Only a third of Hongkongers who have moved to the UK in recent years have found full-time jobs, even though most are highly educated, according to a British university survey targeting BN(O) visa holders.

Despite coming from a strong educational background, many migrants struggled to make full use of their professional expertise after relocating, according to the online survey carried out by the University of Liverpool. The university polled 1,310 Hongkongers, most of whom had moved to the United Kingdom after the imposition of the national security law in 2020.

Only 30 per cent had found full-time jobs, while 18 per cent were working part time or as freelancers. About 18 per cent were unemployed and 15 per cent described themselves as homemakers.

The survey found 78.4 per cent of all respondents had received a tertiary education, with 30 per cent holding a master’s degree or higher academic qualifications.

Ricci Yue Pak-hong, the author of the study, said the results showed a “significant” number of migrants from the city might have had to switch from professional or managerial roles to primary industry or elementary work.

Jobs that fall under the category include unskilled or semi-skilled work such as cashiers, retail associates and goods delivery.