Since it is the possible economic impact which creates the greatest fear of immigration, it is crucial that discussion be based on carefully considered analysis. The issue of immigration is one which will continue to be central to Hong Kong's economic development, and it is vital that it is discussed fully. There is a strong economic case for continued immigration from the Mainland to Hong Kong. It is important that the focus shift to debate on exactly what kind of immigration policy Hong Kong wishes to have in order to maintain its economic vitality. The following article is based on views offered in discussions with Professor Y. C. Richard Wong, Dr. Alan Siu, Dr. Y. F. Luk and Dr. Wing Suen of the University of Hong Kong, and Professor Liu Pak Wai of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Immigration can be one of the most divisive issues to face any society.
Conflict between immigrants and natives is not difficult to find in many countries around the world and rejection of newcomers often seems to be an almost instinctive reaction. Of course, there are many reasons for this, but the one that frequently weighs heaviest is the economic threat that immigrants are believed to embody, encapsulated by the fear that they will take our jobs and use our services without paying for them. In essence, it seems that this is the fear which captured the minds of policy makers and public opinion in Hong Kong after the announcement that 1.68 million new immigrants were eligible to come to Hong Kong as a result of the Court of Final Appeal ruling on questions concerning the right of abode. Much of the fear is based on an underlying zero-sum view of the economy. There is only a fixed amount of output and jobs to go around, and any new arrival must necessarily reduce the share of those who are already in the game.