ESLS approves over 60,000 imported workers — applications now limited to once every six months
[Ming Pao] Since the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) launched in September 2023, 8,935 applications covering more than 61,000 workers have been approved as of last month — over 41,000 of them (68%) working in job categories that were previously generally barred from labour importation. The Labour Department announced new measures yesterday to "strengthen priority employment for local workers", including limiting employers to one application every six months. A labour-side member of the Labour Advisory Board said the relaxed importation rules triggered a "tsunami" of applications and the situation spiralled out of control.
Original article: https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%E8%A6%81%E8%81%9E/article/20250618/s00001/1750184276076