Getting Permanent Residency in Hong Kong

I left Korea for many reasons before coming to Hong Kong. The biggest realization: it could never be home. The restrictions on residency are tight. As well, I could never be fully part of the culture, no matter how fluent I became in the language and how long I lived there. For many reasons, I came to Hong Kong and have loved it ever since.

Now I am a permanent resident, meaning there is no need for work visas; I can buy property without the tax, and it is easier to do some banking without needing to use my passport or employment records. It is easier, but living here is still hard for the majority.

The cost of housing continues to rise to record levels. Stories of people living in cage homes because the cost of living is out of control are common. The MTR (the subway and train system in the city) is crammed, making overcrowding an issue. There have been several going-away parties I have attended, and more are coming as people are trying to get out of here. I have just signed up to be here longer.

I am lucky to have a job that pays me enough to survive and where making a difference every day is the norm, not the exception. I am lucky to be earning enough to survive in this city. Others are not; at a minimum wage of HK$34.50 (US$4.42), which is insufficient to live in this city unless you live with family or friends. If I didn’t have this job, there would be no way to live here and make enough for retirement.

Programs and organizations have responded, trying to address these issues. Food Angel aims to feed people without housing and those on the verge of homelessness. Impacts and outs food to people living under overpasses and pedestrian walkways around the city. These organizations and many more are doing good work, but more can always be done to help bridge this gap and to create a stronger home.