HK's zero-COVID policy keeps movers busy, gives recruiters headaches

HONG KONG, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Hong Kong's zero-COVID policy is driving foreign talent out of the financial hub and putting off newcomers even as some firms offer pay packages not seen since the lavish days before the collapse of Lehman Brothers.

While the new Omicron variant has renewed anxiety around the world, leading some countries to tighten travel curbs, Hong Kong and mainland China remain among the few places sticking to a zero-tolerance policy on any coronavirus infections.

Once considered one of the most attractive cities for global talent, Hong Kong is now being shunned by many top professionals as people try to avoid or escape draconian quarantine rules.

International business lobby groups have repeatedly warned that the city could lose talent and investment due to its travel restrictions, which can involve up to three weeks in mandatory quarantine. Now recruiters and relocation firms say an outflow of talent is well under way.

Lars Kuepper, managing director of relocation company ReloSmart, said his firm saw a five-fold increase in enquires for shipments abroad since the pandemic began and a 14-fold drop in traffic the other way.

"The major factor definitely is the pandemic and the effect of the restrictions on entering Hong Kong," Kuepper said.

The government says the restrictions are needed to protect the community from the virus and to partially reopen the border with mainland China, which is Hong Kong's main source of economic growth. China is also largely isolating itself from the rest of the world.

In response to Reuters' questions, a government spokesman said the zero infections goal was premised on the "overall interest of the Hong Kong community" and that most residents looked forward to the mainland border reopening.

"Hong Kong remains a competitive city globally and a major regional base for international companies despite current challenges related to the global pandemic," he said in an email.

"OUTFLOW OF TALENT"

Many non-residents are currently not allowed into Hong Kong, while residents returning to the city have to undergo two to three weeks of hotel quarantine at their own cost.

Patient discharge rules require an extra two weeks in a designated hospital for anyone cured of the infection, which could result in people isolating for more than a month in either hotels or hospitals regardless of their symptoms.