What is a quota?
Under the Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS), an employer must first obtain a Labour Department quota for each role before applying for the worker’s visa. Quotas are granted per company and per role, corresponding one-to-one with the subsequent visa applications.
How are staffing ratios calculated?
- General industries under ESLS: a 2:1 ratio — for every 1 imported worker, you must continuously employ 2 full-time local employees
- Catering industry: relaxed to 3:1 by department from 16 June 2026 — for every 1 imported worker, that department (front-of-house / kitchen) must continuously employ 3 full-time local employees
- Ratios are based on full-time local headcount; applicable roles and calculations are subject to Labour Department vetting
Example: a restaurant with 9 full-time local front-of-house staff may apply for up to 3 waiter quotas under 3:1. Not sure how many you can get? Our consultants can run the numbers for free.
What does vetting look at?
- Open local recruitment: you must first prove that local hiring attempts fell short
- Business proof: complete documents such as BR, employment contracts, vacancy details and accommodation proof
- Wage commitment: not below the official monthly median for the comparable role (e.g. waiter HK$15,820, electrician HK$19,490)
- Compliant accommodation: at least 3.4 m² net floor area per person; deduction capped at 20% of wages (10% in specified cases)
Vetting timeline
- Labour Department vetting typically takes 8 to 12 weeks — complete documents are the best speed guarantee
- File on ESLS-1A/1B (Rev. 9/2026); old form versions are rejected from 12 October 2026
- From preparation to workers arriving on site, allow about 4 to 6 months end to end
After quotas are granted
A granted quota does not mean workers on site — you still need candidate matching, visa applications (about HK$330), the Employees Retraining Levy (HK$9,600 one-off) and medical checks. Contracts are capped at 24 months.
→ Already have quotas? Candidate matching, renewal & replacement services
→ Step by step: document checklist and filing for imported workers
→ Fee breakdown: government charges, levy & service fees
→ Common roles and official wage medians
FAQ
Q: How many quotas can I apply for?A: Up to the staffing-ratio ceiling — e.g. 1 quota per 3 full-time local employees in catering (2:1 for general industries); the final number is subject to Labour Department vetting.
Q: What should I do once quotas are granted?A: Start candidate matching and visa applications promptly to avoid delaying start dates; employers with existing quotas can use our matching, renewal and replacement services.
Q: Can a quota application be rejected?A: Yes — the most common reasons are insufficient local recruitment records, incomplete documents or wages below the median. Solid preparation before filing greatly reduces follow-up requests and rejection risk.
How we help
Labour Services (Labour Department licence 81090) follows through from quota calculation and filing to candidate matching.
Want to know how many quotas your company can get? WhatsApp our consultants for a free assessment.