Hong Kong imported labour schemes 2026: the three routes, eligibility, costs and process

Last updated: September 2026. The Labour Department, Development Bureau, Transport and Logistics Bureau and Transport Department’s latest notices prevail.

The three routes at a glance

• Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS): technician-level-or-below posts across industries | Labour Department | catering ratio 3:1 from 16 June 2026; others per LD notices
• Sector scheme — construction: public works contracts generally ≥ HK$1 billion | Development Bureau | sector cap 12,000 | 1:2 ratio | quarterly windows
• Sector scheme — transport: 10 aviation frontline trades / PLB and coach drivers | Transport and Logistics Bureau / Transport Department
• Special scheme for care workers: residential care homes for the elderly and disabled

Is "imported labour scheme" the same as ESLS?

Not exactly. ESLS is the official name of the general route, approved by the Labour Department. "Imported labour scheme" is the popular umbrella that also covers the construction and transport sector schemes and the care-home scheme. In daily usage it usually means ESLS — but check whether your industry has a dedicated scheme first; filing the wrong route wastes months.

Common requirements

• Wages never below the published median monthly wage for the comparable post
• Employer-provided housing (deduction caps: 20% housing, 10% with meals; ≥ 3.4 m² net floor area per person)
• Contracts capped at 24 months
• Employees Retraining Levy: HK$9,600 per worker (24-month contract), paid upon visa approval
• ESLS requires prior local recruitment; sector schemes require staffing ratios

Cost overview

Fixed government fees about HK$9,930: the levy (HK$9,600) plus a visa fee of about HK$330 — excluding wages and housing. For an instant 24-month total by role, use our imported-labour cost calculator.

Process overview

Pick the route → local recruitment / staffing-ratio verification (by scheme) → filing (ESLS uses forms ESLS-1A/1B Rev. 9/2026; old versions rejected from 12 October 2026) → quota approval → visas (ID 1001A/1B) → mainland medicals and arrival. Typically 4–6 months end to end.

Which route fits you?

• General industries (F&B, retail, warehouse, property management, admin…) → ESLS
• Large public-works main contractors → construction sector scheme
• Airport Authority contractors / PLB and coach operators → transport sector scheme
• Residential care homes → care-worker special scheme

Not sure? WhatsApp us — a free five-minute assessment pins down your route.

Official sources

Labour Department (ESLS and care homes), Development Bureau (construction), Transport and Logistics Bureau / Transport Department (transport) publications; official documents prevail.