Hong Kong’s unemployment rate climbed to 3.7 percent between May and July, prompting calls from lawmakers and industry leaders to immediately suspend the foreign worker import program for the catering sector.
The rise in joblessness has been sharpest in food and beverage sector, a trend attributed to a poor business environment, widespread restaurant closures, and an increased labour supply resulting from the foreign worker scheme.
In response to growing pressure, the Labour and Welfare Bureau will require employers—starting next month—to conduct a four-week local recruitment process for junior cook and waiter positions, including job postings at government job centres.
Lawmaker Chau Siu-chung welcomed the strengthened local hiring effort but urged more drastic action.
He called for an immediate suspension of foreign worker intake for the catering industry and the implementation of stricter requirements for renewing existing foreign worker permits.
Simon Wong Ka-wo, chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, also supported the proposed suspension.
He revealed that some eateries previously approved to hire foreign workers are now considering downsizing or closing due to operational difficulties.
Wong warned that without a pause in the program, foreign workers might arrive in Hong Kong only to find their promised jobs no longer exist.
