Labour Service Companies (LSCs)
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A great majority of workers imported for the ACP come from China, Thailand and the Philippines. The Government has drawn to the attention of the relevant consulates and organisations of these countries, the malpractice of LSCs and the impacts they would have on imported workers. The response of these bodies has been very positive and they advised that their Governments would tighten control on the operation of the LSCs in their countries.
Since last November, the LD has operated a four-language (Cantonese, Putonghua, English and Thai) 24-hour telephone service to facilitate the imported workers' access to information and complaints channel.
Early Termination of Contracts
With immediate effect, NAPCO will notify Immigration Department (ID) and LD regularly of any early completion of works contracts under which imported workers are employed. ID, on receipt of such information, will remind employers of their obligations under the conditions of the ACP Scheme to retrench their imported workers and arrange for their return to the place of origin within 14 days after their contract termination.
Inspection of places of employment
Contractors have been asked to provide LD with information on related employment records and location of work sites relevant to the imported workers. The additional information will enable LD to ascertain whether there is improper deployment by cross-checking attendance records kept by contractors during inspection visits.
In addition to the established briefing sessions for workers and contractors, LD also conducts inspections to their places of work and accommodation to check wage and employment records, interview some imported workers and distribute copies of employment contracts to them.
These multi-pronged actions have been very effective in reaching out to some 90 percent of the workers on site. To ensure that in future all imported workers are aware of their rights and benefits, the Government has introduced a new condition compelling employers to grant paid leave to all imported workers to enable them to attend LD's briefing sessions within eight weeks after arrival.