Govt to extend retraining to domestic helpers while prioritizing local workers

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han has reiterated that the focus of retraining resources will “undoubtedly remain on the local workforce” following a proposed reform to expand services to domestic helpers.

His assurance comes as the Labour and Welfare Bureau plans to amend the law to reform the Employees Retraining Board (ERB) and expand its service coverage, a move that has raised concerns from lawmakers that it could divert resources from local employees.

Sun explained that the reform addresses growing demand for foreign domestic helpers to receive elderly-care training, driven by Hong Kong’s rapidly aging population.

While the Social Welfare Department currently trains several thousand helpers, the city has hundreds of thousands of them, many already responsible for looking after elderly household members.

ERB Executive Director Byron Ng Kwok-keung said the board intends to convert certain courses into shorter, more flexible “micro-courses” to better suit learners’ needs.

He added that following its relocation to new headquarters in Kowloon Bay, the ERB will enhance support in career planning, skills training, and employment assistance.

Ng emphasised that the board’s financial position remains stable and that it will continue to exercise prudent financial management to sustain service quality.