HONG KONG 1997 MIGRATION TO SINGAPORE

Abstract

As June 30, 1997 draws nearer and nearer, the fate of Hongkong is still pretty uncertain. No one can be sure of the changes that will take place after the Chinese takeover. However, there has been a steady stream of emigrants averaging 60,600 leaving Hongkong between 1990 and 1994. This was much more than the 26,230 average between 1980 to 1989. There are three objectives of this exercise. Base on survey results the first objective is to find out why these Hongkong emigrants moved here and whether they like to live here in Singapore. The second purpose is to find out whether Singapore needs these migrants and do Singaporeans like to have them around. Lastly, we have to examine whether these Hongkongers and Singaporeans can live together or not. From our study, the general view is that Hongkongers do like to stay in Singapore. These Hongkongers, driven out from Hongkong by the prospect of social and political instability find Singapore a suitable country to migrate to. Singapore, with its low crime rate and high living standards, have encouraged many to decide to make Singapore their home. In fact, they have integrated well in to the society as they faced little problems at school or at work. The survey results also showed that the coming of these migrants might be able to increase our productivity as they are hardworking and efficient on the job. Singaporeans do not mind making friends with these Hongkongers nor are they against the idea of their children making friends with them. The Singapore government knows that these migrants can help solve our problem of labour shortages. These labour shortages brought about by low fertility rates and longer life spans for Singaporeans will cause serious problems to the economy if they are not looked into. The government have thus used immigration as a form of correcting this problem. From the findings of the two surveys done, we can conclude that Hongkongers here in Singapore can indeed live in harmony with Singaporeans. The Hongkongers in general do not feel looked down upon by Singaporeans and Singaporeans do not mind having them around. Thus, we can see that in the future, it is possible that these Hongkongers will one day call Singapore their home and country.