Expats Still In Hong Kong Are Forced To Accept The End Of An Era

Published:  30 Jun at 6 PM
Want to get involved?

Become a

Featured Expat

and take our interview.

Become a

Local Expert

and contribute articles.

Get in

touch

today!

What can expat professionals in Hong Kong do now?

Expats and Hong Kong citizens alike are now fearing the effects of China’s sweeping new rules aimed at crushing all freedoms in the unique former British colony. After millions joined the last 12 months’ daily demonstrations demanding autonomy from Beijing, the imposition of the new law is striking fear into the hearts of all residents, who are now fully aware the unique archipelago and its financial industry will never be the same again.

After Hong Kong’s handover to China, life continued as it always had, with special freedoms from Beijing’s oversight allowing the city to develop into the world’s most successful financial hub. Western expats flocked to the region and stayed to take full advantage of business opportunities and the variety of experiences on offer, at the same time as attempting to ignore the increasing power and wealth of their vast, Chinese neighbour. One leading Hong Kong opposition figure said it all after the Chinese Communist government passed the new law, stating that Hong Kong will never be the same again.

Practically speaking, the island’s special trading status with the USA is now under threat, and its exotic, freewheeling metropolis is suffocating in a cloud of fear and suspicion as any dissent could result in arrest and deportation to the mainland. Over the past year, those expats who foresaw this conclusion have been quietly leaving for other world financial hubs, taking with them their experience of a unique time in Asian history.

Those who remain are unsure as to how to deal with the inevitable, especially as China’s domestic spy agency will now be established on the island, thus proving jurisdiction. No-one involved in the protests knows whether the new law will be retrospectively applied and are keeping their heads down as a result. However it’s viewed, Asia will never be the same again.

Comments » No published comments just yet for this article...

Feel free to have your say on this item. Go on... be the first!

Tell us Your Thoughts On This Piece:

RECENT NEWS

Want More Clients? Skip Strangers And Reach Out To These People

So, you want to get more clients for your business? To do this, you need to connect with more people. Connect with peo... Read more

The Importance Of Play For Child Development

Play and activities play a major role in children's development. Both independent and cooperative play help children dev... Read more

How To Budget And Finance Your Home's Energy-label Improvements

Are you tired of wrapping yourself in a blanket while working or sitting on your couch? Miyo Okuda, the founder of Terra... Read more

Relocating Abroad With Children After A Break-up

Are you considering relocating to another country with children following a breakup? Sophie Vermeule from GMW Lawyers ex... Read more

The 2023 Dutch Income Tax Return Explained

Whether you just arrived in the Netherlands, are currently here or are planning to leave, Arnold Waal from Tax is Exciti... Read more

What Are Invisible Braces And Why Should You Get Them?

Shaira Kasi from Parla House of Dentistry explains the benefits of invisible braces like Invisalign or Suresmile Aligner... Read more