When asked the reason for their most recent move, 41.4% of Hong Kong respondents said they were moving to return to their home country, as compared with around 35.0% who said they were moving away from their home country, suggesting a higher number of returnees. Among these, the most common reasons for moving to the city were job opportunities (32.5%), followed by a better lifestyle (29.7%), and education opportunities (25.9%).

Hong Kong residents differ on reasons for past versus future possible moves

Among all respondents, the top reasons motivating a potential international relocation include better lifestyle or standard of living (32.1%), and job opportunities (23.5%).

The majority of all respondents from Hong Kong, upon considering possible relocation, would prefer a longer-term move at 3-5 years (33.6%), followed by a medium duration at between 1-2 years (21.5%); while only 18.7% would prefer a permanent relocation, and 18.6% are not considering a move at all. These numbers are similar to global averages, where 23.9% would prefer longer-term moves of 3-5 years, 18.4% would prefer medium-term moves of 1-2 years, and 16.2% would prefer a permanent move – only around 2.5% lower than Hong Kong.

Hong Kong holds a unique position in the region as a truly international city, which has long served as a gateway to China and the rest of Asia Pacific. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the data from Hong Kong respondents reflects a highly mobile cohort – with over half of all respondents having relocated internationally before (27.6% once, 25.0% more than once). Of these, over 21.9% have moved in the last 6 – 12 months.

The most popular destination country for relocation among Hong Kong respondents is the United Kingdom (21.7%), followed by Japan (15.6%), and Australia (14.2%).

Top reasons for selecting a location to relocate to include: for a better lifestyle (39.6%), experience new cultures (25.2%), and job opportunities (22.6%).

Fig 9 - Top relocation destinations for Hong Kong respondents

Q: When thinking about/planning for relocating internationally, which country would you plan to move to, if you had the chance?

Covid-19 impact on mobility and moving plans

As might be expected for a city that has faced multiple outbreaks over the years, Covid-19 has had a significant impact on whether or not people make or follow through with plans to move. In Hong Kong, 59.5% of respondents who have relocated internationally have considered moving back to their home country since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The majority of respondents had plans or considerations to move internationally (65.8% total) – of which 26.5% postponed plans, while 20.7% adjusted their moves.

Of respondents who postponed or adjusted plans to relocate, 59.6% still plan to go ahead, and 30.2% went ahead with the move. Most plan to go ahead or went ahead because Covid-19 restrictions were lifted (36.9%), they wanted to continue with the move (29.7%), travel restrictions or border closures were lifted (28.5%), and they adjusted their plans to allow for the move (28.1%).

Among those that cancelled the move, 43.1% also listed Covid-19-related reasons to be the cause of cancellation, followed by the timings weren’t right (31.0%). Respondents also cancelled the move as they were waiting to see what happens (27.6%), and due to travel restrictions (20.7%).

The Hong Kong survey sample consisted of 1,001 people living in Hong Kong who have a passport; 352 are considering or would like to move abroad, while 116 are expats.

Q: If you currently live abroad (not in your home country), since the Covid-19 pandemic, have you considered moving back home?

Fig 10 - Reasons for or against returning home since Covid-19 among those living abroad