Unemployment Rate in Hong Kong Falls to 3.7% in Early 2026, Underemployment Rate Decreases to 1.6%

Unemployment and underemployment statistics for January - March 2026

According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for January - March 2026) released today (April 23) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.8% in December 2025 - February 2026 to 3.7% in January - March 2026. The underemployment rate also decreased from 1.7% in December 2025 - February 2026 to 1.6% in January - March 2026.

Comparing January - March 2026 with December 2025 - February 2026, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied, with a more notable decrease observed in the accommodation services sector. As to the underemployment rate, a decrease was mainly seen in the foundation and superstructure sector.

Total employment decreased by around 7 300 from 3 663 000 in December 2025 - February 2026 to 3 655 700 in January - March 2026. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 5 300 from 3 797 700 to 3 792 400.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 1 900 from 134 700 in December 2025 - February 2026 to 136 600 in January - March 2026. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 3 300 from 63 400 to 60 100.

Commentary

Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down further by 0.1 percentage point from the preceding three-month period to 3.7% in January - March 2026. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate also edged down by 0.1 percentage point to 1.6%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment decreased slightly."

Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, "The sustained growth of the Hong Kong economy should underpin the overall labour market. The Government will continue to closely monitor the developments in geopolitical tensions and assess the potential implications for the labour market."

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 January - March 2026 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 66 000 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 January to March 2026.

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 October - December 2025 while the next issue covering the quarter January - March 2026 will be available by end May 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).

Source: AI-found images

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes

Two incoming passengers were sentenced to three months' and two months' imprisonment respectively by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (April 23) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted a 46-year-old incoming female passenger and her accompanying child at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point yesterday (April 22). Officers discovered that the female passenger had concealed 1 381 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $5,660 and a duty potential of about $4,560, in the backpack carried by her accompanying child. The female passenger was subsequently arrested, and she was sentenced to three months' imprisonment by the Courts today.

In addition, Customs officers intercepted an incoming 50-year-old male passenger at the same control point on the same day and seized 5 441 duty-not-paid cigarettes from his personal baggage. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $22,300, and the duty potential was about $17,900. The male passenger was subsequently arrested, and he was sentenced to two months' imprisonment by the Courts today.

Customs welcomes the sentences, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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).

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases