Behind the “external gloss” of life in Hong Kong from the superficial gaze of the many tourists who come here, there is an infinite number of problems that outweigh the chalice of the outer luxury of this unusual city. Of course, it is possible that everything that seems some insurmountable and negative in this “free” distinctive city may seem to others to be an insignificant surmountable “trifle” that is not worth special attention. And if this is true, then it is very good.
For foreigners wishing to stay in Hong Kong, finding a job is very difficult if the resources for which you can find a job are unknown.
First of all, you should find out what life is like in Hong Kong. We will try to talk about this in this article.
general information
Hong Kong is famous for having a reputation as a city that is a temporary or permanent haven for a huge number of visitors from around the world. Therefore, there are certain difficulties with employment. Many dream of finding work in this city. The main problem in solving this issue is the language barrier. Another difficulty is the incredibly high competition in the local labor market.
In addition to all of the above, it is necessary not only to have the appropriate education, but also to be able to prove that no one can cope with responsibilities better.
Politically and economically, Hong Kong is neutral. Chinese laws do not apply here, and criminal law is English, because this area has long been a British colony.
Hong Kong is the most densely populated and very expensive city, with a fairly high standard of living. With high prices for goods and services, salaries are relatively high here.
Life in Hong Kong through the eyes of Russians
Hong Kong through the eyes of Russians, and not only, is endless crowds of people, multi-colored ripples in the eyes from shops with fish delicacies and signboards. These are pretty intrusive sellers selling fake bags, watches and other consumer goods.
Hong Kong is an administrative district located in China. He has his own government, his own currency and police. Among the Russians who visited it, there is an opinion that Hong Kong has nothing to do with China. Even in order for the Chinese to get here, they need to get a visa, which is very difficult to do even for them. In this regard, many of them come to Hong Kong illegally, and they are settled in the poorest neighborhoods.
Despite the relative high cost, Hong Kong attracts quite favorable conditions for creating and running a business. Many Russians with great desire to move here and earn good money.
Russian life in Hong Kong is not limited to work and life. Despite constant employment, compatriots often organize meetings at the Russian Club, created at the Russian Embassy. It now has a total of more than 200 people.
Wives and children of Russian businessmen organize exhibitions and take part in various charity and cultural events.
Life in Hong Kong: photo, description
To put it in one word, life here is truly bustling. Its round-the-clock activity overshadows even London and New York, in which life is in full swing 24 hours a day.
Hong Kong's nightlife is not inferior to day. Markets and shops are open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., while cafes and restaurants open very early in the morning.
Hong Kong has a very long and stressful working time (a labor week is five and a half days, includingwork on Saturday until 12-14 hours), although officially the working day lasts from 9 am to 6 pm. Most of the bank and office employees, as well as specialists from other institutions, continue to work until 8 pm, and sometimes even until late.
The intense pace of life in Hong Kong may appeal to people who like constant traffic and similar cities - large and full of energy. Moreover, it is a great place for a good replenishment of the budget under favorable circumstances. And the nightlife of Hong Kong allows you to combine useful day work with a good night's rest.
Living conditions
With the above advantages, the living conditions of people in Hong Kong are not very comfortable, albeit expensive. For the most part, although small apartments in size are for rent in Hong Kong, however, the prices here are “biting”. The minimum cost of an apartment contract for 12 months is approximately $ 2,800. They are provided with furniture, and hired workers are engaged in cleaning.
It is interesting to note that high-rise buildings are usually equipped with several elevators, with some of them raising passengers only to odd floors, and others to even ones.
Rooms in hostels, measuring 2 by 2 meters and including a bathroom, cost around $ 30 per day.
About salary
What is Hong Kong's average wage for the working population? Judging by it, the standard of living is quite high. According to the latest statistics (2011-2012), the average annual income is about $ 46,700 (equivalent to $ 362,000 Hong Kong). According to a recent HSBC study, more than 1/4 of all people employed in any industry or service sector earn an average of 360 thousand per year. According to these indicators, the city ranks first throughout Asia.
Approximately $ 650 (equivalent to 5,000 Hong Kong dollars) is the minimum wage. But this does not mean that every visitor from other countries will earn such money.
A mid-level accountant has a salary of $ 2,000, a foreman in a factory - $ 5,000, and a worker - $ 2,000.
True, the average wage is very different depending on many factors: education, profession, work experience, profitability and size of the enterprise, and even the gender of the employee. For example, if an average man earns about 434 thousand Hong Kong dollars, then a woman receives significantly less - only 307 thousand.
There is another very positive point. For hired nannies and domestic workers, the law strictly regulates wages and their maintenance. At the same time, the employer is obliged to pay a monthly salary (not less than the minimum income), fully pay for health insurance and leave with a trip home (once a year), as well as clothes.
As for taxes, they are higher than in Russia. For example, if you buy a new car in Hong Kong, then from its cost they will take from 35% of the tax and more. If it is purchased in the secondary market, then you will not have to pay tax. This is due to the fact that the previous owner includes it in the price of the car.
Visitors initially have a hard life in Hong Kong.
About features in general
Living in Hong Kong for a foreigner begins with finding a decent job.
People who are not fluent in Chinese or Cantonese discover at the very beginning that there are a limited number of vacancies for English-speaking foreigners for most interesting jobs and professions. The main areas are finance and banking, education and the hotel and tourism sector, as well as work in the field of media. All of them require different levels of experience and qualifications. There is also a gradual crowding out of foreigners by local residents and labor immigrants from mainland China. This is due to the fact that the latter agree to work even for relatively not very big money.
Not everyone is given life in Hong Kong. Pros and cons are in any country. There are a number of industries and jobs in Hong Kong that traditionally provide employment for visiting foreigners in Hong Kong. Next, we will talk a little more about employment opportunities.
Media and Publishing
Hong Kong has many international and local publishers, etc. Many local publications regularly employ employees who speak English, but have some experience in relevant areas. Without work experience, at least in writing texts and articles, getting settled is almost unthinkable.
Hong Kong has its own information bureaus and offices and many major news organizations and international magazines, the largest of which are BBC Magazines, VOA and CNN.
Education
The easiest way to start life in Hong Kong is for English-speaking applicants, especially those who want to get a job in any educational institution. Those who speak French, German, Italian and other languages have the least opportunities.
It should also be noted that the requirements for qualifications and education in Hong Kong for teaching English are much higher than in other countries. There are a number of prestigious international schools in this area using the only teaching language - English. Here you can find teaching vacancies not only in the subject of the English language, but also in others (history, technical disciplines, etc.). Competition in these schools, respectively, is fierce, and applicants for a place must have a teacher education, a certain degree of specialist, and at least a couple of years of teaching experience. The conditions and salaries of such labor in Hong Kong are in many cases excellent.
Banks and financial activities
Many foreigners in Hong Kong are employed in the financial and banking sectors, but almost all of them come under temporary contracts and work in the offices of their companies with head offices in European countries, Australia, the USA, etc. Therefore, it is quite difficult to find work in these areas on your own.
To make it easier to get settled, you need past work experience in the financial or banking sector of Asian countries. Thus, the chances of getting a job in this area and, accordingly, the opportunity to establish a good life in Hong Kong in this case are much higher.
Hospitality industry
Having experience in the field of travel and hotel services, ranging from a simple concierge to a hotel business manager, you can get a good job at hotels in Hong Kong.
There are a lot of similar establishments of international chains, in addition, new modern hotels of various classes are constantly opening, and therefore the most diverse hotel staff is constantly required here. The payment in this case is quite different, so in order to find the best offers, you should constantly monitor the job market.
Work in bars and restaurants
Recently, there has been an increasing decrease in opportunities to get a job in restaurants and bars for expats who do not yet have a residence permit. Once it was, one might say, the main option of finding work in Hong Kong for many visitors.
The exception is highly qualified and having good experience of the chef, and they can even choose the best option from several offers from the most famous and popular restaurants in Hong Kong.
Total
The living conditions in Hong Kong are contradictory. Hong Kong is a surprisingly beautiful, unusual outwardly city. He has some kind of unexpected "stuffing." It is often compared with the popular Hong Kong dessert - egg tart. This is a kind of French croissant. To understand, you should imagine such an airy, similar to a sponge, a roll of green tea. Inside is a sweet bean filling.It literally makes melt away from pleasure and enjoyment in the process of eating it. Such is Hong Kong, which only yields a little while you try it.
In general, the impressions of Hong Kong are twofold. If you are lucky enough to get comfortable, in this city you can earn good money without knowing the most complicated Chinese language. This is what many Russians are doing here.