Hong Kong launching scheme to bring in 12,000 construction workers next week; first batch to arrive in fourth quarter
- City to begin accepting applications to import workers as part of wider drive to recruit 20,000 personnel to support construction, aviation and transport sectors
- ‘We will receive applications every quarter and the first batch of successful applicants are expected to come to Hong Kong in the last quarter of this year,’ minister says
Hong Kong will begin accepting applications next week for a labour scheme to import 12,000 construction workers to ease a manpower crunch, with the first batch expected to arrive in the fourth quarter.
While a construction association hailed the move as a helpful step in relieving labour shortages in the sector, a contractor said the scheme only favoured big corporations and small firms would not benefit.
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho’s announcement on Thursday came after representatives of employers, the labour sector and vocational training institutes reached a consensus on the type of work the imported personnel could carry out and median wages.
She said the first round of the scheme targeting construction workers would launch on July 17. It would take about two months to process the applications, she added.
“There will be 29 types of work for skilled labourers in the construction sector, with another 18 jobs for technicians. The imported workers are only allowed to take part in public works projects,” she said.