New measures on export of Chinese workers welcomed
The Commissioner for Labour, Miss Jacqueline Willis, today (Wednesday) paid a courtesy visit to the Chinese Government's Department of Foreign Economic Co-operation (DOFEC) under the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co- operation (MOFTEC) after visiting the Ministry of Labour yesterday.
During her visit, Miss Willis briefed the Director of DOFEC, Mr Shi Heqiu, on new arrangements being implemented by the Hong Kong Government to safeguard the rights and benefits of workers imported to work in Hong Kong.
Speaking from Beijing, the Commissioner said today's visit followed Mr Shi's visit to the Education and Manpower Branch and the Labour Department at the end of March.
Miss Willis was told by Mr Shi that the Chinese Government would soon introduce new measures to improve the regulation of Chinese workers to be hired to work in Hong Kong and other countries.
"According to Mr Shi, the Chinese Government would allow a total of 21 labour service companies to handle the exportation of workers to Hong Kong.
She was aware that MOFTEC was going to make an announcement today about details relating to the new measures as well as the names of the labour service companies authorised to deal with recruitment of Chinese workers for overseas employment.
She was informed that the Chinese Government was preparing a standard system on fees chargeable in respect of the workers recruited for overseas employment and details of the system would be announced later.
"The Chinese Government will require the 21 authorised labour service companies to observe Hong Kong laws and is also positively considering to have these companies registered as employment agencies under the Employment Ordinance," Miss Willis said.
"Furthermore, the Chinese Government would prohibit the recruitment of workers to work overseas through middlemen in China.
"I also understand that the Chinese Government will enhance the training of workers before allowing them to work in Hong Kong.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.