Almost half of Hong Kong’s singles want their partners to hold foreign passports as uncertainties continue to grip the city, according to a new survey conducted by a speed dating company.

Many Hongkongers are thinking of migrating overseas amid China’s fast-tracked moves to enact a national security law for the city as early as July 1.

A survey conducted by the HK Romance Dating company in June found that 46% of the 238 singles interviewed on the telephone and internet wanted their partners to hold foreign passports. Half of the respondents said it was not a point of concern and only 4% said they opposed the notion.

Almost 20% of those who wanted their partners to have foreign passports considered it best to marry a Canadian, followed by a Briton, at 16%. In Asia, those with a Taiwanese passport was the favourite of the interviewees, followed by Singaporean passport holders.

In the survey, 54% said they would consider migrating while 47% said no. The interviews showed that 18% said they planned to spend HK$5 million to HK$10 million (US$645,100 to US$1.3 million) to do so. The main reason for wanting to migrate was because it was freer to live overseas, according to 48% of those inclined to migrate, while others pointed to a better quality of living and better education for the next generation.

Slightly over 20% wished to migrate to the United Kingdom, followed by Taiwan at 16%, Singapore at 12% and Australia at 11%.

Among those who had no wish to migrate, 33% said they were born and bred in Hong Kong and so they did not want to leave, while others cited worries about finding a job overseas or the costs of migration.

Anita Cheung, founder of HK Romance Dating, said some single people considered it a bonus if their potential partners possessed foreign passports or had studied overseas. She advised singles not to make it their top concern as the most important factor was compatibility with each other.

Cheung said foreign passport holders should discuss thoroughly with their partners before making any decision to migrate, and should spend a month or two at the destination to prepare themselves for the relocation.

Click here for Chinese version.

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