"I'm rich and privileged, I see no problem with the way things are."

These expats are all well off or have a high income with a family here. Of course, they would not want to give up their lifestyle / luxuries in HK to start a new life all over again in another country. For the mostly working class population, living in HK is extremely challenging. It would be great if we could see the perspectives of some younger expats who have been in HK for less than 5 years with a lower income.

If you think in UK they have more freedom in HK, that might slightly incorrect my friend, there are freedoms in HK that dont exist in UK, example : freedom of savely walking at night for women, freedom of not being randomly stabbed, freedom of having decent and clean transportation infrastructure.

Wait, did that architect just complained about working hours in Spain in comparison to HK? She must work for a decent company in HK.

Once the political issues are settled the Chinese government should crackdown on real estate monopolies in HK as I feel housing is a major reason for the problems HK is facing.

As someone that lives in Canada that goes back to Hong Kong every few years, the grass is not always greener on the other side (Canada). Increasing political, social, and crime issues are deteriorating the quality of life here in recent years. If i was already in Hong Kong and really know what it is really like in North America, I wouldnt leave.

Millions of Indian economic refugees would like to go to Hong Kong I can tell you that. Indians would go anywhere just to escape extreme levels of poverty and hardship in India

Home is where the heart is. Not everyone likes the same thing.

Why call them expat? They are just white immigrants in Asia. Just like Asian immigrants in western country Why suddenly a white immigrant get a fancy title ‘expat’?? If a Asian entrepreneur or business guy living in or moving to US, 99.9% the time, people would see him as an immigrant. But a white man move to Asia to be a little English teacher and start a life, people call him ‘Expat’. Why? Because Expat sounds way more fancier than being called immigrant, immigrant associate with poor, coloured disadvantage people, while Expat sounds more business, entrepreneurs, here to make big money rather than running away from something in your own country. So tell me again, why this white guy lived in Hong Kong for 54 years, he’s still a Expat, and not an immigrant?

Many westerners also apply to become Hongkong citizens in exchange.

"You have to wait for the mud to settle", that's Lao Tzu.

Some naive Hong Kongnese who emigrated to the UK are already regretting it and wanting to return to Hong Kong.

So, if you're a person with resources, and means, then you have lottle to nothing to worry about. A doctor, an architect, and a fine arts dealer. Yep. I'm sure they have absolutely no clue as to why the paupers, and commoners would be protesting.

I m so touched, thank you SCMP

HK is great for the rich, that's all there is to it

What kind freedom or liberty when your home is size of a coffin? There are lots of poor people. There only concern is how to survive the day!

''If you're a law-abiding citizen, I don't see where the fear is coming from.''

Ouch! I was an expatriate in Rwanda immediately after the genocide, and then South Africa during post apartheid when violence was growing - but I was always profoundly aware there was a big big difference in the privledges I had while living there and the ability to up and leave!

130,000 professionals have left HK since 2020, most in the financial services industry and half the foreign firms with offices in HK have said they are at least "considering" leaving HK.....

My friend in HK told me..some of his friends..about 20 - 40 years old, migrated to uk and now they're jobless there. LOLS..

The first guy is soo optimistic!

One question, would these guys be willing to give up passports or is that the red line.

Hong Kong is safer than London by far. Anybody that says otherwise is either foolhardy or terribly ignorant.

They enjoy the colonists privilege. If they return back to their own country, they would lose that special feeling.

At least they can flee to their home countries one day if the situation is unbearable. But most of the Hongkongers don’t, that’s why we grab this chance.

I used to live in Hong Kong for over 30 years and it is such a safe and peaceful city. I only left because have to look after my Mom. I was so sad to see all the violence back in 2019. Alot of people are just so naive and have not seen how worse in other countries are and does not appreciate what they have. Hong Kong is not perfect and do have it's problems especially the housing which the govt should really resolve this.

Well said, and all very genuine. thank you for sharing your views and experience.

Fat salaries, free luxury apartments, Membership of Jockey Club Golf Club, Cricket Club etc....most would get all these perks when they leave !

Yeah when you have money and the white/foreign privilege, of course you can say all these.

Totally agreed with the first gentleman - a true sane mind!

HK is a decent place IF you have at least one property to live in, and a stable income at least enough for u and ur family to sustain on. If u dont touch HK-China politices, u will be fine. Of course, nowadays, its a privilege to have even one property to live in, let alone a stable income. if most HK people can have a decent place to live in, like seen in singapore, many issues can be solved. However, many Hk people are fighting for the same chance to get government housing against the newly immigrated Mainland Chinese citizens, competing for the small enough housing resources. Hence people are angry.

They are migrants, not expats, with privilege. Will SCMP interview other migrants from SE Asia as well to give a more all-rounded picture?

Why not? the place is a heaven for Expats. If you're white or a person with a foreign passport who speak fluent English, people treat you like a king in Hong Kong.

So what kind of riots were there in 1967? Curious as I want to learn more about the history of HK.

when you have money you have mobility. these ex pats have jobs that pay well

This is NOT going to age well.

As HongKonger's privileges of freedom of speech has tightened. Some residents are not used to it. I felt the same when Saigon had fallen in my teenage years. Communist implemented numerous restrictions to our life, thousands of boat people were fled the country in 1978. Freedom is priceless.

This is in fact the reality and I’m glad those idiots are moving aboard. It’s finally the turn for the people truly love this place to rebuild our City.

I smell " Tax Evasion "

Bro... They are not middle class. If i live in hong kong and have tens of apartment or house i wouldnt leave either

Great interview! All three can leave Hong Kong any time but at least decide to stay for now. First one still find Hong Kong is a place to make big money, second one reflect that her opportunity is better in Hong Kong (this is probably true for most people in Hong Kong). Third one really like Hong Kong and talk the common sense. Just like vaccine, there are risk and benefit. As long as Hong Kong still let you to leave then it is your choice. Now most Hong Kong people can go to UK, US and many other countries are making it easy for Hong Kong people to stay and work. It is better for Hong Kong if whoever want to leave - leave. You can not change the fact that Hong Kong is part of China, but you have your choices but do expect to start all over again when you head to other country. I left a high-paid job in Hong Kong and started all over again in another country back in 80s. Never regret about it. Opportunities are everywhere but there are no free lunch.

1:07 Housing prices beg to differ

Of course they regard HK as their home since they better live than most of locals; if they weren't, they would be the same as Serpentza or Laowhy86.

Such a little amazing real story.

yes well said. if you are a law abiding citizens what is there to worry as in any country. NSL doesn't change anything.

Most people have real jobs don't want to move unless their companies relocate. Or you are rich or wanted by the police.

Amen. Been living here for 17 years and I appreciate gratefully what this City has offered me. Safety, stability, and everything else in my current life.

I like the lady's attitude to life. She sounds so positive and upbeat.

That music is way too loud

HK is still the same HK it will be great as she has always been

Some Hongkongers think their leaving would be a terrible lost to Hong Kong. I personally think it's a blessing for Hong Kong and China as a whole

Cool story, I love it, thanks for sharing

Well it's just a matter of time before clamp down of various kinds hits all segment of HK society, including these wealthier expats who now can't foresee any negative changes that will impact their way of life. Who wants to leave if your business isn't yet suffering, but that's far from the case with the large majority of HKers who don't have even a fraction of the wealth of these expats! It's ironic and sombring that native HKers with very little are the ones exiling while foreigners feel no threats!

Thumbs up ...can't believe it...a SCMP video documenting accurate perspective of Hong Kong,...a narrative held by majority of people living in HK but rarely presented by media....made my weekend.

*these people great and very brave I'm proud of them!* ⭐️

Excellent video. I love Hong Kong.

Why would they go away? Would they be better in their country of origin? Maybe, but most probably not. They are having a wonderful life here. There is no point in going elsewhere.

If you've lived in the city for 50 years,basically it's your home and it's very difficult to go back to your home country (revised cultural shock is terrible)

Of course they do not want to leave because they cannot part with their affordable domestic help . Also they can always leave if things get worse. Knowing you can matters a lot .

Mans is spitting facts, why worry about these laws when you’re a law abiding citizen. I understand the precedent it sets against 1 country 2 systems but I feel like it’s been blown out of proportion by the youth who have nothing to vent their anger out on 🤷‍♂️

keywords "I have my dog here"

It makes me mad that the first man knows about the financial difficulties without addressing that because of his status and ability to buy whatever's on the market, he's contributing to that issue.

will go visit the gallery next time I am in HK

I have been to Hong Kong 3 times, I would go back to meet her 🥰

Why worry when you are not a politician or racial.

The Expats have enjoyed a better life in Hong Kong. Otherwise, they all be gone a long time ago. Some have a real love for Hong Kong and its people, others just for the money and opportunity. Not all people are hypocrites and evils.

Unless your name is Jimmy Lai, you have nothing to fear in Hong Kong.

there are tens of thousands of HK people leaving HK after the NSL. But this is a population of 12 million, so it is not a large %. Also how many from HK apply to move to other countries annually before the NSL? If you remove this number from the number after NSL, you will see there is hardly any increase

Hongkong is back, with a more peaceful future.

"NSL does not worry them". That because they aren't molotov throwers. A very important point in HK. Reporters and Chief Ed. Of SCMP throwing "worded molotov" and should consider moving to Taiwan like BBC and Apple​

Not one of these people feel the pain of youngsters and have not protested once.

Lovely art work behind Mark.

Is SCMP also contemplating moving back to the UK because of HKSAR NSL?

Expats? 🗿

Don't run away. In the USA, the rich & educated have been leaving the "Rust Belt" Midwest states, moving out to California, Texas, and Florida. Cincinnati Public School District had 70% school kids in poverty.

Hai sist, indonesia watching always

BRAVO! Excellent explanation! The HK national security law cannot even compare to the USA and UK national security law! Every country needs to have their national security law! The HK national security law will only bring stability and security to HK! In other words, NSL will help fight outside forces trying to destabilize HK by trying to radicalized simple minded HK people like what they did in Myanmar, Afghan, etc...

Get rid of the background noise

Hope that Hong Kong will be wise and graceful about those who contributed and help build economy and communities and pay taxes for years opposite to places like Singapore that are expelling and blocking expats of stay there even after years of make a live there ...

By definition if you're an expat then this is not your home

Can I get a visa for mainland China from Hong Kong? I was able to get a work visa in Mainland from Hong Kong in 2018.

99.99% of Hong Kong people are staying in Chinese rule Hong Kong, they refuse to go to UK despite the UK government offers them money to move to UK. HK became much better after the British colonial regime left it, but the recent violent destructions caused by CIA/MI6 funded street gangster make HK a terrible place to live. With the new National Laws implemented, HK is now getting back to peace and order. Only those who are against a peaceful and orderly HK are afraid because their criminal acts are held accountable by laws. For anyone in HK not involves with criminal acts there is nothing to worry about, HK remains world's top city with most freedom. Freedom doesn't tolerate criminal acts, fake news and hate speech.

Some HK people like SCMP continue to ask “if” and cry like a baby before anything has done to them. You know, we call these kind of people as “green tea”. Look at people in this video, you feel how HK change. You feel you decide you choose. Don’t ask “what if”.

If you didn't do anything wrong you have nothing to be afraid of....where have I heard this logic before?

How attractive are Singapore and Taiwan to HK people that intend to migrate?

Many of these expats have left as of today.

Even Li Ka Shing remained in HK.

Hong Kong is a fine place to live if you are apolitical, and you think the law is always right and always just.

And with cheap salaries of domestic helpers, live in helpers, one.of the luxury these expats enjoyed in HK

HK will finally integrate herself into china economy, but will be a better place in future due to low tax and open policy.

How can you guys live in Hong Kong. I’m used to live in a detached house all of my life, no way I live in a high rise and crowded city like how.

Housing affordability, economic inequalilty, plus the rapid rise of the mainland China, HK has become less revelant to China in term of trade and technology exception only financail market. Let's face it, HK is now the poor cousin of China, decades ago it was other way around. Younger HKer unlike their parents who has strong root in mainland China, they are searching for their own identities...

They are immigrants not expats

Stop the background music, it's irritating

The people that want to stay sure won't say anything that might upset their new government. Not difficult to see the strings on these puppets

As a Hongkonger born and bred in HK whose nationality is Chinese, I can't wait to see the government limit the rights of those non-Chinese permanent residents, i.e. those who have foreign passports. Those foreign citizens should never have the rights to work in government organizations, participate in elections and be eligible to receive government subsidies. It's not fair. It's time to put things back to the way it should be. It's time for HK to take citizenship seriously. I don't care how many 'expats' or immigrants call HK home. Rights between citizens and non-citizens should be clearly identified.

I talked to one of my mainland friend about how the Chinese government is turning Hong kong into a mainland city. My friend: "We should have done that much earlier! What makes them having so many more privileges than us?"

Easy for the first two people interviewed to say that HK is still a great place to live, when at the drop of a hat they can move back to where they came from 🙄 They have the ultimate freedom that HKers are fighting for.

These people are fairly insulated. Don't see why would they go protesting when everything is alright.

You are right, many could not abide by the law, so had to leave...