Australia second most preferred destination of Hongkongers

Two in five Hongkongers would emigrate if they got the chance with Australia the second most preferred destination, a survey has found.

The Hong Kong Institute of Asia- Pacific Studies of the Chinese University of Hong Kong conducted a telephone survey of 710 people aged 18 or above to gauge public views on emigration.

It found 39 percent indicated they wanted to emigrate with 11 percent of this group were taking action to make preparations.

The most preferred destinations, ranked by popularity, were Taiwan, Australia and Canada, according to the survey.

Dissatisfaction with governance was the major factor as to why people wanted to leave with 11 percent reflecting they were unhappy with the government, chief executive or high-ranking officials when asked about their intention to emigrate.

Overcrowded living conditions came second with 10 percent, followed by too much political dispute or social cleavage and slow economic growth or bad economic prospects.

The survey also found that 57 percent of those who had a tendency to leave the SAR were youths, aged 18 to 30 - then 26 percent being aged 51 or older. 

Eddie Kwan King-hung, founder of EK Immigration Consulting, said he has observed more emigration inquiries in the past two to three years, especially after the Occupy protests in 2014.

However, he said not many people could meet the requirements set by the popular destinations noting Australia currently takes immigrants with a Significant Investor Visa with a requirement of at least A$5 million (HK$29 million).

Kwan said Taiwan has become Hongkongers' new favorite place as there is almost no language barrier, and the island only requires an investment of NT$6 million (HK$1.5 million), sufficient for operating businesses such as a bed and breakfast or restaurants.