HK01: Imported labour — from next month, junior-cook and waiter applications require mandatory on-site local recruitment
The Census and Statistics Department announced that Hong Kong's unemployment rate for May–July rose to 3.7%, above the market's expected 3.5%, with underemployment steady at 1.4%. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun said the slight rise partly reflects fresh graduates and school leavers entering the labour market, noting total employment also grew — and that continued economic growth should create more jobs.
Sun also announced improvements to the imported-labour policy: for the catering industry, from next month employers seeking to import junior cooks and waiters must, in addition to the four-week open local recruitment per application, conduct on-site recruitment at Labour Department job centres — a mandatory requirement allowing local workers to interview on the spot.
Employment grew over the same period — "a positive development"
For May–July, total employment stood at 3,671,300 — up about 14,000 from April–June — while the total labour force rose about 22,700 to 3,816,200. Unemployment rose most visibly in foundation and superstructure works, food and beverage services, retail, and real estate.
Responding to reporters on the 19th, Sun said: "Although the latest unemployment rate edged up from the previous three-month period, we note the positive development that total employment increased over the same period. Part of the rise in unemployment is due to fresh graduates and school leavers entering the labour market."
ESLS review set for 2026
On whether the clear unemployment increases in catering and retail warrant cutting import quotas, Sun said the scheme's scheduled review — two years on, in the first half of 2026 — would address this. For catering's junior positions, the department requires four weeks of local recruitment first, and employers must now also recruit in person at the department's job centres; from September this becomes mandatory for every employer, strengthening matching. "If locals are willing and suitable, employers must hire them."
Sun said Hong Kong's continued economic growth should drive job creation for graduates and school leavers, and that the government's measures to boost growth, consumption and investment should support overall labour demand.
Original article: https://www.hk01.com/article/60268163?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral