Almost two years after Hong Kong began its big talent drive to attract graduates and top earners, the picture is less than rosy for many cleared to come to the city. In the first of a three-part series, Willa Wu finds out what new arrivals have experienced.

Kira Xiong, a 23-year-old finance graduate with degrees from universities in Melbourne and Sydney, arrived in Hong Kong in July full of hope.

Armed with a two-year visa under the Top Talent Pass Scheme introduced by the city in 2022, she expected to land a job in finance. But the reality has been sobering.

After spending nearly three months sending out more than 100 resumes, lowering her salary expectations and considering work not related to her majors, she settled for an administrative job in a local company.

“I feel confused,” said Xiong, who is from Shenzhen. “The government invited us, but now that we’ve arrived, the welcome feels less than warm.”

Similar tales were common among others who arrived as top talent.

Cambridge economics graduate Peter Zhang, 24, secured a junior financial analyst position in March, after a six-month job hunt, sending out more than a dozen resumes.