HONG KONG (Reuters) – More than 40% of the members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong plan to or are considering leaving the financial hub, with most citing discomfort with a sweeping national security law as one reason, a survey showed on Wednesday.
The legislation imposed by Beijing in 2020, which punishes secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison, has further strained relations between the United States and China.
The AmCham survey, to which 325, or 24% of the business organisation’s members responded between May 5 and May 9, showed 42% of them had considered leaving or planned to leave Hong Kong. Of those planning to move out, 3% said they intended to do so immediately, 10% said before the end of the summer and 15% before year-end, while 48% eyed a move within three to five years.
About 62% of those looking to leave ticked “the national security law makes me uncomfortable” as one of the reasons. Some 36% cited concerns that the law would impact the quality of their children’s education in the city.
https://kfgo.com/2021/05/11/amcham-survey-flags-potential-expatriate-exodus-from-hong-kong/