7 in 10 job seekers in HK, SEA open to remote work for foreign employers

Amongst talent, 55% cite the inability to relocate with family members as the top barrier to moving abroad for work.

The willingness of job seekers in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia (SEA) to work remotely for foreign employers has increased to 71% in 2023, according to SEEK’s Decoding Global Talent: Mobility Trends 2024.

This is up from 62% in 2020, and exceeded the global average of 66%. 

Notably, this willingness to work remotely surpasses the 68% of respondents who are open to physically relocating abroad for work.

The increasing trend of remote international work offers significant benefits for job seekers, allowing them to tap into higher-paying opportunities without the need to relocate.

Amongst talent from Hong Kong and SEA, 55% cited the inability to relocate with family members as the top barrier to moving abroad for work.

This is particularly pronounced in Hong Kong (68%), Singapore (66%), and Malaysia (66%), where family unity and togetherness are highly valued.

Relocation costs are another major concern, with 41% of Hong Kong and SEA respondents identifying this as a key obstacle, significantly higher than the global average of 30%.

This concern is particularly pronounced in Indonesia (44%), the Philippines (42%), and Thailand (41%).

Other barriers include a lack of knowledge about working abroad (35%), and concerns about personal safety and security (31%).

Although willingness to physically relocate has decreased since 2020, there is still considerable potential for talent mobility within the region.

Singapore stood out as a top destination, with 30% of Malaysians reporting a preference to work in Singapore, driven by its reputation as a multicultural business hub.

Globally, Singapore ranks as the 8th most desirable destination for international talent-seeking career opportunities.

Malaysia ranks second in Southeast Asia, with a notable rise in its global ranking from 33rd in 2018 to 21st in 2023, demonstrating its increasing appeal as a destination for talent.

For SEA and Hong Kong talent, the desire for better opportunities abroad is driven by rising inflation, lower wages, and limited career prospects in their home countries.

Talent, particularly from Indonesia, increasingly seeks international experience to overcome the constraints of smaller domestic markets.

Improved quality of life is a top consideration for 53% of SEA and Hong Kong respondents, slightly below the global average of 55%.

Moreover, as talent looks to relocate, they expect employers to provide significant support to ease their transition.

For instance, over 80% of job seekers from Singapore and Malaysia expect relocation assistance, including help with visas, work permits, and housing arrangements.

This is well above the regional average of 74% and the global average of 69%. Specifically, 79% of SEA and Hong Kong talent expect visa and work permit assistance, in line with the global average.

Additionally, 74% of talent expect housing assistance, higher than the global average of 69%, with Malaysia (86%), the Philippines (85%), and Singapore (84%) leading this demand.