Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.8% in Hong Kong, Total Employment Slightly Decreases

Unemployment and underemployment statistics for September - November 2025

According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for September - November 2025) released today (December 16) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.8% in September - November 2025, same as that in August - October 2025. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.6% in the two periods.

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD)

Comparing September - November 2025 with August - October 2025, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate in different industry sectors varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.

Total employment decreased by around 2 800 from 3 672 700 in August - October 2025 to 3 669 900 in September - November 2025. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 8 000 from 3 822 300 to 3 814 300.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 5 200 from 149 600 in August - October 2025 to 144 400 in September - November 2025. The number of underemployed persons in September - November 2025 was 60 900, about the same as that in August - October 2025 (60 800).

Commentary

Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed at 3.8% in September - November 2025, same as that in the preceding three-month period. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.6%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment decreased slightly, and the number of unemployed persons also decreased further."

Looking ahead, Mr Chris Sun said, "The solid expansion of the Hong Kong economy and the improving consumer confidence should continue to render support to the overall labour market. Yet, the employment situations in some sectors may remain under pressure as their businesses face challenges."

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 September - November 2025 covered a sample of some 26 000 households or 69 000 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 September to November 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 July - September 2025 while the next issue covering the quarter October - December 2025 will be available by end February 2026. 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).

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Hong Kong Customs detects first drug trafficking case involving underwater compartment of ocean-going vessel and seizes suspected cocaine worth about $256 million

​Hong Kong Customs, in a joint operation with Mainland Customs anti-smuggling departments, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Fire Services Department, detected its first drug trafficking case where an underwater compartment of an ocean-going vessel was used for drug concealment. During the operation on November 5 in Tsing Yi, Hong Kong Customs officers seized about 417 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value about $256 million and arrested two men.

Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Hong Kong Customs identified an ocean-going vessel and suspected that criminals were utilising its underwater hull structure to conceal drugs, and thereby formulated enforcement actions. On November 5, the ocean-going vessel that departed from Brazil was selected for underwater inspection, and 11 bags of suspected cocaine, weighing about 417kg in total, were found in an underwater compartment. After a follow-up investigation, Hong Kong Customs officers arrested two men, aged 45 and 37, who were suspected of being involved in the case in Tsing Yi.

The two arrested men have been released pending further investigation. The investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

With the Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, Hong Kong Customs will step up enforcement action to resolutely combat different kinds of drug trafficking activities before the long holidays.

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.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Hong Kong Customs' 24-hour report 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 first drug trafficking case involving underwater compartment of ocean-going vessel and seizes suspected cocaine worth about $256 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases