- 54 -
deal.
For
example, in the mid-1970s, the average net
outflow was about 38,000
people a year.
The latest
forecasts should be set against this background although
they do of
course represent an increase compared with the
period 1981 to 1986, when it is estimated that on average
It is also important to
20,000 people a
note that the
employment.
year
emigrated.
estimates I have quoted include all members
Only
of the family, from the elderly to the very young.
just over half of those emigrating are in full-time
Of these, less than half are in professional,
administrative or managerial positions. It is therefore
not correct to assume that 45,000 professionals will leave
Hong Kong this year.
The true figure is less than a
quarter of that.
115.
for
been.
Another significant factor is that opportunities
emigration are probably higher now than they have ever
Destination countries with a global quota system
have increased their overall number of places, thus making
more room for Hong Kong people. In one significant case,
where there is a country by country quota, Hong Kong's
share has been increased. Moreover, the points systems
strong
operated by some destination countries give
preference to the better educated and in Hong Kong we have
a large number of people who are well educated.
/116.
Now