Hong Kong Unemployment Rate Highest Since 2022

Hong Kong's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down to 3.8% in the three months ending February 2026, from a 2022-high of 3.9% in the previous period. The number of unemployed persons declined by 3,700 to 134,700, while total employment decreased by 2,900 to 3.66 million. The youth unemployment rate, for those aged 20 to 29, also ticked lower to 6.9% from 7% in the three months ending January, marking its lowest level since June 2025. The underemployment rate remained steady at 1.7%, and the labour force participation rate fell slightly to 56.5% from 56.7%. Looking ahead, the sustained growth momentum of the Hong Kong economy is expected to continue supporting the overall labour market, although employment conditions in some local sectors may still face challenges depending on business performance.

Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up to 3.9% in the three months ending January 2026, marking the highest level since September 2022 and up from 3.8% in the previous month. The number of unemployed rose by 200 to 138,400, while total employment fell by 1,100 to 3.67 million. Youth unemployment among those aged 20-29 eased to 7% from 7.1% in December, reaching its lowest level since June 2025. The underunemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.7%, while the labour force was broadly on a par with the level in the preceding three-month period. Looking ahead, sustained economic growth in Hong Kong is expected to support the overall labour market, though some sectors may continue to face employment pressures due to challenging operating conditions.

Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.8% in the three months ending December 2025, marking the third consecutive month at this level. The number of unemployed fell by 6,200 to 138,200, while total employment edged down by 2,900 to 3.67 million. Youth unemployment among those aged 20–29 eased to 7.1% from 7.6% in November, reaching its lowest level since June 2025. The underemployment rate rose to 1.7% in December from 1.6% in November, driven by gains in the transportation and information & communications sectors, while easing in the cleaning and related activities sector. Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s labour market is expected to remain stable amid ongoing economic growth and improving consumer sentiment, though some sectors may continue to face challenges.