New joiner to PPRUNE I see Widecut. Funny isn't it how some people post such eloquent pro-company posts as their opening contribution.
Flaps 10 almost has it right, except:
Many couldn't afford to live on their own until they were on a decent FO scale
In fact, there are more than a few local FOs who are still living with family.
How many pilot jobs these days offer housing allowance?
The reason for employing expats is to take advantage of their experience. Asking someone to move their family internationally is no small thing, and the expat package makes that transition smoother.
More appropriately, the question should be: How many expat jobs in Hong Kong offer some form of living assistance (in forms such as housing, medical, schooling etc)?
Thinking of the expats I know, such as bankers, accountants, lawyers and the like, I would say most, if not all.