Hong Kong is bracing for a severe manpower shortage in the coming years, with the government projecting a staggering 180,000-worker deficit by 2028 – a three-fold increase from the 50,000 shortage recorded last year.
The impending crisis is particularly dire in the service industry, which saw a shortage of 24,000 staff in 2023. However, the government warns that the situation will only worsen, with a significant shortfall of skilled technicians looming on the horizon.
“We are going to allow qualified technical professionals, who may not have a graduate degree, they may be educated below the bachelor level, to allow them into Hong Kong to fill the gap,” said Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun, revealing the government’s plan to import 30,000 skilled workers over the next three years.
The Labour and Welfare Bureau arrived at these projections after extensive consultations with various industries, and it has become clear that the city needs to find at least 60,000 additional staff to address the growing shortfall – a six-fold increase from last year.
Sun emphasized that the government is focused on bringing in “young technical professionals” aged 35 or under, as the city grapples with the rapid development of AI and automation, which could further exacerbate the labor shortage.
“The labour shortfall would be worse without the help of technology,” Sun acknowledged, underscoring the critical role that advancements in artificial intelligence and automation will play in shaping Hong Kong’s workforce needs in the years to come.
As the city confronts this unprecedented manpower challenge, the government’s efforts to attract and retain skilled workers will be crucial in ensuring Hong Kong’s continued economic prosperity and competitiveness on the global stage.
