An unsettling truth for new UK settlers

It can take quite a while for young Britons to find jobs after graduating - so just imagine how tough it can be for newcomers to the UK like the BNO visa holders from Hong Kong.

A newly released survey of 2,089 BNO Hongkongers by a UK support group known as the Welcoming Committee for Hong Kongers and British Future has just confirmed this common understanding.

Its findings are relevant for anyone planning to make the move.

Perhaps with the exception of a handful of professions - such as doctors and nurses who are in short supply, not only in the UK but also around the world - most others can expect a transition that can be tougher than they imagined before landing their preferred jobs.

Some may fail to find jobs they may feel qualified for and have to change their occupations completely.

According to the report, about 60 percent of the surveyed Hongkongers were aged from 35 to 54.

The younger (24-34) and older (55-64) age groups each accounted for some 14 percent, with others more younger and older making up the rest.

Men and women each made up half of the sample.

A key finding that captured most news headlines was that half of those surveyed remained unemployed.

That figure is alarming at first sight and prone to the interpretation that these Hongkongers had given up their rice bowls in the SAR in exchange for joblessness in the UK.

Interestingly, almost all - 99 percent - said they had no plans to return to Hong Kong despite the tough transition.

Can spiritual satisfaction really make up for material losses?

Perhaps for a minority of people but, truth be told, many are believed to have moved to the UK with a level of reserves after selling their properties in Hong Kong prior to the current market crash.

A close look at the figures reveals that the job participation rate of those surveyed stood at 52 percent, which compared poorly with the UK national average of 76 percent.

But bear in mind that some do not participate in the labor market at all and this figure was partly due to lower labor participation among women and older BNO Hongkongers as they were tied to household duties like looking after children.

The actual participation rate for males was higher.

Those surveyed landed in the UK largely evenly over the period from January 2021 to July 2023.

Although the report did not link joblessness to length of stay, higher unemployment would be expected for those landing later.

But one concerning aspect to emerge for Hongkongers is a skills mismatch, with many saying their skills and experience were underutilized.

Immigration is probably the biggest decision to be made in one's lifetime, affecting everyone in the family, and can only be carried out after serious consideration.

It will not be surprising that some BNO Hongkongers may eventually give up and return to Hong Kong, as a number of those did before 1997.

It is part of the reality that some can adapt to a new life overseas successfully and some cannot.

The choice to leave is suitable for some, but unsuitable for others.