Social Integration of South Asians in Hong Kong
According the Census and Statistics Department in 2016, South Asians – Pakistani, Nepalese, and Indians, together constituted the biggest ethnic minority group residing in Hong Kong. Even though the South Asian and local Chinese populations enjoy identical legal, political, and social rights and fulfill similar obligations, they appear to live in two separate worlds. Various figures suggested that the lives of many South Asians were at risk of social, political, and economic exclusion. The purpose of this study was to identify major challenges that South Asians faced when interacting with the local Chinese community, and their main obstacles in attaining societal integration. It also examined the local Chinese population’s perception and social acceptance of South Asians. Recommendations to reduce the service and policy gaps with a view to promoting social inclusion and integration in Hong Kong were made. The investigation was part of the Jockey Club Lab for Cultural Diversity Study, supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.