Trade unions in Hong Kong's transport, retail, and aviation sectors are increasingly vocal about the need for the government to halt or review its worker importation scheme, which was launched in July 2023. This initiative aimed to bring in up to 20,000 workers from mainland China to address ongoing labor shortages. However, the scheme has faced significant backlash, with over 12,000 workers already imported, including 1,800 allocated to the aviation sector. Unions report that local workers have lost job opportunities and income, with 74% of surveyed retail employees indicating they have experienced negative effects due to the influx of foreign labor [ff00dfc9].
A recent survey conducted by the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) revealed that three in five Hong Kong workers oppose the importation of more foreign labor. The survey, which included responses from 3,288 members in July 2024, highlighted significant concerns regarding job security and wage stability among local workers. Notably, 29.6% of respondents reported a decrease in their pay compared to the previous year, with nearly 20% indicating they are currently jobless. The retail, food and beverage, and construction sectors were identified as the hardest hit by these economic challenges [6a95ac23].
FTU vice-chairman Chau Sze-kit pointed out a staggering 90% drop in construction jobs, emphasizing the urgent need for the government to address the local employment crisis. The survey results showed that 60.2% of respondents disagreed with the idea of importing foreign workers, and 84.3% expressed concerns about potential job threats posed by such measures. In light of these findings, FTU chairman Kingsley Wong-kwok has urged the government to freeze the labor importation scheme, which was relaxed by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in June 2023 to attract foreign workers to alleviate labor shortages [6a95ac23].
The backdrop of this opposition comes as Hong Kong's economy continues to recover from the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. While the city has seen some stabilization in gambling revenues and visitor numbers, the local workforce remains wary of foreign competition in a job market that is still grappling with high unemployment rates and wage stagnation. The FTU's call for a reassessment of the foreign labor policy reflects broader sentiments among workers who are concerned about their livelihoods in an increasingly competitive environment [fe130f4d].
Allegations of exploitation among imported workers have also surfaced, prompting the government to suspend applications for construction workers. A task force has been established to investigate these claims, with officials insisting that employers must prioritize hiring local workers. Nearly 100 complaints of exploitation have been reported to the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, leading to the formation of a cross-departmental group to address these issues [e55fbaec]. As Hong Kong navigates its post-pandemic recovery, the government faces the challenge of balancing the need for foreign talent with the concerns of local workers. The next application round for imported labor is scheduled for October 2024, and proper mechanisms are needed to safeguard workers' rights before expanding the labor import scheme [e55fbaec]. The ongoing public consultation for the chief executive’s midterm policy address in October is seen as an opportunity for the community to voice their opinions on pressing issues, including employment and economic stability [8b91e8b6].