Hong Kong is planning to recruit 27000 overseas skilled workers by easing the entry rules. New rules will be introduced to deal with the shortage of workers.
Concerns were raised by officials about the labour crunch and its effect on the city’s economy and competitiveness, changes were made in response to those concerns.
Labour Shortage: A Serious Concern
Importance was given to labour force by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun as the key role of economic development in Hong Kong. Risks caused by labour shortage were earlier highlighted by Chief Executive John Lee. Factors such as the shrinking economy and the city’s immigration policies are identified by economists as the causes of labour shortage. Industries became more noticeable after pandemic restrictions were eased and business activity increased, the need for additional workers also increased.
Recruitment Quotas
Recruitment quotas for foreign workers have been included in the government’s plans to address the labour shortage. According to Secretary for Development Bernadette Lin, quotas for up to 12,000 workers will be seen by the construction sector. Up to 6,300 labourers will be recruited in the aviation industry. The shortage of “front line airport staff” and its cause on the city’s aviation hub are mentioned by Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung.
Labour shortage has continuously affected the aviation industry of Hong Kong. The city’s airport operated with 32% fewer workers in staff compared to pre-pandemic even before the pandemic. Operations such as baggage handling, passenger check-in, and catering were hampered by the lack of workers. Continuous job cuts and changes in work conditions during the pandemic have led to long-term staff shortages which affected Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., the flagship carrier. Best Hong Kong Work Visa Consultants, Oasis Visas can help you settle in Hong Kong.
Application Process
For the construction and transportation sectors, the government expects to receive more job applications in July. It takes approximately two months to process these applications. A total of 26 sectors are covered by the plan, and applications for jobs in these sectors will follow. Worker quotas are expected to be fully used by next year.
Signs of a fast economy were shown by Hong Kong in the first quarter. A GDP growth rate of 4.6% has been predicted this year. The city’s overall competitiveness is expected to be enhanced by the introduction of foreign workers through the eased entry rules.
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