Imported labour | Sun Dong: hiring imported workers saves employers no money — the law treats local and imported workers equally
A survey released today (15th) by the Retail, Commercial and Clothing Industries General Union found that over 60% of respondents believe expanding labour importation affects their job opportunities or income. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun responded that the policy ensures local workers enjoy priority for employment, that the authorities screen applications strictly, and urged the public to have confidence in the scheme.
Sun said employers hiring imported workers through the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) must follow a rigorous procedure, including four weeks of local recruitment; an imported-worker application is only processed if vacancies remain. Employers must also pay the government a monthly training levy of HK$400 per imported worker, arrange their accommodation, and pay wages no lower than the median for the position — emphasising that hiring imported workers does not save employers money.
On the earlier case of construction imported workers having wages withheld, Sun said labour law treats local and imported workers equally, the employers concerned had breached the Employment Ordinance, and wages should be deposited directly into workers' bank accounts. As for cases where imported workers had ATM cards taken from them after receiving wages, such conduct is also illegal; a dedicated task force has been established to follow up seriously and pursue legal accountability.
Source: https://shorturl.at/qps07