Hong Kong's youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET) rate has reached 6%, exceeding comparable Asian economies. Factors include job market mismatches, declining demand for junior roles, and comfortable living conditions.
The rising NEET rate and the cost of living concerns among youth, particularly mainland students, could impact Hong Kong's talent pool and its status as a regional hub.
Hong Kong's youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET) rate has reached 6%, a figure higher than in comparable Asian economies. Observers attribute this trend to a combination of factors, including a mismatch within the job market, a reduced demand for entry-level positions, and the relatively comfortable living conditions enjoyed by Hong Kong's young population. These insights were shared following the release of government figures in response to a query from lawmaker Elvin Lee Ka-kui. A Legislative Council report last month had previously indicated a 2025 figure for the NEET rate, putting it slightly higher at 6.3%. The cost of living in Hong Kong is also a concern for mainland students, with one graduate estimating that renting a room would consume around half of her expected HK$20,000 starting salary as a junior data analyst, prompting her to consider returning home to Shanghai where daily expenses would be less of a worry.
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