How to solve Hong Kong’s triple whammy: ageing population, baby dearth and job losses?

Hong Kong faces a "triple whammy" of an ageing population, fewer births and job losses due to technological changes. Residents like 28-year-old Fong, a construction worker, are child-free due to financial difficulties and housing constraints. The city's record-low births (29,700 in mid-2025) and an ageing society create a high age dependency ratio where fewer working-age people support a larger population of elderly or very young.

The government, under Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, is expected to announce policies to improve livelihoods. Experts suggest a holistic strategy that includes job creation, upskilling the labour force and leveraging emerging industries, rather than merely offering welfare provisions. The city's labour force stands at 3.79 million, down from 3.81 million in 2025, raising concerns over a shrinking workforce.

Record-low births and an ageing population have highlighted the need for a new population policy that attracts migrants, whether for family reunions, work or study, to help sustain the city's economy.