The economic and family experiences of Hong Kong Chinese in Ireland

This article explores the economic and family experiences of first- and second-generation Hong Kong Chinese in the Republic of Ireland. Although they are the earliest Chinese group in Ireland, their lived experiences have been overshadowed by a large influx of mainland Chinese since the end of the 1990s. This is the first empirical study in Ireland that makes the complex lived experiences of this migrant group visible. Their cross-generational economic performance and value of family is illustrated in diaspora theory. The findings are drawn from two sources: qualitative interviews with forty-one interviewees across two generations, and documentary research, including official records. Besides economic contributions to Irish society, the data highlights the complex and interrelated family issues. The high level of cohesion in Hong Kong Chinese families was reflected in their family views. The study also contributes to understandings of new diverse global migratory movements.