Hong Kong crashes in survey due to poor life quality

Formerly regarded as the Holy Grail for ambitious expat professionals, Hong Kong’s survey ranking is now 56th out of 68 countries.

Long working hours, a high cost of living and the scarcity of reliable childcare options have brought the formally popular expat destination to its knees. Difficulties with finding friends and staying healthy didn’t help, although many were relatively satisfied with the city’s internet services and transportation options. To make matters worse still for Hong Kong’s reputation amongst top expat talent, the rating for new-to-the-expatriate-scene mainland China came in at 53 out of 68, and new kid on the block Vietnam scored an impressive hit at 14th. To be fair, the latest Expat Insider survey saw a shake-up involving many favourite reassignment and relocation destinations.

Bahrain’s top spot was forecast by many, and the work-life balance in relatively laid-back Mexico and Ecuador contrasted well with Hong Kong’s long working hours as it allows adequate time off with family and friends. Across the board, destinations with soaring costs of living suffered in the rankings, but the cheapest countries left much to be desired as regards infrastructure and facilities. According to Hong Kong University vice-president Andy Hor Tzi-sum, expat academics in particular are having a tough time settling down due to the out-of-control cost of living, adding it’s perhaps the biggest reason for the island’s loss of competitiveness over the past four years or so.

For respondents to the survey, the primary concern is the current work-life balance, for which the city scored a dismal 65th place out of 68 worldwide destinations. Average hours worked per week are amongst the highest anywhere at 46.8 compared with the world average of 44 hours. The scarcity of reliable childcare and the difficulty of finding quality international education for expat children were both reasons why Hong Kong hit rock bottom in these sub-categories. Housing options are also considered poor at best unless you’re very wealthy in Hong Kong terms. One Hong Kong-based human resources company told it like it is by agreeing with the survey’s results, explaining that the expat living environment has deteriorated due to massive rent increases and its international school places are being taken up by mainland Chinese and ultra-wealthy local residents.