Hong Kong will lack 130,000 workers by 2028, fewer than projected due to talent policies

Hong Kong will be short of 130,000 workers by 2028, about a third less than originally projected, a reduction the city’s labour chief attributed to the development of artificial intelligence and government policies to import labour and top talent.

A day after the release of the city’s first five-year plan and annual policy address, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said on Thursday that authorities would exempt start-up founders approved under the Top Talent Pass Scheme from needing to provide proof of company income when renewing their visas to better support these entrepreneurs.

“Our previous manpower projection found that we will be short of 180,000 workers by 2028, but in the latest study, to be announced in detail next week, the shortfall will be reduced to 130,000,” he said.