Many still heading for exit despite a 'more livable HK'

Hongkongers find the city more livable, but 42 percent still plan to emigrate - including nearly 12 percent willing to move to the mainland - a local university survey has found.

Chinese University surveyed 716 people on the phone from September 16 to 25 and respondents rated Hong Kong 52.1 out of 100 in terms of livability and quality of life.

"This years' score is not only significantly higher than that of last year's 49.6, but also broke the downward trend observed in the past four years, since 2017," said CUHK's Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies.

Despite respondents finding Hong Kong to be a more livable city, 42 percent said they are planning to leave while half said they have no plans of emigrating, CUHK said.

Over one-third of those planning to leave have been preparing for the move and the percentage did not change significantly from figures last year.

The top factor driving respondents away is the "decreasing democracy in Hong Kong." Some 24 percent said the "undemocratic political system" and "no more democratic elections" prompted their intention to move.

Others cited their discontent toward the SAR government and its policies, alongside excessive political disputes and the "collapsing liberty, human rights and press freedom," which is similar to last year.

Twenty-two percent said they are attracted by the "better freedoms and human rights" in other countries, while over 18 percent yearn for the ample living space in other countries.

Over 17 percent will emigrate for the democratic political system in other countries, and over 16 percent will do the same due to the relaxed immigration conditions for Hongkongers. The most popular landing spots are the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Taiwan.

Apart from moving to other countries, nearly 12 percent intend to move to the mainland - which is slightly higher than last year's 9.5 percent.

Those who intend to do this said it was prompted by Hong Kong's soaring housing prices, cramped living space, high consumer prices and grim economic outlook.

They are attracted by the ample living space, brighter economic prospects, affordable housing prices and opportunities for employment in the mainland.

The survey also found that the "emigration wave" is a loss to the long-term development of Hong Kong, while nearly a fourth did not see any impact, and 13.4 percent had a positive outlook after the wave.

Nonetheless, over half of Hongkongers expect more people to emigrate to other countries in the coming year, while nearly 30 percent do not expect a change.

Just 10 percent said they expect the number of people emigrating from Hong Kong will drop next year.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com