Socioeconomic integration of early professional Hong Kongers in Taipei, Taiwan

Abstract

This study applies the thesis of privileged migration to early Hong Kongers coming to Taiwan since the early 1960s as a case study in ‘North–South’ migration that takes place between regions that are in different stages of economic development. Its focus is on these immigrants’ economic achievements and their social and cultural integration in the host society. Qualitative methods were used to conduct face-to-face interviews with 40 Hong Kongers ranging in age from 39 to 77, most of whom were living in Taipei. They came as overseas Chinese students, employees, and marriage and family migrants. As most had received university educations or higher, their skills and working experiences met the demands of the Taiwan job market at the time, and they had all become successfully established in a variety of white-collar professional jobs. Despite cultural differences, they had developed careers, contributed to Taiwan’s economy, and integrated well, and most were not thinking of returning to Hong Kong.