People and Education

As a service dominated economy it is the talent of the people that very much makes the economic wheels go around and causes Hong Kong to be something altogether unique and special.

And this all starts at home, with the education and upbringing of the indigenous population.  All children in Hong Kong receive nine years of free education.

Immigration rules to enter Hong Kong are very relaxed; and there are a number of ways by which someone may qualify to stay and work in the city.

• Population
• Immigration
• Labour and Visas
• Education

Population

At almost 7 million, Hong Kong's population is growing. This is partly due to immigration, and partly due to the birth rate (about 10 per 1,000) exceeding the death rate (of about 5 per 1,000).

Another contributing factor is the growing life expectancy. By 2031, the life expectancy of women is projected to be 88 years, and men 82 years, making it one of the longest in the world!

Approximately 95% of Hong Kong's population is of Chinese descent. Just over half a million residents hold foreign passports, with the biggest ethnic groups being from the Philippines, Indonesia, India, USA, Canada, UK and Australia.

Immigration

Hong Kong is a separate travel area with  autonomy over its immigration policy. The government applies immigration controls on individuals' entry into, stay in and departure from Hong Kong, including visitors from other parts of China.

The city has a liberal visa policy for visitors. People from more than 200 countries and territories may come to the city visa-free for visits ranging from seven to 180 days.

In broad terms, short-term visitors may conduct business, like negotiations and signing contracts, while entering Hong Kong on a visitor visa or entry permit.

Every adult (and child aged 11 years and above) who enters and is permitted to stay in Hong Kong for more than 180 days must apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card within 30 days of arrival. By law, you should carry this with you at all times. It is useful since it also allows you to benefit from the Government health system!

Generally foreign nationals must obtain a visa before coming to Hong Kong to work, invest or remain in Hong Kong.  Special rules apply to dependents of persons admitted as professionals and to those who apply under the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme or the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.

There are four main ways you may obtain a visa and entitlement to stay in Hong Kong for the long term:

1. obtain a work visa for employees
2. obtain a visa through investment, called the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
3. obtain a visa through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
4. on a dependent visa
   

A visa is granted on condition that the applicant keeps to the original purpose of the visa when it was issued.

Employers found to have violated the labour laws in Hong Kong will be prosecuted.

Education

In recent years Hong Kong has taken steps to improve its already comprehensive education system, to promote all-round education and lifelong learning.

The language policy of the Government is to enable students and the working population to be biliterate (in Chinese and English) and trilingual (in Cantonese, English and Putonghua).

Over 40 international schools offer more than nine curricula, providing children with an education compatible with their home countries.  These include the Australian, British, Canadian, French, German/Swiss, Japanese, Korean, Singaporean and US systems as well as the international baccalaureate.  Graduates of Hong Kong's international schools are accepted at the world's leading universities.  Several Hong Kong universities offer opportunities for part- or full time life-long learning opportunities.

Pre school and school
After school