Factors influencing the social integration of highly educated mainland Chinese migrants in Hong Kong

Abstract

The increasing number of highly educated migrants moving within Asia is a relatively recent phenomenon caused by the flourishing accessibility of higher education in Asia. In the case of Hong Kong, we have observed an influx of highly educated Mainland Chinese migrants in the past few decades. Encouraged by multiple talent migration schemes initiated by the government, there has been a 30% increase in qualified migrants obtaining visas through these talent schemes. While Mainland Chinese and the majority of native local citizens are ethnically Chinese, brewing economic, social and political tension has influenced locals’ perception of Mainland Chinese migrants. Given said tension between Mainland China and Hong Kong, this research seeks to articulate the barricading factors hindering highly educated Mainland Chinese migrants’ social integration. Using data collected between 2019 to 2020 with 3,012 respondents. This research finds discrimination in daily life negatively influences frequency of interaction with locals at work and in daily life even when these migrants’ have a positive staying intention. Alluding to the damaging influence discrimination in daily life has on social integration such as frequency of interaction with locals, which contributes to a successful integration. When highly educated Mainland Chinese migrants perceive discrimination at work, it significantly influences their mental health, leading to a negative staying intention in Hong Kong. Discrimination experienced in daily life and at work have differential impact on our understanding of social integration. Future research should endeavour to study the spheres of perceived discrimination concurrently in order to understand its varying influence on highly educated migrants. As the war for talent among global cities intensifies, a clear grasp of the barriers to influencing migrants’ social integration will aid policymakers and private sectors in successfully attracting and encouraging valuable highly educated Mainland Chinese migrants to remain and contribute to the local economy.