South Asians in Hong Kong

South Asians in Hong Kong
南亞人
Total population
At least 101,969
(1.4% of the population) (2021)
Regions with significant populations
Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and South New Territories
Languages
English and Cantonese; also Hindi–Urdu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Sindhi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Nepali, Pashto
Religion
Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Baháʼí Faith, Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Overseas Pakistani, Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin, Non Resident Nepali

The numbers of Bangladeshis and Sri Lankans were not individually broken out in the 2006 By-Census Thematic Report on Ethnic Minorities, from which the above statistics originate. The total population of "Other Asians", which may include members of those two groups, was 7,851.

South Asians in Hong Kong form a significant part of the city's society. According to the 2021 by-census, there were at least 101,969 people of South Asian descent living in the city. Many have traced their roots in Hong Kong for over a century, dating back to the period when both Hong Kong and the Indian subcontinent were under British colonial rule. Their presence is also a legacy of the British Empire, and issues around nationality and citizenship remain complex for many.

Some South Asians in Hong Kong continue to hold Indian citizenship, while others have acquired Chinese nationality and hold a HKSAR passport, usually after obtaining permanent residency. Despite differences in nationality, a large majority speak Cantonese fluently, integrating linguistically into Hong Kong society while maintaining distinct cultural identities.