Hong Kong is failing to reap the potential benefits from a youth working holiday scheme it has entered into with three other countries, a manpower expert warned yesterday.
Lai Kam-tong, president of the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resources Management, made his remarks after it was disclosed that youngsters using the scheme to work overseas outnumber those coming in from the other countries by almost three to one.
The scheme has attracted just 780 people from Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, while 2,100 Hongkongers have gone there on working holidays. The scheme was launched with Australia and New Zealand in 2001, with Ireland joining in 2005. It allows people aged 18 to 30 to take temporary jobs for up to three months at a time during a 12-month stay.
The Labour Department said the scheme was largely aimed at providing youngsters with an opportunity to broaden their horizons with exposure to a different culture.
But Mr Lai said the government should see the scheme as a means to capture young talent. 'We don't just want them to experience our culture, we want them spread the good word about Hong Kong and perhaps stay on to work if they prove to be a useful talent for the economy,' he said.
The quota of working holiday visas for Australia and New Zealand was first set at 200, but last year the Australians agreed to expand it to 1,000 following strong demand from Hong Kong.
