Lawmakers question Hong Kong’s new skilled worker import scheme

Hong Kong lawmakers have raised concerns over the government’s newly launched "Technical Professional List", which allows the import of eight types of skilled workers, including lift/escalator technicians and electrical engineers. 

Critics argue the scheme sets salaries too low and lacks a thoughtful quota distribution system.

Quota system under scrutiny

The program, introduced last month, sets a cap of 3,000 workers per occupation, with a total of 10,000 spots across all eight fields. 

However, labor sector lawmaker Chau Siu-chung called the quota system "too vague," suggesting allocations should reflect actual shortages. 

He pointed out that some sectors—such as lift/escalator technicians, building information modeling coordinators, and electrical technicians—are projected to face a combined shortage of only 2,000 workers by 2027, questioning the need for 3,000 spots per role.

In response, Principal Assistant Secretary for Labour and Welfare Hinz Chiu Man-hin stated that the quotas were based on 2023 manpower projections and industry feedback, confirming "severe shortages" in all eight fields. However, he declined to release specific shortage figures, citing evolving industry needs.

Wage concerns and local hiring priorities

Lawmakers also criticized the salary benchmark, set at HK$18,500 per month—the median income for tertiary-educated workers. 

Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare Ho Kai-ming defended the policy, stating that imported workers must meet the industry’s median wage, with annual updates based on market data.

Some legislators urged the government to prioritize local training and improve working conditions to attract homegrown talent. 

Ho acknowledged efforts, such as fully subsidized nursing courses, but admitted training numbers still fall short of demand. 

Meanwhile, the Vocational Training Council is accelerating the launch of an elevator training center, and authorities are discussing upskilling programs with employers and unions.

Balancing foreign talent and local jobs

Federation of Trade Unions lawmaker Kingsley Wong Kwok warned against "working behind closed doors", urging the government to set import ratios based on verified shortages to protect local employment.

Officials assured that strict qualification checks would prevent misuse of the scheme.