Hong Kong faces critical worker shortage of 180,000 by 2028
HONG KONG, CHINA — Hong Kong is bracing for a workforce crisis, with projections indicating a manpower shortage of 180,000 workers by 2028, an increase from the current 50,000-worker deficit.
Impact of aging population
More than 2 million residents — approximately 28% of the population — is expected to be 65 or older by 2028. The median age will climb to 50.2, up from 48.3 in 2023.
“The ageing population is our biggest challenge,” said Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han. “The working population will shrink while the median age of workers will increase.”
Technical sectors hit hardest
The shortage will particularly impact skilled technical positions, accounting for roughly one-third of the total deficit. Construction workers, escalator mechanics, and aircraft maintenance technicians are among the most affected roles.
The government’s analysis, covering 17 key sectors and incorporating insights from over 1,000 industry stakeholders, reveals that technological advancement and business automation will reshape job market demands.
Government response and industry concerns
The administration plans to address this challenge through various initiatives, including attracting 10,000 workers aged 35 or below without degrees over the next three years.
However, labor sector lawmaker Chau Siu-chung cautions against overlooking structural issues: “If the salaries continue to be low, hours continue to be long and workers continue to be subject to poor working conditions, the imported workers can hardly stay on either.”
Finance expert Simon Lee Siu-po emphasizes that this workforce challenge isn’t unique to Hong Kong, suggesting that the city must compete internationally for talent. “It would be best to help them settle down in the city if they have worked here for a certain period of time, we are doing that for the high-end talent, why not consider the rest as well?” Lee argues.
South Korea is also increasingly looking to attract foreign talent to fill skilled labor roles as it grapples with a rapidly aging population and shrinking workforce.
Meanwhile, Japan is promoting the adoption of four-day workweeks among its notoriously hardworking citizens to address its labor shortage.
