Hong Kong's Civil Service Bureau announced today that it will increase pay for civil servants in the upper, middle, and lower salary bands, and in the directorate, by 2 per cent across the board for 2026-27, with retrospective effect from April 1, 2026. But what do foreigners in Hong Kong really think about being a civil servant?
We hit the streets of Hong Kong to ask foreigners a few questions: Would you ever want to be a civil servant? Did civil servants in your home country get a pay raise this year? Do they earn more or less than people in the private sector? And do you think they work efficiently?
Some answered bluntly, "I'm not very good at politics – I'm not qualified to be a civil servant." Others said, "If I ever consider it, it's just because I want to help my country – and I would do it for free." When asked about pay raises back home, responses ranged from "less than 2%" to "3% or 4% – about the same as Hong Kong."
On salary comparisons, some felt civil servants at home earn less than the private sector – "It's not about the money, it's about stability." Others said they earn more, "because they have free healthcare and subsidies."
As for efficiency, one admitted, "They can do better," while another noted, "It's getting better."
So what about Hong Kong's civil servants? Foreigners who have lived here for years had plenty of praise: "The airport arrival experience is excellent." "The post office works fantastically." "The big government departments are very efficient." And one person summed it up, "Hong Kong civil servants? Absolutely 100% fantastic!"
Hit play and hear what foreigners in Hong Kong had to say.
(Produced by Ian, Kiki)
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