Hong Kong population rises to 7.5 million, boosted by border reopening and new talent schemes
- Population stood at 7,498,100 in June, up 2.1 per cent from 7,346,100 from year ago, Census and Statistics Department figures show
- Government also predicts population will reach 8.19 million by middle of 2046, driven mainly by programmes to lure talent and import workers
Hong Kong’s population has rebounded sharply since its borders fully reopened in February and different talent schemes were launched, almost recovering losses caused by a wave of emigration over the past few years.
Figures released by the Census and Statistics Department showed the population rose to 7,498,100 in mid-2023 from 7,346,100 in the same period last year. The 2.1 per rise cent marks a sharp contrast from the 0.9 per cent decline in the previous midyear figure.
In the 12 months to June, 174,000 people came to the city, including 31,000 one-way permit holders from mainland China, up from 18,300 during the previous year, mostly due to the border fully reopening in February following the end of the pandemic. Stranded residents returning from overseas and the admission of people through different schemes were also reasons for the growth.
“With the gradual relaxation of anti-epidemic control measures since the second half of 2022, normal travel between Hong Kong and the mainland and other parts of the world has been progressively resumed,” a government spokesman said.
“Many Hong Kong residents who stayed abroad during the epidemic have returned to Hong Kong, while some mainland and overseas persons have also been admitted to Hong Kong through various schemes.
“A large net inflow of Hong Kong residents was hence recorded in the first half of 2023.”
