Service needs of young new arrivals from Mainland China to Hong Kong

Abstract

After the reunification of Hong Kong with China, in July 1997, there has been an exodus of thousands of arrivals, coming to and settling in Hong Kong from Mainland China. A majority of these arrivals are young people, who come to Hong Kong for the purpose of family reunion. These newly arrived young people have encountered considerable adjustment problems, such as language, schooling, employment, family life, leisure, social relationship, psychological well-being, and support network. More and more natural groups of newly arrived young people are spotted, loitering in communities where most new arrivals settle. Through a qualitative study, which employed in-depth individual interviews with 10 newly arrived young people, the problems they encountered, in the process of adjustment to the Hong Kong society, and their welfare service needs were explored. Based on the findings, relevant policies and services are recommended so that their integration into the Hong Kong society can be facilitated.