Hong Kong’s jobless rate edges up to 3.9% over past 3 months
South China Morning Post
by Ng Kang-chungFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hong Kong’s jobless rate has slightly increased to 3.9% over the past three months, up by 0.1 percentage point compared to the previous period. This rise was driven by higher unemployment in sectors such as insurance, construction, and finance. Despite this uptick, labor authorities remain optimistic, attributing it to temporary factors and expressing confidence in the city’s growing economy to sustain employment stability moving forward.
The latest figures from the Census and Statistics Department reveal that the jobless rate for the November-January period returned to the level seen between July-September last year. This marks a slight reversal from the steady 3.8% unemployment rate recorded during the August-October window. The underemployment rate, meanwhile, remained unchanged at 1.7%, indicating minimal impact on part-time or casual workers.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han highlighted that the current jobless rate is broadly consistent with recent trends, signaling resilience in Hong Kong’s labor market. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth as a key driver for future job stability. This optimism aligns with broader expectations of sustained recovery in Asia’s financial hub.
For global readers, Hong Kong’s evolving unemployment figures offer insights into the region’s economic trajectory. As a key player in Asian and international trade, any changes in Hong Kong’s labor market could have ripple effects on regional stability and global economic trends. The city’s ability to maintain employment levels amid economic growth underscores its role as a resilient hub in the global economy.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/20/2026