Hong Kong explores measures to fill labour shortage

Importing foreign workers will continue if they prioritize local workers for opportunities. 

Different government bureaux are exploring and implementing several solutions to increase imported labour and alleviate the workforce shortage in Hong Kong whilst prioritizing local workers for employment opportunities, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said to the lawmakers.

The Labour and Welfare Bureau will begin implementing a scheme to import foreign care workers for residential care homes in June, with applications processing “with greater flexibility.”

The Development Bureau will assess the latest workforce forecast for the city’s construction sector to enhance its supply of workers through a multi-pronged strategy, including leveraging local workforce resources, improving training and upskilling, and bringing in non-local resources as necessary.

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Meanwhile, the Transport and Logistics Bureau will review its latest workforce situation, consider several measures to promote sustainable development in the industry, and present initial proposals for improving the workforce by the middle of the year.

Other bureaux will examine what resources their respective industries need to formulate necessary corresponding strategies.