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If no ‘one-way’ permit scheme for migrants from mainland China, Hong Kong would have had 700,000 fewer workers over 20 years, labour chief Law Chi-kwong says
- Minister also dismisses business sector’s ‘scaremongering’ over government plan to scrap MPF offsetting mechanism
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Hong Kong would have had 700,000 fewer workers over the past 20 years but for a scheme that allowed up to 150 people a day from mainland China to settle in the city, the labour minister said on Sunday.
Dr Law Chi-kwong also dismissed as “scaremongering” the business sector’s claim that companies could face an extra HK$840 billion (US$107.7 billion) in costs over the next 25 years should the government press on with its plan to scrap the so-called offsetting arrangement under the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme.
The secretary for labour and welfare hit out at government critics in an article titled “Exaggeration out of intention or imagination” posted on his official blog on Sunday.
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In his piece, Law defended the “one-way permit” scheme, saying it had provided 400,000 workers over the past two decades. And welcoming in the mainland spouses of Hong Kong residents had added another 300,000 workers.
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“With a shortfall of 700,000 working population, one can tell whether the effects on Hong Kong’s society and economy are good or bad,” Law wrote.
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