Hong Kong tightens imported worker scheme but open to making it permanent

15 Mwezi wa sita, 2026

Imeripotiwa na AI

The Hong Kong government has introduced tighter rules for the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme effective Tuesday, while indicating openness to making the scheme permanent.

The two-tier vetting system for employers and tougher hiring rules for the catering industry took effect on Tuesday. Commissioner for Labour Sam Hui Chark-shum said on Monday that the scheme, launched in September 2023, would be amended after review but remain in effect.

“Have we made the scheme permanent? I don’t oppose that view. Our review showed that, at least for the foreseeable future, there is a continuous need for the ESLS to keep our economy running,” Hui said.

As of May, more than 17,000 applications involving nearly 110,000 workers had been approved, with about 40 per cent in food and beverage services. The sector reported a 6.3 per cent unemployment rate from February to April, alongside a 5 per cent vacancy rate.

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