Wage Earnings of Chinese Immigrants: A Semi-Parametric Analysis

This research analyzes the wage distributions of mainland Chinese immigrants in Hong Kong using a semi-parametric method that estimates the distributions of wages that would prevail if the immigrants were paid according to the local wage schedule. The semi-parametric scheme adopted is based on a simple re-weighting of the distribution of wages of the natives. Present results reveal that medium-waged Chinese immigrants are disproportionately likely to experience labour market discrimination. Newer immigrants also appear to face more obstacles in achieving higher salaries than old immigrants.