XN000022-1973-10-03 — Page 2

Wednesday, October 3, 1973

HONG KONG OFFERS BETTER PROSPECTS FOR WORKERS

******

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.

/If the