Virus may be last straw for Hong Kong international schools

The effects of protests and the coronavirus may force the permanent closure of Hong Kong's international schools.

Already reeling from six months of massive, often violent protests, Hong Kong’s international schools are now facing losing many more pupils as their parents leave the island due to the coronavirus threat. Some are already warning of possibly permanent closure since the government suspended classes due to the risk of infection. Over the past year, political instability on the island has increased to the extent that many expat families have already left for the sake of their children, impacting the international schools revenues.

Last week, the British and French chambers of commerce sent a joint letter to Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam, stating that, should the needs of the schools not be met, their closure will exacerbate the decision of the majority of expat families still resident to permanently leave the island. The exodus would undoubtedly have a huge impact on the community’s international schools, with some being forced to close as a direct result of losing their expat pupils.

At present, classes at all Hong Kong educational institutions are suspended until mid-March at the earliest, with students unable to attend school since late January’s New Year holiday. The island now has 56 confirmed coronavirus cases, putting it on the front line of China’s battle to stop the spread. Businesses in Hong Kong are already suffering from the half-year long violent protests, with many expats in the crucial financial sector giving up and leaving for quieter and more rewarding expatriate professional hubs either in Asia or Europe.