[HKdude]

Maybe this is a often repeated question (please excuse me if it is)-but who is considered an expatriate in the banking industry in HK?

Is it OK to be hired as a local on HK employment terms? what are the usual differences (b/w locals and expat hires) in the pay packet and benefits these days for front office hires in banking? US market base and housing allowance of abt 30-40% of base would be an expat package for junior (analyst/associate) hires?

From reading various messages on this forum, I also got the impression that expats receive car allowance, schooling allowance, return flights home-are these the norm in front office banking or are they reserved for very senior hires (D,MD and above)?

I also understand that expats usually return to their home country after a few years? Is that a requirement in their contract?

And what about people who are hired directly from top US/UK universities for HK jobs, but who are not citizens of US/UK-would they be considered expats in HK, or does being an expat require US/UK citizenship? e.g plenty of chinese (and Indian) ppl studying in UK/US who go back to work in HK.

Thank you for taking the time to read the above post-and I appreciate any input.