Employment
Retirement Protection
All employees, except those who are not required by law to join a local retirement scheme, are provided with retirement protection under the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance, the Occupational Retirement Schemes Ordinance, or other statutory pension plans.
Statutory Minimum Wage
The overall employment market has remained stable since the introduction of statutory minimum wage in May 2011. Employment earnings of low-income employees have continued to improve. The statutory minimum wage rate was raised to $32.50 with effect from 1 May 2015. The Labour Department organised various publicity activities to promote the new rate and the Minimum Wage Ordinance. Labour inspectors visit businesses to make sure employers are complying with the law.
The main function of the Minimum Wage Commission, an independent statutory body established under the ordinance, is to recommend the statutory minimum wage rate to the Chief Executive in Council when required by the Chief Executive to do so. The commission comprises a chairperson and 12 members from the labour and business sectors, academia and the government.
Employment Agencies
The Labour Department enforces Part XII of the Employment Ordinance and the Employment Agency Regulations, which empower it to issue licences to employment agencies, monitor and investigate complaints, and prosecute offenders. The department issued 2,775 employment agency licences, revoked four and refused to renew one in 2015.
Standard Working Hours
During the year, the Standard Working Hours Committee further explored the directions of a working hours policy applicable to Hong Kong, with reference to the findings of an extensive public consultation and a comprehensive working hours survey completed in 2014. The committee comprises a chairperson and 23 members from the labour and business sectors, academia, the community and the government.
Entry of Non-locals for Employment
Employment of Professionals
People who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to Hong Kong may apply to take up employment if they have secured a job that cannot be filled readily by local workers and which offers a remuneration package broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level. In 2015, 43,632 people from more than 100 countries or territories were hired this way. Entrepreneurs, including start-ups, are also welcome to bring capital and expertise to Hong Kong if they can make a substantial contribution to the economy.
Employment of Non-local Students
Non-local fresh graduates of full-time locally accredited local programmes at degree or higher level may apply to stay in Hong Kong for one year after graduation to take up employment.
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