Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.9% in Hong Kong Amid Economic Challenges, Latest Labor Statistics Show

Unemployment and underemployment statistics for July - September 2025

According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for July - September 2025) released today (October 20) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.7% in June - August 2025 to 3.9% in July - September 2025. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.6% in the two periods.

Comparing July - September 2025 with June - August 2025, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) increased in many major economic sectors, with more distinct increases observed in the social work activities sector and construction sector. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for the food and beverage service activities sector remained unchanged, while declines were seen in the financing sector and human health activities sector. Movements in the underemployment rate in different industry sectors varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.

Total employment decreased by around 6 100 from 3 680 600 in June - August 2025 to 3 674 500 in July - September 2025. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 1 500 from 3 831 600 to 3 830 100.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 4 600 from 151 000 in June - August 2025 to 155 600 in July - September 2025. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also increased by around 600 from 59 400 to 60 000.

Commentary

Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate went up by 0.2 percentage point over the preceding three-month period to 3.9% in July - September 2025. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.6%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment edged down slightly."

Looking ahead, Mr Chris Sun said, "The continued expansion of the Hong Kong economy is expected to support job growth. However, the employment situation in some sectors would continue to face challenges during economic restructuring. The increasing external uncertainties could also weigh on corporate hiring sentiment. The Government will continue to closely monitor the labour market situation and facilitate job-seeking through enhancing dissemination of employment information."

Further information

The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.

In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc.) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).

The survey for July - September 2025 covered a sample of some 26 000 households or 68 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of July to September 2025.

Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.

Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode200.html). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the "Quarterly Report on General Household Survey" which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the report contains statistics for the quarter April - June 2025 while the next issue covering the quarter July - September 2025 will be available by end November 2025. Users can also browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).

For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: AI-found images

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 9) detected a drug trafficking case involving passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 2.25 kilograms of suspected heroin, four tablets of suspected Viagra and 26 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette, with a total estimated market value of about $1.4 million. A man was arrested.

A 61-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a total of about 2.25 kg of suspected heroin in his check-in suitcase, and four tablets of suspected Viagra and 26 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette in his carry-on backpack. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession of Part 1 poison, one count of possession of dutiable goods and one count of failing to declare to a member of the Customs and Excise Service the possession of dutiable goods. The case will bebrought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 11).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, any person who imports, possesses, sells or buys dutiable commodities without a valid licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases