Pakistani Humza Ejaz moved to Hong Kong four months ago, optimistic that he would find a good job and start a new life with his wife and newborn daughter.

Equipped with a master’s degree in information technology and about eight years’ experience with multinational companies, the 29-year-old was encouraged when hiring agencies in the city assured him he would find a job quickly.

But his inability to speak Cantonese got in the way. He sent more than 50 job applications, only to draw a blank.

Driven to support his new family, he resorted to what many from the city’s ethnic minority communities do – he began working as a food delivery courier, working nights to earn about HK$18,000 (US$2,300) a month.

“I thought coming to Hong Kong might uplift my career to the next level,” he said. “But these past four months have been the biggest downfall of my life.”

If a better job did not come along, he added, he might consider returning to Pakistan.