Hong Kong workforce to shrink by 20,000 yearly as key sectors face shortages

Hong Kong’s workforce is forecast to shrink by around 20,000 a year until 2028 despite measures to import labour and talent, with shortages remaining most acute among skilled technical workers.

A government report on manpower projections on Tuesday found that although the labour shortfall would narrow to 130,000 by 2028, down by nearly a third from the original estimate of 180,000, the city would continue to face critical manpower challenges across key sectors.

“Due to economic transformation, the adoption of AI [artificial intelligence] and various talent and labour importation measures, the predicted manpower shortfall in 2028 will narrow to 130,000, but most critical industries, especially innovation, aviation, construction, city operations and healthcare, still face a manpower crunch,” said Ho Kai-ming, the acting secretary for labour and welfare.

“The adoption of AI is expected to accelerate and companies are likely to take a more cautious approach when hiring for entry-level positions. We believe demand for these roles will ease and some clerical jobs will undergo restructuring. Overall, fresh graduates and middle-aged clerical staff are expected to be most impacted.”