Hong Kong Graduate Jobs Plummet 61%, Calls for Local Hiring Rise

Hong Kong saw a 61% drop in graduate job vacancies, prompting industry leaders to advocate for priority hiring of local graduates and increased participation in overseas exchange programs.

Thu May 14 2026

Sharp Decline in Graduate Job Vacancies

Hong Kong experienced a significant drop in full-time graduate job vacancies, falling to approximately 31,000 last year. This represents a 61% decrease from about 80,000 vacancies in 2022. The city’s labour minister highlighted this drastic reduction, attributing it to factors such as advancements in AI technology and broader economic pressures. This trend indicates considerable difficulties for local graduates entering the job market.

Calls for Prioritizing Local Graduates and Exchange Programs

In response to the shrinking job market, Hong Kong industry leaders are urging for the prioritized hiring of local graduates. Additionally, there are increasing calls for greater participation in overseas exchange programs to enhance graduates' competitiveness. These measures are proposed as solutions to address employment instability and prevent brain drain within Hong Kong.

*Source: SCMP (2026-05-14)*

Tags: #Hong Kong #Job Market #Graduate Employment #AI #Employment Instability