Employment | 139
Retirement Protection
All employees, except those who are not required to join any local retirement scheme under the law, are provided with some form of retirement protection under the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance or other retirement schemes, such as those regulated under the Occupational Retirement Schemes Ordinance and other statutory pension plans.
Statutory Minimum Wage
The Minimum Wage Ordinance came into force on Labour Day (May 1, 2011) prescribing a minimum rate of $28 per hour. During the year, the Labour Department carried out territory-wide publicity campaigns to help employers and employees better understand their obligations and entitlements under the ordinance, and labour inspectors visited business establishments throughout Hong Kong to make sure employers were abiding by the law.
The first two-year term of the Minimum Wage Commission started on March 1, 2011. The commission is an independent statutory body established under the Minimum Wage Ordinance. Its main function is to make recommendation to the Chief Executive in Council about the statutory minimum wage rate. In doing so, the commission is required to strike a balance between forestalling excessively low wages and minimising the loss of low-paid jobs while sustaining Hong Kong's economic growth and competitiveness. The commission comprises a chairperson and not more than 12 members from the labour sector, business community, academia and the Government.
Employment Agencies
The Employment Agencies Administration Office enforces Part XII of the Employment Ordinance and the Employment Agency Regulations which empower it to issue licences to employment agencies, monitor, investigate complaints, and make prosecution. The office issued 2 334 employment agency licences and revoked three during the year.
Policy Study on Standard Working Hours
The Labour Department is carrying out the study on standard working hours, requested by the Chief Executive in his 2010-11 Policy Address. The study, expected to be completed by mid-2012, will lay a good foundation for public discussion.
Imported Workers
Employment of Professionals
Non-local talented people and professionals who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to Hong Kong may apply to take up employment in Hong Kong if they have secured a job that cannot be filled readily by local workers and receive a remuneration package broadly commensurate with those in the market. Business people and entrepreneurs who can make substantial contribution to the economy are also welcome to bring capital and expertise to