It's very tough struggling to find work but don't jump out of the frying pan into the fire.
Bonds (HKA call them "training grants") HKA's contract says:
Type rated pilot, US$15,000
Non-type rated pilot US$30,000
Training grants are repayable in full for resignation or "dismissal with cause" within 1 year of final line check then prorata after 1 year. "Dismissal with cause" according to HK labour law is almost anything including for "commercial reasons".
Note that time from joining to completing final line check has never been less than 6 months and has been as long as 12 months.
Until your final line check you are paid "training pay" (equal to pay before duty pay) which is monthly;
Capt >3000 hrs jet HK$40,000
Capt < 3000 hrs jet HK$30,000
FO >3000 hrs jet HK$22,500
FO >1500 hrs jet HK$20,000
FO < 1500 hrs jet HK$17,500
Some pilots who have left were told by lawyers that "there is nothing in HK Law preventing training bonds being imposed on employees through their contracts".
It is true that many pilots having felt badly treated and lied to, simply left without giving notice and without paying their bond. They lost at least 1 and a half months pay because the company owed them this. Upsetting your employer could also affect future references! The company of course, is unable to pursue the pilots for any remaining bond.
Cost of Housing
Quote from South China Morning Post 16 Feb 2011
Last month, a survey conducted by Savills ranked Hong Kong as the most expensive city in the world for housing in 2010.
"Residential rents are trending upwards," said Alva To, head of consultancy for property advisers DTZ in Hong Kong. He expects residential rents to rise five to 10 per cent this year in line with the estimated 10 per cent increase of home prices. To said apartments on Conduit Road, Mid-Levels, a favourite with expatriates, leased at an average monthly rental of HK$30 per square foot. A 700 sq ft two-bedroom flat would cost about HK$21,000 per month, which was close to ECA's survey finding, he said.