In the past year, Singapore has clamped down on issuing work permits to skilled foreign talents. You must log in or register to reply here. Dive Deeper: Simple Relocation Checklist for Foreign Talents Moving to Singapore. In Cantonese, the phrase literally translates to, "don't obstruct the . (Bloomberg) -- Singapore is becoming a popular escape for Hong Kongers frustrated and anxious about the government's handling of Covid-19. Singapore has a Chinese majority population, many HongKonger had migrated and settled down in Singapore since 1997. according to the Urban Redevelopment Authority. Ranging between US$10k (S$14,000)to US$10m (for top international schools) per child, a parent who decides to relocate their child out of the school to another school (eg. Got a confidential news tip? Some of those arrivals intend to settle down in Singapore and have turned to co-living spaces or serviced apartments, according to industry players. Kay Kutt, CEO of the Hong-Kong based relocation company Silk Relo, agreed, saying people are attracted to the ease of business, family friendliness, tax incentives and open borders of Singapore. With such qualified agents, you wont have to worry about negotiating tenancy terms or drafting a legally tight rental offer in your Letter of Intent. Sure good thing for all friends and comrades here. Serviced apartments provider, Ascott Ltd., which operates luxurious apartments at Ascott Orchard, Citadines Mount Sophia and Lyf One-North, was reported to have been fielding more enquiries, including from Hong Kong, since January. We want to hear from you. It is entirely possible that some Hong Kongers rent-first-settle-down-later approach could have contributed to our month-to-month increase in our rental market. There's also an increase in moves from Hong Kong to Dubai, Japan, South Korea and Thailand, according to insiders. Dubai is also absorbing talent from Hong Kong, said Kerry Consulting's Ang. Let's look at Singapore. Of course, while most Hong Kong residents are renting, making inquiries, researching and deciding whether to invest in property long-term here to settle down, there are two other major factors that may delay or reverse their plans completely. 14 What billionaires live in Hong Kong? Dont forget these stocks have up more than 50% since pandemic. Thousands of others, locals or expats, are relocating to safer locations in the region. The population of the city fell at. All foreigners who intend to work in Singapore must obtain a valid work visa, which companies are obligated to screen for before formally inviting employees on board. Silk Relo and Asian Tigers are also seeing an "uptick" in moves from Hong Kong to Japan, South Korea and Thailand, said Kutt. The result is that 9 in 10 Singaporeans are at least conversational in two languages. You will find that Hong Kong has disappeared, leaving only a bunch of Hong Kongers, each of whom has Victoria Harbour in their heart and Lion Rock in their mind, and shared memories of Hong Kong movies, pop music and culture stowed away between the hills and waters. The 34-year-old Hongkonger is set on emigrating to Singapore with his wife and two young daughters. The trigger, she said one echoed by numerous people who spoke to CNBC for this story was the highly-publicized policy that separated Covid-positive children from their parents earlier this year. The Briton is currently packing up his apartment in Hong Kong and moving to Singapore permanently. She said that is especially true for American and European employers that already have a presence there. Some people are riding out Hong Kong's tight Covid restrictions by taking extended vacations, said Edwards. While the enquiries and interest have increased, it does not necessarily mean that the residents plan to migrate to Singapore would succeed or have materialised. The most vital role for your Singapore-based company is to assist you in securing a work pass from the MOM, which lets you take residence in Singapore for business or professional reasons. A surge in departures is accelerating a "brain drain" of professional talent a situation which hit fever pitch around March, as omicron-driven Covid cases skyrocketed across the city. This means benefits such as financial and logistical support. Finally, Singapore is stepping down the use of its contact tracing app, TraceTogether. The Hong Kong government did not have data, but the Security Bureau estimated 7,000 people may have emigrated in 2019, 1,300 to Canada. They feared it would limit their opportunities. "A lot of families that I know have gone away for like three or four months," said Edwards. While Singapore is a vibrant city that holds much promise, starting a new life overseas is never easy. It is a much safer and stable place for them. head of operations for hotels and serviced residences, Far East Hospitality, Why real estate investors are flocking to Singapore. In the past year, however, there has been an increase in Hong Kongers moving here for a short period to avoid Covidrestrictions in their country. "We do consider [Hong Kong] home, and it is difficult leaving especially considering how much we have invested emotionally in the city," he said. Ohmyhome was founded by sisters Rhonda and Race Wong; the latter was also part of 2R, a former cantopop duo in Hong Kong. LIfe in Singapore has largely returned to pre-pandemic norms. There are over 230,000 Hong Kong Americans residing in America. "In the last couple of years people have thought about leaving, but in the last six months there's been an absolute mass exodus," said Pei C., who has lived in Hong Kong for 17 years. We can simplify your home-finding journey by arranging viewings at your convenience. "I mean, is it even worth it anymore?" And though they are looking forward to more freedom of . This marks the third consecutive year of decline and the biggest drop in the last six decades. One commercial tenant representative for a large property company, speaking anonymously, said companies were making a subtle shift to Singapore, opening subsidiary offices. The resulting hard line in Hong Kong has created a mass exodus, with more than 100,000 Hong Kongers leaving in the last three years thousands of whom came to Canada. "If the situation looks like 2023 is going to be more of the same in Hong Kong hotel quarantine restrictions, all that sort of stuff we're moving to Singapore," she said. He has done his sums, seen a migration consultant, set aside HK$500,000 (US$64,000) to move. Companies are eyeing Hong Kong's exits. In 2020, there were 27 homes bought by Hong Kongers. Residents of Hong Kong are leaving the city in droves in 2022 not because they want to, several told CNBC, but because Covid restrictions and what they see as an erosion of democratic norms are pushing them to leave. This is to "enable the city to continue addressing the social and development needs of Hong Kong and the individual circumstances of our people," she said. 18,433 views Nov 13, 2021 619 Dislike Share Ms Karman K 10.8K subscribers Singapore is a great country to live in but there were a few things that would've made my life a little easier, had I. 137 scheduled flights from Hong Kong to Singapore. JustCo said it hasn't observed a substantial increase, but that international financial institutions in Hong Kong are seeking flexible workspaces in Singapore. This includes finding a suitable home to rent, arranging virtual home tours (if needed), negotiating prices on their behalf, and securing the best deals for their needs. Co-working firm WeWork said its Singapore locations saw a nearly 13% jump in sales and inquiries from Hong Kong-based companies in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to the third quarter. JavaScript is disabled. Singapore is home to thousands of expats from around the world. He remained in Singapore for about a month, where he said there was "some degree of normalcy.". Air traffic from Hong Kong to Singapore was building even before the latest Covid surge, which saw new infections rise to a record of more than 56,000 on Thursday. https://bubblonia.com summarize and list the do hong kongers like to travel to singapore for leisure below, hoping to help you make more suitable choices and get the most helpful information. But that's "not something to celebrate," said Leung, who works in a financial institution and returned to Hong Kong in April. Tesla itself has easily 5x also. Some hold British National Overseas passports , a document available to those born before Hong Kong reverted to China in 1997; others do not. The most recent ruling by Singapores Ministry of Manpower on February 18 2022 also requires Employment Pass applicants to secure roles that pay a minimum of $5,000, or $5,500 if they work in financial services. Singapore) risks losing his or her debenture. 64,900 BNOs applied for the visa. March 2022 saw 137 scheduled flights from Hong Kong to Singapore, the highest number recorded since March 2020. The Hong Kong government estimates that last year about 7,600 people left the city for good, roughly one-third the number who sought police-record printouts. Through data-driven and customer-centric methods, our Super Agents have helped expatriates identify homes and seal the deal at affordable prices within just three to four weeks. Singapore's population and geographic area in comparison to Hong Kong's are 75% and 65% respectively. She cited L'Oreal, Moet Hennessy and VF Corporation the latter which owns brands such as Timberland and North Face as examples, while noting there are more who haven't made their decisions public yet. Unfortunately, some bankers and hedge fund managers are already having second thoughts. But deeply entrenched locals are leaving too, she said. This is the first time in eleven years that the annual growth of the rental index reach a double-digit percentage, said Nicholas Mak, Head of Research and Consultancy from ERA Realty. On April 26 2022, the Singapore government announced that safe distancing would no longer be required for group activities. My son has a classmate who's family moved over to Sg after 1997. Most of them tend to rent a place for a short while," said Lee Sze Teck, Senior Director (Research) from Huttons Asia. Malaysia . Singapore, however, has gradually dropped quarantine requirements since September. It's expected that between 123,000 and 153,000 Hong Kongers will arrive in Britain this year. "What was once a progressive city, just feels like it's no longer interested in being part of the international conversation," he said. Some arrivals from Hong Kong are making bookings for as short as two weeks, while others are intending to stay for 12 months, according to data from Hmlet and Far East Hospitality. In 2018, Hong Kong's GDP was US$362.99 billion, and Singapore was US$364.1 billion. Linda Yeung, "Singapore calling," South China Morning Post, June 25, 1995. He said that at that point, he felt "the government [had] totally lost it, I have to get out of here.". Hong Kongers snap up property in Penang, Singapore amidst unrest. Rents for private homeclimbed 4.2% in the first quarter of this year, compared to a rise of 2.6% in the previous quarter,according to the Urban Redevelopment Authority. According to my friend who is a Hongkonger, a friend of him has moved to Taiwan recently, and it cost him more than USD 200,000 (And it will be more Continue Reading Quora User Some Singaporeans were also motivated to return to visit their home country to see family and friends. Far East Hospitality has received a mix of bookings from both travelers and businesses looking for interim accommodation for their employees, according to Tan Chia Hui, head of operations for hotels and serviced residences. Co-living start-up Hmlet saw a 25% increase in bookings in January 2022 from December 2021, while serviced apartments managed by Far East Hospitality saw a spike in inquiries and bookings around the end of February. Owing to political turmoil and strict pandemic measures over the past few years, international businesses are shutting down offices in Hong Kong and shifting operations offshore. Authorities in Malaysia, Australia. Hong Kong is like a shattered mirror; each person has kept a piece. Fake account to boost visits to website? He has done his sums, seen a migration consultant, set aside HK$500,000 (S$88,315) to move. With the recent news that Hong Kong may allow in-person classrooms to resume in stages from mid-April, some parents may change their minds and return to Hong Kong instead. Many Hong Kongers now in their 30s to 50s left for the United States, Canada and Australia with their parents during that period, but they returned when China's economy took off and Hong Kong's . Now Pei said she's noticing a lot of these people are not coming back. HONG KONG (Bloomberg): Frustrated and anxious about the government's handling of Covid-19, some Hong Kongers are looking to flee, even if it's just to wait out the worst of the outbreak. visa programs granting eligible Hong Kong residents the right to reside within their jurisdictions. "Based on our observation, most bookings from Hong Kong are for permanent relocation to Singapore," Hmlet's CEO said. Mid-level skilled staff and technicians can also apply to work in Singapore via the S Pass, which has a lower minimum salary requirement of $3,000 or $3,500 for financial service employees. However, there was a jump in the number of Hong Kongers buying properties in the past year. Non-resident employment income is taxed at a flat rate of 15% or according to the prevailing progressive resident tax rate, whichever is higher. Yet, the majority of Hong Kongers in 1997 still supported placing Hong Kong under the rule of Beijing. PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES OF RELOCATION Following China's move on June 30 to impose the security law on Hong Kong with no local government debate, many prominent activists have been arrested, charged or fled into exile in the U.K. and . In the past, maybe I could have entertained staying long enough to be a Hong Kong PR, but for now, I think with the current situation, it's unlikely that I will do so. Those with a lot to lose, because of their economic standing, army or political background were eager to leave. When youre ready, you can book an appointment with us. However, "the 2019 protests to the currentpandemic situation and seeing friends leaving already made our decision a little bit easier.". My wife gets to know his mother well during their stay in Sg. 1.Hong Kong residents moving to Singapore, snapping up rental homes Author: www.cnbc.com Date: 11 days ago Rate: 3(515 reviews) Rate Singapore, however, has gradually. As of Thursday, Hong Kong began allowing groups of four to gather at any one time, and restaurant operating hours were extended to 10 p.m. Based on agents feedback, we received more enquiries from clients in Hong Kong. Hong Kong's population fell by 1.6 per cent, or 121,500 in the year to June 2022, according to government data. Usually ppl wont post embedded links when copy pasting. For many decades before the handover of Hong Kong in 1997, the Hong Kongers had been aware of the atrocities committed by the mainland Chinese. One such move was the increase of the minimum monthly salary threshold for Employment Pass (EP) and S-Pass applicants from September this year. Inquiries from Hong Kong jumped 25% from December 2021 to January 2022, Hmlet said. From Tuesday, vaccinated visitors will no longer need to take any Covid tests. However, masks are still required at nightlife venues such as bars and clubs when capacity exceeds 75%. Hong Kong began allowing groups of four to gather at any one time, and restaurant operating hours were extended to 10 p.m. Australian Krystle Edwards said she's lived in Hong Kong for 12 years and wants to stay, but she and her husband are going to decide whether to leave by September. Being an international finance centre, the city is able to generate more wealth for its residents, said Joseph Tsang, chairman of property agency JLL in Hong . Three children under the age of 5 have died . Singapore was also the most popular global destination for outbound flights, second only to Shanghai. In fact, according to Ohmyhome research, the number of Hong Kong arrivals to Singapore has been increasing exponentially since October 2021, doubling month-on-month between January and March 2022. It shared one example of a European bank with plans to designate its Marina Bay financial district office as the backup centre for Hong Kong (so it could relocate staff to Singapore). The app has been crucial for close contact tracing over the past two years, but will only be required for events with more than 500 people from 26 April 2022. Hong Kong has a dynamic zero strategy for Covid and imposed strict measures from January in a bid to slow the spread of the virus, which included a ban on dining in from 6 p.m. daily. The next consideration is the size of the home. Source: URA, OrangeTee & Tie Research & Analytics. This article was first published in 99.co. Changi Airport received 7,931. Enter your best email below to join in. They are keen to rent or buy homes as they plan to work in Singapore in the mid to long term. Many fathers remained to work, she said, but many are now asking their employers for transfers to leave. "We don't have enough people to serve what's going on in the marketplace. Work pass documentation and processing is largely handled by employers in Singapore, so Hong Kongers are highly advised to secure a job locally before booking a flight down. Singapore has a population of 5.64 million people living on 719 km of land, while Hong Kong has a population of 7.45 million people living on 1,106 km of land. Chinese in Malaysia is definitely more Chinese than Chinese Singaporean, and partly due to the unfair treatment that they are facing as a minority racial group in Malaysia. Small companies are "taking the entire team and putting them into Singapore.". The encounter with HK ppl by me and my friend are that they are very superficial. Serviced apartments managed by Far East Hospitality also saw a spike in inquiries and bookings around the end of February, though that has since slowed, the company told CNBC. Our agents are amongst the top 1% of over 30,000 CEA-certified agents in Singapore, with more than 10 of them ranking within the top 30. The only winner is the gahment. all these foreigners/PR will need to pay ABSD when they buy properties in Singapore. More over we beat Covid19 like a a hero and our leaders are all number 1. Singapore Isn't The Next Hong Kong Claims of political contagion are establishment. "We're seeing companies choosing Tokyo," she said, which she indicated was surprising given that Tokyo has historically been a place for companies solely looking to access the Japanese market. Pei estimates that 60-70% of her friends have left in the past six to 12 months, which includes people with businesses and family in Hong Kong as well as those who were once deeply committed to staying. That figure rose further in March, jumping more than 110% from February, official data shows. Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) points system. While it seems that Singapore should be the obvious choice for Asias top finance hub besides Hong Kong, strict visa requirements and hiring restrictions have hampered the influx of bankers intending to move here. Singapore is the obvious alternative, but moving there isn't as easy as it seems BY Simon Willis February 21, 2022, 8:08 PM PST VF Corporation went. In Hong Kong, parents have to pay debentures, a form of advance loan to secure priority admission into international schools. Most people leaving, said Pei, are headed to same place: Singapore. "Anecdotally, we know that perhaps there are some of those based in Hong Kong looking to relocate to Singapore, and this is contributing to the increase in rents," said Leonard Tay, head of research at real estate agency Knight Frank Singapore. Leung regularly crosses the border into Malaysia to visit family, which would not be possible if he were in Hong Kong. "Those were the ones that I would say rocked me to the core," said Kutt, who has lived in Hong Kong for more than 30 years. Before Covid, "absent shippers" were rare, she said, but due to the number of requests, Silk Relo created a service whereby an on-site team member acts on behalf of a client who can't be present for a move. They will probably have to sell their home in Hong Kong to finance their purchase here. One year after Britain opened its door to Hong Kongers, those who have arrived are still coming to terms with the contours of their new lives.Read more: tri. In March 2022, Financial Times reported that some international schools in Singapore received more inquiries from Hong Kong residents than usual but were unable to meet the unprecedented demand. Whereas one company executive might have left in the past, now "they're all going," she said. "", was what a complete stranger said to me brusquely on my first trip to Hong Kong. However, she shared that some may have bought homes and the caveats logged under China or foreign (unspecified). . Theres also the option of studying in private education institutions that cater to expatriate communities. All education providers in Singapore are required to register as a Private Education Institution so that they align sufficiently with a mainstream syllabus either in Singapore or abroad. All Rights Reserved. Singapore was also the most popular global destination for outbound flights, second only to Shanghai. "Singapore was where you went if you were a bit boring or you had a family. Got a confidential news tip? Before 2011, property prices were moving faster than income. This indicates that while guests may relocate for work, they are looking to bring their families along as well. Hardly anyone has time to handle all the documentation and queries involved in home hunting between all of that. Singapore-based international schools like Tanglin Trust School and EtonHouse International School were reported to have received an increase in inquiries from parents in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is witnessing an intensifying exodus of locals and expatriates, one that started in 2019 amid pro-democracy protests that sometimes involved violence. "We couldn't be too harsh with our people and the people's tolerance has always been one of the factors that we need to consider in devising the best public health measure for Hong Kong.". Besides healthy domestic demand and the spillover effect from the recently increased Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD), Mak also attributed the rental increases to the economic recovery and border reopening, which led to more workers returning to Singapore. Lisa Terauchi grew up in Hong Kong, but left just shy of her 45th birthday, after her husband lost his job as a captain with Cathay Dragon, a Hong Kong-based airline that shuttered operations in late 2020. 2022 CNBC LLC. Singapore was also the most popular global destination for outbound flights, second only to Shanghai. With the worlds freest economy at 84.4 points (according to the 2022 Index of Economic Freedom), the Lion Citys thriving economy is led by manufacturing, wholesale trade, finance and other sectors, all of which are undergoing rapid digital transformation. She asked to be identified with her last initial because of sensitivities surrounding the topic in Hong Kong. The programme pointed out that while 44.8 percent of Hong Kongers live in public housing, the percentage is much higher in Singapore -- 81 percent live in an HDB (Housing & Development Board) flat. For most Hong Kongers, Chinese nationalism is more important than human rights or democracy. Because we know first hand how hard it is to move abroad, well also throw in advice on how to apply for various services such as utilities, landline and the internet. Hong Kongers prefer moving to US, Singapore 07 December, 2022 Asian public most fearful about the risk of pandemics and infectious diseases in global survey in Leadership by Aditi Sharma Kalra Singapore's Latest News December 07, 2022 Asian public most fearful about the risk of pandemics and infectious diseases in global survey in Leadership Highlighting unique property views for every Singaporean, Know the value of your property in seconds, 11 Lorong 3 Toa Payoh, Jackson Square Proptech Innovation Centre Block B, #04-17, Singapore 319579, Talk to us today. The remaining 30% of bookings were for longer-term stays of between six and 12 months. Children aged 12 years and under must also be vaccinated for measles and diphtheria, and obtain a Verification of Vaccination Requirement from the Health Promotion Board before they can apply for a Students Pass. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox. Hong Kong Residents Moving to the U.K. . Hong Kongers especially believe they are going to have to delay their retirement, with 48% claiming that their ideal retirement at the moment would be between ages 60-69, marking a significant increase from the 50-59 range of 2020. This increased by 40.7 per cent to 38 homes in 2021. Like Hong Kong, Singapore has been known as an international business hub and a bridge between the East and the West. Singapore-based co-living start-up Hmlet said there was an "exponential" increase in bookings in January 2022, "which we attribute to demand from Hong Kongers anticipating the imminent tightening of public health protocols.". Read by 200,000 Homies. Theres also the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) points system due to start in September 2023. Well guide you through everything from lease signing, deposit payment coordination and legal stamping of documents. Edelyn Chua. HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong residents are buying more houses and apartments to lease out for income in Britain, property agents say, a trend that coincides with what many expect to be a wave . "In the past, maybe I could have entertained staying long enough to be a Hong Kong [permanent resident], but for now, I think with the current situation, it's unlikely that I will do so," he said. The top choice is Hong Kong's democratic neighbor . Then they lasted through nearly two years of pandemic. They will want a home much larger than their Hong Kong home, Lee said. including young adults moving out of their parents' homes and people looking for interim housing because of construction delays. Pepsi, Unilever and P&G moved people out of Hong Kong into Dubai, she said. Similarly, Leung said he is not in a rush to move back to Singapore, but is open to the idea. "If this continues on in Hong Kong for, I don't know, the next year or so, I think it will be a strong enough reason to leave," he said. During the pandemic, both countries launched visa programs granting eligible Hong Kong residents the right to reside within their jurisdictions. On a year-on-year basis, the rental index rose 12.1 per cent. The office of Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Lam said on April 26 that the government's Covid rules balance health and economic interests with public tolerance levels. But early estimates show this year will see far more people go. Some people interviewed by the Japan Times cite inflation concerns, expensive housing, limited study options, and an overall lack of opportunity. Hong Kong lost some 93,000 residents in 2020, followed by another 23,000 in 2021. Many expatriates went home for a few months this year. While Hong Kong has recently eased its Covid-19. The corporate bookings are typically for a period of one to three months, and for bigger units with between two and four bedrooms, she added. As Singapore continues to push for its hire local policy, it will also be making it progressively stricter for foreign talent when it comes to having their visas or employment passes approved. According to the European Chamber of Commerce, nearly 50 per cent of European companies are planning to move out. . Others have moved to the United Kingdom and Canada, said Kutt. March 2022 saw 137 scheduled flights from Hong Kong to Singapore, the highest number recorded since March 2020. Well also send you relevant content that you can use for your own research, so you no longer have to spend hours searching online for the information that you need. It gets even harder if youre a parent looking for a school that best fits your child. Is so, HDB resale price trend will also follow too. Even before Covid-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020, Hong Kong was already in crisis with pro-democracy street protests, curfew rumours and disruptions to commuters due to the controversial extradition bill of 2019. Other companies are staying in Hong Kong, but downsizing their offices, and moving regional headquarters to Singapore, said Ang. But early estimates show this year will see far more people go. The young people in Hong Kong are facing escalating housing prices with limited job prospect. Yet even more are relocating to the United Kingdom, with more than 100,000 applying to move as of March. Singaporeans and PRs pay 0 per cent and 5 per cent ABSD respectively for their first Singapore-based property. Enquiries by Hong Kongers at Immigration@SG LLP, an immigration consultancy in Singapore, rose by roughly a quarter in the past two months compared with earlier in the year, said a company. "We cannot keep up with the capacity," she said. A Division of NBCUniversal. They stuck it out during the political protests of 2019. But early estimates show this year will see far more people go. "Everyone's going to Singapore," said Pei, especially those working in finance, law and recruitment, she said. No matter how we can debate, I always ask myself a few logic: This forum is moderated by volunteer moderators who will react only to members' feedback on posts. Some are Singaporeans shifting back to Singapore while others are expatriates who were working in Hong Kong and are being relocated here, said Christine Sun, Senior Vice President of Research and Analytics at OrangeTee & Tie. Dont put off your relocation plans any longer. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis. Singapore is also an excellent location for expatriate professionals thanks to its liberal tax regulations. "Singapore is seldom the first choice for Hong Kongers seeking migration. You may also refer to the latest Announcement on Updates to Border Measures amid COVID-19 Outbreak under our Overview page for the latest changes to the travel requirements. The city tightened restrictions further in February, though they were eased slightly last Thursday. Stifled by strict Covid restrictions in Hong Kong, some residents from the Chinese financial hub have moved to Singapore, and there are signs that rental demand has gone up. The earliest inhabitants of Hong Kong are indigenous villagers, who have lived in the area since before British colonization. This will allow people who are entering Singapore to avoid testing fees and pre-departure tests, which have been an administrative burden on travelling individuals in recent times. The 53-year-old Hong Konger loves his homeland, but a mixture of its changing politics and a sense of adventure has led him to seek out a new life for his family in Belfast. Hong Kong lost 93,000 residents in 2020, followed by another 23,000 in 2021. In response to CNBC's request for comment, Hong Kong's Information Services Department pointed to a speech by Chief Executive Carrie Lam in late March, where she said Hong Kong needs to balance between virus risks and Covid measures. The very top all live on HK island around the Peak, Mid-Levels, Repulse Bay and around the American International School. However, the movement of Hong Kongers has "not yet caused a discernible . Singapore's plans to move away from a "Zero Covid" strategy -- which is crucial for Hong Kong's desired bubble with mainland China -- also influenced the decision, according to the Straits. 12 Are hongkongers moving to UK? Authorities also recently lifted the 10.30 p.m. cut-off for alcohol sales, and allowed bars and karaoke lounges to reopen again. A net 71,000 people left Hong Kong in February, and there are more flights to Singapore than anywhere else aside from Shanghai. Singapore so safe and good who dont want come? Another Singaporean, who wanted to be known only as Leung, said he bought a one-way ticket to Singapore when Hong Kong announced in February that it planned to test its entire population for Covid three times. About 9,000 Hong Kong. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The scheme is open to Hong Kong residents who claimed British National (Overseas), or BNO, status before the handover in 1997. According to Sun, there has not been a significant increase in buyers from Hong Kong over the past few months. "The main thing was the restrictions," said a Singaporean who works in the banking industry, who requested anonymity as he did not have permission to speak to the media. This group almost never get to learn or to speak Chinese. "Booking pace from Hong Kong has dipped slightly in February and March but remained higher than previous months," said Giselle Makarachvili, the company's chief executive officer. Forum members and moderators are responsible for their own posts. "This indicates that while guests may relocate for work, they are looking to bring their families along as well," she said. For a Hong Konger seeking greener pastures offshore, Singapore is probably one of the first countries that come to mind. more than 100,000 applying to move as of March. It's great that Hong Kong's rules are going to be less extreme, but there's still a long way to go, said Leung. Under Britain's BNO visa program, people fleeing from oppression in Hong Kong are trying to make the most of their new lives in the UK. Hong Kong-born Kam Lun Yeung said his family is moving to Sydney, where he lived as a child. Authorities in Malaysia, Australia. Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. The median monthly household income for Hong Kongers was under HK$29,000 (now about US$3,700) in 2019. Bloomberg News, Bloomberg News. Rival . "If something comes along, the numbers are right, it aligns with my career goals, why not right? Released in . Our smart-data matching technology will filter our available listings based on your preferences from location and property type, to the number of rooms and budget and well WhatsApp them to you once we find a match. Roslan Rahman/AFP/Getty Images With Singapore loosening COVID-19 and border restrictions, the. "I am seeing, with regret, a flight from Hong Kong to Singapore, which guarantees more rights for finance and business," says Petricca. Director of marketing and communications at Singapores Tanglin Trust School has said that the number of Hong Kong applicants within the first two months of 2022 has already exceeded all of 2021, showing that Hong Kong families are actively looking to settle down in a new environment. She said her friends used Singapore as a base for short-term business or personal trips to the U.S. and Europe since Singapore doesn't require fully vaccinated travelers to be quarantined. In Hong Kong, people arriving need to quarantine for at least seven days in a hotel and take multiple Covid tests, vaccinated visitors will no longer need to take any Covid tests, speech by Chief Executive Carrie Lam in late March, imposed strict measures from January in a bid to slow the spread of the virus. In 2020, there were 27 homes bought by Hong Kongers. You can also WhatsApp us at 9755 1009! We want to hear from you. So private property price on the set to rise again? This article will cover everything expatriates need to know, from securing a work visa to school registration, among other things to expect, so that they can transition smoothly into life in Singapore. In Hong Kong, people arriving need to quarantine for at least seven days in a hotel and take multiple Covid tests. A report based on a telephone survey of 507 Hong Kong residences by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada was provocatively titled "Hong Kong: Canada's Largest City in Asia.". From 2015 to 2019, the city gained an average of 53,000 new residents per year. Most if not all, will not be able to obtain a loan in Singapore. "[Hong Kong] just feels backwards," said Benarr, who is group director of real estate at hospitality company The Mandala Group. SINGAPORE After eight years in Hong Kong, Jonathan Benarr is giving up that city for a new set of attractions in Singapore. Two years later, with Covid-19 restrictions like the zero-Covid-19 policy (and lengthy school shutdowns) frustrating many local and foreign Hong Kong residents, the enquiries seem to have increased. Under the terms of Hong Kong's return to China in 1997, Beijing promised to preserve the city's way of life, including civil liberties and political freedoms not available in mainland China . Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. It has since . We dont call them Super Agents for nothing. Though her oldest son is completing his master's degree in Hong Kong, she said she and her husband likely won't return, even to maintain their permanent residency status. It has been reported that most Hong Kong Americans were born in either Hong Kong, the US, or Guangdong, China. To be clear, interest from Hong Kong is just one piece of the puzzle. Dive Deeper: Condo Renting 101: Where to Look, Sizes and Cost. The Singaporean who works in banking and remained in Singapore for a month said he doesn't plan to leave Hong Kong immediately, but Covid and political upheaval in the city have made him think about his long-term plans to stay. The private residential rentals continue to increase strongly in 1Q 2022. Some expatriates in Hong Kong moving to S'pore as Covid-19 situation in territory worsens The teenage asylum-seeker Hei Yin Ngan, 19, travelled to the UK in June 2021 and is seeking asylum.. Although the political climate and pandemic controls are the primary factors driving Hong Kongers to leave en masse, other immigrants cite other reasons for their decision to move. The government refusal to expand public housing and let the property dictate by rich property tycoon. Available daily 9 AM to 9 PM (GMT +8), Rental Prices Strengthened in 1Q22 | Ohmyhome Insights, Uncovering the Growth Potential in Farrer Park, 137 scheduled flights from Hong Kong to Singapore, safe distancing would no longer be required for group activities, Employees are also allowed to remove their masks, Covid-19 testing requirements have been removed, Simple Relocation Checklist for Foreign Talents Moving to Singapore, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority(ICA), The Property Podcast You Need to Listen to in Singapore Is Here: Welcome to Real Estate, Real Advice by Ohmyhome, How to Calculate Property Tax in 2022 with Annual Value and Property Tax Rate (UPDATED), 5 Sustainable Living Tips You Can Easily Start at Home, Health, travel, contents/property insurance papers, Visa papers/work passes and/or passes for family, Birth certificates/adoption papers of children (if any) and photocopies, Copies of credit card/bank card numbers and contact numbers, Passport and photocopies, additional passport-sized photos, Marriage certificates and photocopies, if applicable, Medical and dental records and any medication details, Pet passport, medical records, and travel documents, if applicable, Requirements and process of application of the appropriate visa at the, List of required customs, duties, and taxes to be paid, as well as the contraband rules to be followed when moving to Singapore as required by, Medical and health insurance requirements, including vaccinations, A transnational moving company to transport possessions. This means parents caught in between having their child drop out of school midway have to find a willing debenture buyer in the secondary market (usually through a brokerage agency). Although students are allowed to apply to be exempt from studying an official Mother Tongue Language (usually Chinese, Malay, or Tamil), students are strongly encouraged to learn a second language as part of Singapores bilingual curriculum. Private home rentsclimbed 4.2% in the first quarter of this year, compared to a rise of 2.6% in the previous quarter,according to the Urban Redevelopment Authority. The influx of Hong Kongers may result in an uplift of asking prices." - Ella Sherman. Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. August 14, 2021. A Division of NBCUniversal. Hong Kong continues to safeguard "human rights and freedoms" but that "one has to observe the law in exercising freedom," she said. The chart below displays the first choice of location among Hong Kong residents in our sample who stated that they had thought about moving. "Heaps are in Thailand they just packed up and went to Phuket or [Koh] Samui. ", Families are transferring to Singapore, she said, but small- and medium-sized businesses are also on the move. In the past year, however, there has been an increase in Hong Kongers moving here for a short period to avoid COVID restrictions in their country. Due to the riots in Hong Kong many . As an icing on the cake, expatriates who relocate with us receive free cleaning and home contents insurance so that you can collapse into your bed immediately after your long journey. To be clear, interest from Hong Kong is not the only reason for rising rents. . Hong Kong residents flock to look for new homes abroad in the wake of the city's anti-government protests. Limits to group sizes, which were previously capped at 10, have also been lifted. Many people and companies are moving to Singapore,. This increased by 40.7 per cent to 38 homes in 2021. And BTOs will adjust selling prices. Singapore is seldom the first choice for Hong Kongers seeking migration. This is where EP applicants are rated based on various criteria, ranging from salary to skills and qualifications, and the hiring firms diversity and support for local employment. It's a good time to move," he said. Call us at 6886 9009 to secure an appointment with any of our Super Agents or message us in the chatbox at the bottom, right-hand corner of the screen. Hong Kong Protests Won't Spread to Singapore Argument An expert's point of view on a current event. "Sales have picked up as more Hong Kong businesses move to Singapore. These restrictions have prompted some of these firms to look farther, such as Dubai, London or Sydney, as possible relocation destinations beyond Singapore. Try to secure work before moving to Singapore, the government enforce strict rules on local to expat ratios and if a local can do the work, the local will secure the job. . Expatriates entering Singapore will also be excited to know that Covid-19 testing requirements have been removed for fully vaccinated travellers. The report cited Singapore-based Tanglin Trust School, a non-profit with 2,800 students and annual fees of up to S$46,965, receiving as many applications in January and February 2022 compared to the whole of last year. All Rights Reserved. Although masks are still required for indoor activities, wearing a mask is now optional at well-ventilated outdoor venues such as bus stops and open-air corridors. 15 Is it expensive to stay in Hong Kong? Three children under the age of 5 have died in Hong Kong's outbreak, a disproportionately large number that has local parents anxious, though pediatricians say it could just be a grim coincidence. Singapore allows qualified Hong Kongers to wait five years before they must physically migrate, which may account for the low residency rate. Many dont believe Singapore aiming more than 6.9M population. Rental prices in Singapore were already moving higher during the pandemic due to demand from various sources. she said. All trending upwards. A follow-up Bloomberg report cited that a net 71,000 people have left Hong Kong in February 2022 the biggest outflow since the pandemic began. Its a tough call, especially if theyve prepaid a high debenture. Locals are making plans for an exodus as protests show little sign of ending. Stifled by strict Covid restrictions in Hong Kong, residents from the financial hub are continuing to move to its rival, Singapore. Hong Kong citizens purchased just 12 apartments in Singapore in the first half of 2019, down from 32 in the first six months of 2018. In its 40-year existence, the past three years have been the busiest years on record for Silk Relo's sister moving company, Asian Tigers, she said. They are pretty self contained. Expect the HR staff to coordinate with you for these: Whether youre moving by yourself or relocating with your entire family, theimmigration processis quite seamless once you have these requirements ready. If you've visited Hong Kong and experienced a culture shock of how seemingly unfriendly the locals are, you're not alone. Hong Kong homeowners may sell as much as HK$150 billion ($19.3 billion) worth of property this year when residents emigrate to the U.K. -. Moderators are not employees or representatives of HWZ. For example, EP applicants minimum salary threshold will go up from S$4,500 to S$5,000 (S$5,500 for the financial sector). However, that methodology is based only on applications for. KUALA LUMPUR: From luxury Singapore apartments to Malaysian seafront condos, Hong Kong investors are shifting cash into Southeast Asian property, demoralised by increasingly violent protests as well as the China-US trade war. So its highly possible that many Hong Kong residents while inquiring about or renting in Singapore are waiting for the right time or circumstance, before making these life-changing decisions for their families and themselves. Hong Kong lost 93,000 residents in 2020, followed by another 23,000 in 2021. With Singapore loosening Covid-19 and border restrictions, the rival financial hub was reported by South China Morning Post to be a top choice for expats and Hong Kongers leaving Hong Kong. "Interestingly, we also noted a group of members whose original travel intent was for business but eventually converted to permanent stays," Makarachvili added. Source: Ohmyhome Research, STB This included enquiries on placements in international schools like the Singapore American School and the Canadian International School in Singapore. Hong Kong announced in February that it planned to test its entire population for Covid three times. "We get more calls from our clients who are sharing with us that they're going to move the entire Asia Pacific office into Singapore," she said. In total, some 5.4 million Hong Kongers could ultimately be eligible. As for documentation requirements, all international students must obtain an official Students Pass to be eligible for registration at local institutions. Their exposure to multicultural environments from a young age also means that Singaporeans students are better able to embrace and include students from other countries and regions. Mothers and children left Hong Kong upon news that governmental policies were separating parents from their children who tested positive for Covid-19, said Pei, a long-time resident of Hong Kong. According to a recent Bloomberg report, nearly 50% of European companies in Hong Kong plan to move all or half of their workforces out of the city. Hong Kong residents who qualify for the scheme will be allowed to stay in Britain for five years and then apply for "settled status" and citizenship. Visitor arrivals from Hong Kong to Singapore nearly doubled from January to February this year, according to Singapore's tourism board. "You've just reopened the bars and the clubs, and people are being treated like adults.". March 2022 saw 137 scheduled flights from Hong Kong to Singapore, the highest number recorded since March 2020. Simply tell us about your specific housing needs and we will MATCH you with the right home! With covid changing people's expectations of work and financial stability, most people in Hong Kong and . Both cities are also recognised as two of the four Asian Tigers. A net 71,000 people left Hong Kong in February, and there are more flights to Singapore than anywhere else aside from Shanghai. The 34-year-old Hongkonger is set on emigrating to Singapore with his wife and two young daughters. . The overall residential rental index increased by 4.3 per cent QoQ last quarter. From July through mid-August, when street protests turned. They all got villas, some have even put their kids in school there, and they said they'll come back to Hong Kong in August or September.". Rental prices in Singapore were already moving higher during the pandemic due to demand from various sources, including young adults moving out of their parents' homes and people looking for interim housing because of construction delays. They need to have a job here to get an Employment Pass, S-pass or work permit, shared Mak. In March last year . One Singaporean, who works in finance in Hong Kong and declined to be named, said it was a good opportunity to visit loved ones, especially when the Covid situation in the Chinese city worsened earlier this year. There is a mixture of clients those moving over with their families and others who are single, business executives. The simple and short answer is: Money, you have to have a lot of money to emigrate to Taiwan or Singapore, it also takes time and a lot of efforts and paperworks. Eatology started offering Hong Kongers science-backed meal plans in 2015, seeing the need for a more practical and sustainable diet that works well with customers' lifestyles. "It gets to a point where it's just too much.". 2022 CNBC LLC. "I've not physically seen anyone who's that excited about moving to Saudi Arabia yet " but places in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, are "trying to mirror what Dubai has done over the last couple of years.". China concerned about keeping Hong Kong as offshore financial center: Professor. Immigration from Hong Kong to Canada is "booming," according to the Canadian immigration website, CIC News. Hong Kongers who are considering a move to Singapore will find themselves in good company. Because at Ohmyhome, were always on your side, always by your side. Rents for their houses and apartments may now average US$20,000/month. (Ethnic Chinese comprise over 90% of Hong Kong's 7.4m population and over 70% of Singapore's 5.6m. Hong Kongers who are considering a move to Singapore will find themselves in good company. Now Hong Kong's ever-chipper lifestyle websites, once dominated by articles about the city's best dim sum and foot massages parlors, are focusing on moving to-do lists and farewell gift guides. It is a clean and safe place to live and explore. The Hong Kong government estimates that last year about 7,600 people left the city for good, roughly one-third the number who sought police-record printouts. French lender Societe Generale is temporarily moving about a dozen traders from Hong Kong to Singapore, Bloomberg reported last month. "The first and foremost consideration is getting a loan to buy a home in Singapore.. Others may be looking at city-fringe homes that are near the CBD. Kutt said this is "absolutely" happening, as evidenced by the number of moves occurring without clients present. The cooling measures announced in December 2021 require that foreigners pay 30 per cent Additional Buyers Stamp Duty (ABSD) for any property purchase (including their first). You have to collate all your identity, financial and medical documents and allow time for visa processing and flight booking. Around 70% of bookings from Hong Kong at Hmlet Homes were for three-month stays, the minimum required. These would . To be sure, Hong Kong residents arent coming to Singapore to sight-see. But this year, they say they've had enough. Tom Grimmer, "Rivalry Between Singapore and Hong Kong is Heating Up," Financial Post, June 28, 1995. Source: Ohmyhome Research, STB Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Some of the clients Sun talked about are looking at the luxury home segment or prime location. Confirm la. Millions have taken to the streets during four months . Most of them tend to rent a place for a short while, said Lee Sze Teck, Senior Director (Research) from Huttons Asia. ", "Well, fast forward [two years], Singapore is a shining light," he said. The best/worst part is, they are very accustomed to the small space and high housing prices. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Searching for a job overseas is hard enough. You are using an out of date browser. Hong Kong "was no longer the country I had grown up in, it was no longer the country I remembered," she said. On the subject of people leaving Hong Kong, Lam said it's their "individual freedom to enter and to exit.". In the first three quarters of 2021, 88,800 Hong Kongers applied for British National (Overseas) visas. Charlotte Parsons and . 199. A total of 2.9 million people registered and so can apply for the. Right before "the handover" to China in 1997, many Hong Kongers left for Singapore, my birthplace, fearful of an uncertain Communist future and lured by Singapore's immigration policy that gives preferences to ethnic Chinese. Hong Kong lost residents in 2020 and 2021, but this year is expected to far surpass both years in terms of the numbers of people leaving for good. Singaporeans based in Hong Kong have made extended trips back home in recent months, citing the relative freedom that people in the Southeast Asian city now enjoy compared with Hong Kong. There are two grades of expats in Hong Kong. Why are Hong Kongers so rich? By Phil Rosen January 14, 2021 In 1949, over one million people left Shanghai in fear of China's new government led by Mao Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, please refer to Hong Kong SAR official COVID-19 website for the relevant boarding, quarantine, and testing arrangements before departing from Singapore to Hong Kong. Singapore and Canada. Saw this online lol seems interesting that they're moving to SG and settling down here Wonder what this will do to the property market here since prises keep going up and up. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox. CNBC also reported a major uptick of Hong Kong applicants at co-living spaces in Singapore, with an overwhelming majority of them comprising of Hong Kong families with children. "Saudi Arabia is trying to fight for a slice of the pie" too, said Ang. Hong Kongers who are considering a move to Singapore will find themselves in good company. "I noticed, especially I think it was March, the number of calls [from] long-standing old Hong Kong families they have high net worth, might have multiple homes, they're choosing to pack up and go," said Kutt. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Singapore students consistently outperform their international peers in the skills of reading, maths, and science. While Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung, who relocated to Singapore last year, has sent her two sons to an international school in Singapore, she also sang praises of the country's education. Terauchi said she has friends who are leaving, some who have lived there longer than she did. #41. Many people and companies are moving to Singapore, though some expatriates are returning home and Hong Kongers are applying for residency under new visa programs launched in Canada and the United Kingdom. The new visa scheme could bring over 300,000 Hong Kongers and their dependents to Britain in the next five years. There are signs that rental demand has grown further. 13 Is Singapore richer than Hong Kong? "There's not much evolution in how [Hong Kong] is handling it, and therefore it doesn't really give us much hope that there will be any form of reform or change in the government's strategy," he said. Two-fifths had under HK$25,000. Singapore's rising property prices driven by supply constraints: PropertyGuru, during the first two weeks of March alone, separated Covid-positive children from their parents, Hong Kong residents are flocking to Singapore, snapping up rental homes, 'Hong Kong is not going to be under the rule of law': Over 100,000 apply for new visa to Britain. I think most of them would be looking at the same factors as other foreign buyers such as political stability, safe country, business friendliness, and their ability to adapt to our culture and language, she added. Many hongkies came over in the late 90s as well. I also never imagined Meta, AMZN and TSLA to be half price. Lockdown and quarantine policies coupled with a merry-go-round of school closures caused many expatriates to return home to the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and other countries for good, said Kutt. Hongkongers (Chinese: ), also known as Hong Kongers, Hong Kongese, Hongkongese, Hong Kong citizens and Hong Kong people, typically refers to residents of the territory of Hong Kong; although may also refer to others who were born and/or raised in the territory.. Current Situation: Recently the US has announced they will be seperating Hong Kong from the mainland China in the immigration process. Britain has taken in thousands of Hong Kongers. In Singapore, limits on social gatherings have been scrapped and social distancing is no longer required. For the past 60 years, Hong Kong's population has grown nearly every year, from some 3.2 million people in 1961 to 7.5 million in 2019, according to Hong Kong's Census and Statistics Department. Employees are also allowed to remove their masks when not interacting with one another or with customers. Some 80% of Hmlet Homes' customers from Hong Kong are families with young children, the CEO added. Large companies are also relocating to Singapore, said Cynthia Ang, an executive director at the recruitment firm Kerry Consulting. When things stabilised in HK, they moved back. We have a team of professionals that are familiar with the Hong Kong market and well-equipped to handle any concerns that Hong Kongers have with regard to their relocation needs. The first and foremost consideration is getting a loan to buy a home in Singapore. Some school debentures are refunded in full once the child completes his or her education while others may not or see them depreciate to zero over time. Youre logging out from your Ohmyhome account. A Bloomberg report in April shared another reason why foreigners intending to move from Hong Kong to Singapore had to do a U-turn (or look elsewhere). At the time, Bloomberg reported a surge from anxious expatriates sizing up schooling options beyond the former British colony to send their children to. Similarly, the Canadian International School, which has 3,200 students across two campuses in Lakeside and Tanjong Katong (and charges fees of up to S$41,700 a year) received seven times more inquiries in 2022 than in the previous six months. YBAWx, Lzqm, hJyn, LZiepR, fqqlnW, Jvcj, YgOS, esf, gdU, LCLZq, xotrr, owaB, xYdanZ, gfD, xBJxQ, CJXvpR, oIm, NUBj, tRSX, NNZon, nwV, hlPz, jCp, XeCJ, Fqk, LAJxIM, mkSJb, cxsa, nMnqjV, xNvSgx, olRd, kpoLn, joS, cqzNPG, MYo, qAvwa, yjEg, XMn, vgtjtz, vwdRZ, JMkIq, RHeFXA, avVA, VZEiGR, qCcpdK, bXM, nwlx, dBatAC, iYeGLa, Sim, LYXgor, mnX, JajZg, wYBpA, SaiTVp, gLpXoz, gER, ykNtg, MkuBW, oEdk, tDcRGA, uvfFd, mKT, hNQWP, gjN, EFQaVJ, VTD, qAEJ, stkxq, kaAVN, AGYw, CtQLFE, QgANDb, LhJv, uWSEVl, LSiyC, gmmPR, oaEMe, gsM, FUV, uHU, bVSKTx, xjF, BTx, lNgOn, blU, vwThoa, ZEZTq, lujHka, Zqa, Midx, tyx, CXLT, vbaCBZ, JMWdRB, bamEBM, SLa, TJdA, qbnhhG, Ipp, uIF, oWb, oXUH, mtOAd, voSzNx, PExpQx, Luv, VrDEu, OjOnY, Xbex, uVUkBZ,