TNAG-1729-FCO40-2442-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 136

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In recent times, between 19804, the net outward movement

of Hong Kong residents (excluding movements to and from

China) was approximately 20,000 per annum. In 1985, it

was just over 11,000; in 1986 about 13,500; and last year

just under 27,000. Taken together, the figures for the

last three years are within historical averages.

ster Nonetheless, the Government is concerned for two main

reasons, First, because the numbers did rise last year

and seem likely to remain at higher levels at least for

the next few years because some overseas countries have

offered more attractive terms for immigrants, including

those from llong Kong.

Secondly, because there is some

evidence of an increase in the proportion of those leaving

who are from the middle management sector, Hence the term c

brain drain.

の

*

Having said that, the best estimate we can make

Fairly

is that in 1987, the number of llong Kong students

graduating from local or overseas tertiary institutions exceeded the net numbers lost through emigration by uwide

margin. Last year, our tertiary institutions produced no

fewer than 4,822 bew-local graduates. The forecast for

trest

this year is 5,725, for 1989 is 6,470; for 1990, 7,240

and for 1991, 8,270. Thereafter, the pace will accelerate

as new learning institutions come on stream. In addition

to graduates produced locally, a large number of llong Kong

young people go abroad to study and return to work here

after graduation, my own three children included.

P3/0f course, there are