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It has been remarked that the importation of labour schemes have affected the employment opportunities of local workers. This is simply a gross simplification. All the imported workers under our labour importation schemes are confined to those possessing special skills and experience of value to, but not readily available in sufficient numbers in Hong Kong. The impact on employment opportunities of our local workers should be minimal. We are fully aware that as a result of our structural change of our economy, there is bound to be a group of displaced workers, though not of a large number, who are faced with employment difficulties. That is why the Employees Retraining Board (ERB) was set up in October 1992 to assist those workers to re-enter the active workforce by equipping them with new and marketable skills. We believe that the best way to help those workers displaced by the structural changes in our economy is to offer job placement assistance and retraining. We have already informed the Manpower Panel of this Council at the meeting on seventh of February that a pilot scheme to integrate the Local Employment Service with the Employees Retraining Scheme will soon be launched. In short, we intend to arrange direct job referrals and retraining to workers to meet labour requirements of employers faced with labour shortage problems.
The importation of workers have had the beneficial effect on our economy. Surveys conducted by the Industry Department revealed that labour shortage and related problems are the major concerns to local and overseas manufacturing companies in their consideration to invest in HK. Without imported workers, these industries will decline fast since local manufacturers will relocate their operations and overseas manufacturers will not be set up in HK. More local workers will then be displaced who will require job placement assistance and retraining. Let us not forget that retraining is, after all, funded by a levy paid by employers employing imported workers. This surely is a vicious cycle that we should avoid.
Mr Ho's Bill impinges upon a number of public policies. As I have explained, it would be serious consequences if the Bill were passed. To preserve our existing flexibility in dealing with our tight labour market, the Government opposes this Bill. We must uphold our basic labour policy. A later commencement date would not reduce the effects of this Bill but simply defer the serious consequences mentioned which I have just mentioned. The importation of labour schemes must remain flexible to react swiftly to changing market needs. A set of statutory rules will seriously hamper effectiveness of the schemes, and affect the employment opportunities of local workers. This surely will not serve the best interests of Hong Kong. I urge Members to vote against the Bill.
Thank you.
End/Wednesday, February 22, 1995
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