in landing that dream job in Hong Kong, you can rest easy that you will be among good company, considering the thriving expat community that resides in the city. And with Hong Kong’s current rank at tenth best city in the world for quality of life, we predict you won’t regret your choice.
If you are considering moving to Hong Kong, Cadogan Tate will assist you every step of the way – from your first enquiry  to unpacking at your new home, we are here to help and advise you. For more details about Cadogan Tate’s specialist international removals services from London, click here.
The vibrant city of Hong Kong is a long-time favourite for expats with a penchant for all things Asian. Known for its sophisticated nightlife, delectable food and dazzling cityscape populated with glittering skyscrapers, Hong Kong is a fascinating mix of cutting edge modernity and traditional culture – a city where east meets west amidst the sparkle of big city lights.
Why Hong Kong?
According to the HSBC Expat Explorer Survey 2014, Hong Kong ranks sixth in the world on the economics league table. This is due to the higher salaries and greater disposable income expats can expect to enjoy while working in this city that never sleeps. In fact, according to the survey, 52% of respondents cited better job prospects as the driving factor which brought them to Hong Kong. Hardly surprising as the city is a major global power in terms of trade and finance. However, if you’re moving to Hong Kong from London, don’t make the assumption that walking into a job will be as easy as pie – for expats, at least, it may take more time and effort than you might initially think.
The labour market in Hong Kong
The focus on the financial service industry in Hong Kong means that the economy did experience a hit from the crises of the past few years. However, this has manifested itself in a slower rate of economic growth instead of ending in total disaster – there are still opportunities to be found and overall the unemployment rate has decreased and stabilised at approximately 3%. The tricky part of the expat job-hunt is that organisations have to prove the positions they offer cannot be filled by a local worker. As a result, many expats currently working in Hong Kong find themselves there by assignment.
Those seeking work in the service sector will be the most impressed with Hong Kong’s employment offerings. Accounting and finance; banking; healthcare; IT and ecommerce; architecture; management and HR; and international law are among the top sectors for expats seeking work in the city.
Job-seeking expats
Expat advice site, InterNations, claims it is advisable to look for and lock down a position before arriving in Hong Kong for the greatest peace of mind. Your new employer will automatically become your sponsor and will assist you with the visa application process. However, as previously stated, the majority of expats find a transfer within their current company to a Hong Kong location is the easiest way to relocate and take advantage of the job prospects on offer. It is, of course, possible to enter the country on a visitor visa and job-hunt on arrival – this is one of the most challenging options available to expats but that isn’t to say it hasn’t proved successful in the past. An expat fluent in Cantonese is likely to find it easier to access the opportunities on offer.
Although some appropriate opportunities might be advertised in Hong Kong’s various English and Chinese newspapers or trade magazines, searching online is recommended by InterNations with XpatJobs and the Career Times specified as two excellent places to start. Should you succeed in landing that dream job in Hong Kong, you can rest easy that you will be among good company, considering the thriving expat community that resides in the city. And with Hong Kong’s current rank at tenth best city in the world for quality of life, we predict you won’t regret your choice.
If you are considering moving to Hong Kong, Cadogan Tate will assist you every step of the way – from your first enquiry to unpacking at your new home, we are here to help and advise you. For more details about Cadogan Tate’s specialist international removals services from London, click here.