‘Hong Kong is my home’: Expats explain why they’re staying put

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The implementation of the national security law (NSL) in Hong Kong has some members in the local expatriate community wondering whether it’s time to leave. But not everyone is ready to say goodbye to the city they call home. The Post’s Laura Westbrook speaks with three expats on why the NSL does not worry them.

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[tech]

"I'm rich and privileged, I see no problem with the way things are."

[jahjah]

These expats are all well off or have a high income with a family here. Of course, they would not want to give up their lifestyle / luxuries in HK to start a new life all over again in another country. For the mostly working class population, living in HK is extremely challenging.

It would be great if we could see the perspectives of some younger expats who have been in HK for less than 5 years with a lower income.

[theobserver]

If you think in UK they have more freedom in HK, that might slightly incorrect my friend, there are freedoms in HK that dont exist in UK, example : freedom of savely walking at night for women, freedom of not being randomly stabbed, freedom of having decent and clean transportation infrastructure.

[wumaocenttroll]

Once the political issues are settled the Chinese government should crackdown on real estate monopolies in HK as I feel housing is a major reason for the problems HK is facing.

[ekit]

As someone that lives in Canada that goes back to Hong Kong every few years, the grass is not always greener on the other side (Canada). Increasing political, social, and crime issues are deteriorating the quality of life here in recent years. If i was already in Hong Kong and really know what it is really like in North America, I wouldnt leave.

[LeachingJack]

Wait, did that architect just complained about working hours in Spain in comparison to HK? She must work for a decent company in HK.

[johnxina]

Millions of Indian economic refugees would like to go to Hong Kong I can tell you that. Indians would go anywhere just to escape extreme levels of poverty and hardship in India

[Creyo]

Why call them expat? They are just white immigrants in Asia.
Just like Asian immigrants in western country
Why suddenly a white immigrant get a fancy title ‘expat’??
If a Asian entrepreneur or business guy living in or moving to US, 99.9% the time, people would see him as an immigrant. But a white man move to Asia to be a little English teacher and start a life, people call him ‘Expat’.

Why? Because Expat sounds way more fancier than being called immigrant, immigrant associate with poor, coloured disadvantage people, while Expat sounds more business, entrepreneurs, here to make big money rather than running away from something in your own country.

So tell me again, why this white guy lived in Hong Kong for 54 years, he’s still a Expat, and not an immigrant?

[dariondonte]

So, if you're a person with resources, and means, then you have lottle to nothing to worry about.

A doctor, an architect, and a fine arts dealer. Yep. I'm sure they have absolutely no clue as to why the paupers, and commoners would be protesting.

[harisadu]

One question, would these guys be willing to give up passports or is that the red line.

[marylee]

I used to live in Hong Kong for over 30 years and it is such a safe and peaceful city. I only left because have to look after my Mom. I was so sad to see all the violence back in 2019. Alot of people are just so naive and have not seen how worse in other countries are and does not appreciate what they have. Hong Kong is not perfect and do have it's problems especially the housing which the govt should really resolve this.

[tkyap]

Home is where the heart is. Not everyone likes the same thing.

[mfg]

Many westerners also apply to become Hongkong citizens in exchange.

[tbarry]

Some naive Hong Kongnese who emigrated to the UK are already regretting it and wanting to return to Hong Kong.

[DirtySaltyBug]

Hong Kong is safer than London by far. Anybody that says otherwise is either foolhardy or terribly ignorant.

[shawnshawn]

''If you're a law-abiding citizen, I don't see where the fear is coming from.''

[chcgoundaground]

130, 000 professionals have left HK since 2020, most in the financial services industry and half the foreign firms with offices in HK have said they are at least "considering" leaving

[tidusfantasy]

HK is a decent place IF you have at least one property to live in, and a stable income at least enough for u and ur family to sustain on.
If u dont touch HK-China politices, u will be fine.
Of course, nowadays, its a privilege to have even one property to live in, let alone a stable income.
if most HK people can have a decent place to live in, like seen in singapore, many issues can be solved.
However, many Hk people are fighting for the same chance to get government housing against the newly immigrated Mainland Chinese citizens, competing for the small enough housing resources. Hence people are angry.

[williamlouie]

What kind freedom or liberty when your home is size of a coffin? There are lots of poor people. There only concern is how to survive the day!

[jennysiung]

They are migrants, not expats, with privilege. Will SCMP interview other migrants from SE Asia as well to give a more all-rounded picture?