- In a noteworthy development, Hong Kong’s population reached 7.50 million in 2023, marking a 0.4 percent increase from the previous year, according to government data
- This growth, amounting to 30,500 individuals compared to 2022’s 7.47 million, reflects a resurgence in the city’s population for the second consecutive year following the pandemic
- The rise is attributed to several factors, including a net inflow of returning residents and individuals participating in residential schemes
HONG KONG: In a noteworthy development, Hong Kong’s population reached 7.50 million in 2023, marking a 0.4 percent increase from the previous year, according to government data.
This growth, amounting to 30,500 individuals compared to 2022’s 7.47 million, reflects a resurgence in the city’s population for the second consecutive year following the pandemic.
The rise is attributed to several factors, including a net inflow of returning residents and individuals participating in residential schemes. This influx is pivotal for the Chinese special administrative region as it endeavors to revitalize its economy and bolster its international standing after enduring three years of stringent COVID-19 measures.
The social and economic ramifications of the anti-government protests in 2019, coupled with Beijing’s imposition of a far-reaching national security law in 2020, have undoubtedly impacted Hong Kong’s reputation and economic vitality.
The government highlighted that the population increase signifies a return to “normalcy” in the former British colony.
“Many Hong Kong residents who stayed abroad during the epidemic have returned to Hong Kong throughout 2023. In the second half of 2023, there was still considerable inflow of Hong Kong Permanent Residents.”
Furthermore, the government noted the influx of mainland and overseas individuals through various admission schemes as contributing to the population growth. Notably, there was a net inflow of 51,700 Hong Kong residents during the period, with 79 percent of them holding a ‘One-way permit,’ a document issued by mainland China facilitating residency in the city.
Despite this growth, there was a natural decrease of 21,200 individuals, with 33,200 births and 54,400 deaths recorded over the same period.
Hong Kong’s population expansion contrasts with China’s consecutive population decline in 2023, which is attributed to a historic low birth rate and a surge in COVID-19-related fatalities.
