A total of 12,623 applications for the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme have been received as of March 31, with 7,864 approved involving more than 54,00 foreign laborers since the scheme’s launch in September 2023, according to Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han.

In a written response to the Legislative Council on Wednesday (Apr 16), it was reported that four of the ten occupations with the highest foreign labour input are the catering industry, accounting for over 23,000 individuals.

Waitstaff takes up the largest group of approved foreign laborers, totaling 8,971, followed by junior cooks and cooks at 6,172 and 5,234 respectively, and dish washers at 2,757.

Other common occupations include 3,879 sales assistants, 2,712 cleaners, 2,519 security guards, and 2,403 warehouse keepers.

According to government data, there were 7,380 approved applications out of the 11,342 received, involving 98,065 foreign workers by the end of February, with waitstaff, junior cooks, cooks, and dish washers accounted to 21,987 individuals.

The figures showed the authorities had received 1,281 applications within the most recent month, approving 484 cases that included 3,227 foreign workers. Notably, the catering sector saw an additional 1,147 foreign workers approved, reflecting a five percent increase in a month.

While some lawmakers expressed concern that employers might reduce the foreign workers’ income by deducting the agency fees and other connected expenses, Sun noted an inter-departmental task force has been established to investigate cases of suspected worker exploitation.

Sun underlined that employers who violate the Employment Ordinance will be prosecuted if the involved worker is willing to testify.

Additionally, employers will face penalties for violating labor or immigration laws as well as requirements of the scheme or standard employment contracts, including the refusal to process foreign labor applications or the withdrawal of previously approved foreign labor entry permits.

As the scheme is set for two years and concluding this year, Sun stated the authorities have already begun reviewing the program and would fully consider the opinions of employer organizations and labor groups.

Under the scheme, applicant employers must prioritize hiring qualified local workers and the imported workers must be paid no less than the median monthly wages of local workers in comparable positions with the same protection of the labor laws as local workers.

(Phoebe Poon)

Enhanced supplementary labor scheme sees 54,000 imported foreign workers: labor chief