Wednesday, October 3, 1973
HONG KONG OFFERS BETTER PROSPECTS FOR WORKERS
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Fever workers are going abroad to take up employment as a result
of better job opportunities in Hong Kong.
This is highlighted in recent statistics which shows a steady
decline in the numbers of Hong Kong workers seeking employment overseas.
During the one-year period from July 1, 1970 to June 30, 1971,
3,048 workers went overseas. This compares with 1,759 in 1971/72 and
1,438 in 1972/73.
This trend has been attributed to a continued demand locally for
both skilled and tinskilled workers as a result of the developing economy,
for unless wages and conditions of employment offered are particularly
attractive, Hong Kong workers are not inclined to seek employment overseas.
The Labour Department is responsible for protecting the interests
of those workers who do go overseas.
Under the contracts for Overseas Employment Ordinance, all manual
emigrant workers, except those in specifically excluded categories, must
enter into written contracts with their prospective employers before leaving
Hong Kong.
The Commissioner of Labour has authority to attest the contracts,
which, among others, must provide for a number of conditions to the advan-
tage of the worker.
These include facilities for remitting money to his family of
dependents in Hong Kong, compensation in case of death or injury arising
out of and in the course of employment, compensation in case of incapacity
due to occupational diseases, and repatriation to Hong Kong at the employers'
expense at the end of the contract.
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