Are Hong Kong Expats Struggling for Cash

 

Recent research by human resource management firm ECA has revealed that expatriates in Japan have the highest take-home salaries in the region, with an expat working in a middle-manager position earning an average of $98,000 USD per year.

According to ECA’s research, this is significantly higher than middle-management counterparts in Hong Kong, who currently earn an average of around $80,00 USD and constitute the 10th highest paid, behind expatriates in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

However, according to ECA’s results, the relatively low salaries paid to expatriates in Hong Kong is offset by higher compensation packages, with the value of their benefits (accommodation, cars, education and bonuses) being the highest in Asia. Discussing the survey findings, Lee Quane, ECA’s Asia director commented: “A constant issue for companies operating globally is the need to strike a balance between cost effective assignments and attracting the right talent.

“The high cost of employing expatriates in Japan may partly explain why fewer companies assign staff to Tokyo versus Hong Kong and Shanghai.

“In Hong Kong, the limited availability of accommodation for expatriates and international school places is putting pressure on companies who cover these costs. However, these benefits can have a big impact on the attractiveness of the package for the assignee, particularly in a competitive market.”

Top 5 Asian Countries for Average Expatriate Pay

  1. Japan
  2. Korea Republic
  3. Taiwan
  4. Laos
  5. Singapore

Bottom 5 Countries for Average Expatriate Pay

  1. Vietnam
  2. India
  3. China
  4. Malaysia
  5. Thailand

Read the full article: http://www.eca-international.com/news/press_releases/show_press_release?ArticleID=7434