Hong Kong Suffers Biggest Ever Population Decline As Exodus Accelerates
Although authorities attributed some of this to a “natural” decline — more deaths than births — experts said the figures also reflected an exodus that accelerated in recent years amid periods of mass social unrest that included anti-government protests and the pandemic of the coronavirus. About 113,200 residents left Hong Kong last year, according to the department, compared with 89,200 the year before. Figures include expatriates and other non-residents. Throughout the pandemic, experts and industry leaders have warned that the city’s strict Covid-19 restrictions will drive away residents, travelers and expats....