The research project of the Children and Youth Research Centre and the Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Saint Francis University (SFU), which is funded by the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (PPRFS), examines the reasons, characteristics, and well-being status of young people choosing to stay in Hong Kong amidst recent emigration wave. Findings indicate that they can be categorised into three groups: Voluntary Stayers (37.1%), Acquiescent Stayers (34.6%), and Involuntary Stayers (28.3%). The study further identified the main reasons for remaining as: family considerations, career prospects, and the local lifestyle. The research team also proposed policy directions for talent retention.
The research was conducted between July 2024 and October 2025 using a mixed-methods approach. Participants were aged between 18 and 39 years old and had no intention of emigrating in the foreseeable future. 51 individuals took part in individual interviews and focus groups, while a further 1,066 completed a questionnaire.
Based on respondents' willingness and ability to emigrate, they can be categorised into three groups: Voluntary Stayers (37.1%), Acquiescent Stayers (34.6%), and Involuntary Stayers (28.3%). Significant differences exist among these groups in terms of socio-economic background, factors influencing migration intentions, and subjective well-being. Voluntary Stayers tend to be older (average age 32), possess higher education and income levels, and are more likely professionals. Acquiescent Stayers are the youngest (average age 28), have the lowest emigration ability, and predominantly comprise students or those in junior clerical roles. Involuntary Stayers fall between the other two groups in terms of age and income, exhibit higher educational attainment, have a lower proportion of professionals than Voluntary Stayers, and are employed across a more diverse range of industries.
The reasons of respondents to stay in Hong Kong can be categorised into Retain Factors that encourage people to stay, and Repel Factors in other places that discourage departure. For instance, among Retain Factors related to family considerations, respondents chose to stay because their family members were unwilling to leave, their parents would struggle to adapt to a new environment, anticipated future caregiving responsibilities, or even due to their pets. The Retain and Repel Factors affecting different categories of respondents varied. Voluntary stayers prioritise career considerations and civic engagement, perceiving Hong Kong as offering superior job opportunities, higher income potential, and career advancement prospects. Acquiescent Stayers exhibited a higher proportion of Repel Factors, indicating they perceive the strongest barriers to migration and place greater emphasis on social ties, such as family-centred considerations; Involuntary Stayers showed the lowest proportions for both Retain and Repel Factors, reflecting their comparatively weaker willingness to remain compared to the other two groups. Overall, the subjective reasons for remaining in Hong Kong among all respondents can be summarised as career development considerations, family factors, the local lifestyle, and social connections.
The study also examined respondents' wellbeing status. Dr Kasper LEE, Research Fellow at the SFU Children and Youth Research Centre, pointed out that Voluntary Stayers have the best status, demonstrating significantly superior outcomes in economic security, educational satisfaction, social support, psychological wellbeing, and overall life satisfaction compared to the others. Acquiescent Stayers demonstrated the strongest physical and mental health, though they showed relative weakness in social support and participation. Involuntary Stayers exhibited the lowest levels of physical and mental health, psychological wellbeing, and life satisfaction among the three groups, necessitating greater societal attention and support.
Dr Esther CHO, Associate Dean (Research) of the the Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences and Director of the Children and Youth Research Centre, SFU, stated that staying in Hong Kong is not only a passive behavior but may represent a deliberate decision. Amidst the emigration wave, those who stay are also affected, potentially facing weakened social networks, increased caring responsibilities, and diminished life satisfaction and psychological wellbeing. Inquiring into why young people choose to stay can help understand the aspects of life they value, providing policymakers with an evidence base to consider how to retain young talent and enhance their wellbeing and development.
The study proposes three strategic directions: Refocus, Restore, and Retain. To Refocus the talent policies to balance attracting external talent with retaining local talent, to restore the connections with the younger generation by placing youth at the core of talent policies, and to retain talents by implementing concrete measures to strengthen Retain Factors and enhance youth wellbeing, such as policies to support intergenerational relationships and family care, promote career development and human capital accumulation, reinforce local cultural identity and community belonging, and foster a social environment that encourages greater public participation of the youth.