Plans afoot to import 10,000 non-local skilled workers, as 43,000 foreign laborers now work in HK, says labor minister

Over 43,000 foreign laborers have been approved to work in Hong Kong under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme since its September 2023 launch, according to Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han.

Sun clarified in a media interview that the actual number of foreign workers currently in Hong Kong is less than 43,000, as this figure represents the approved quotas. These workers are arriving in phases. He emphasized the scheme's effectiveness in adjusting labor supply based on market demands. The system mandates local recruitment before foreign workers are considered; a sufficient local labor supply results in fewer approved quotas than requested, thus protecting local workers.

The government projects a shortage of approximately 180,000 workers across various sectors in the next five years, including a significant shortfall of 65,000 skilled workers. To address this, a new initiative is planned to import around 10,000 non-local skilled workers by mid-year. After a seven-year stay in the SAR, these workers will be eligible to apply for permanent residency. This is crucial, Sun stated, to maintain sufficient manpower for essential trades, such as electricians and plumbers.

Discussions are underway with trade unions to determine the specific categories of skilled workers needed. The government will utilize its existing 51-category talent list as a reference, outlining requirements for each worker type in the new skilled worker list.

The labor minister also acknowledged complaints from some foreign laborers regarding exploitation by agents. The Labour Department has responded by increasing inspections and offering accommodation and transportation assistance to those wishing to return to Hong Kong to file complaints.