TNAG-1795-FCO40-2555-Hong-Kong-Vietnamese-refugees-repatriation--including-Opera-1988 — Page 320

For decision

on 12 July 1988

THE PROBLEM

CONFIDENTIAL Ms Slater +PA 53

XCC (88) 99 Copy No

32

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

IMPORTATION OF LA BOUR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

HKD 24318

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

15 JUL 1988

DESK OFFICE?

INDEX

Delays in construction projects

caused by the

labour shortage have increased. We need to consider whether to import skilled labour to meet the shortfall.

RECOMMENDATION AND ADVICE SOUGHT

2

It is recommended that detailed consideration should be given to a limited scheme to import skilled workers for the construction industry.

asked to advise whether this

3

Members will be

recommendation should be approved.

A

BACKGROUND

4

the

On 6 October 1987, Members considered memorandum XCC(87) 144 (copy at Annex A) advocating rejection of suggestion to import skilled OI unskilled labour and continuation of the existing policy on entry for employment or investment. Members noted that a further paper would be submitted examining the feasibility of relaxing the criteria for admission of skilled workers for the construction industry.

5

On 15 December 1987, after considering memorandum XCC (87)186 (copy at Annex B). the Council advised and the Governor ordered that there should be no relaxation of the criteria for admitting skilled workers from overseas for the construction industry

industry. The main reason was that the labour shortage was not sufficient to justify the serious step of importing labour, particularly as construction delays had up then been small and projected demand, which was not exceptionally high, could be affected by the October 1987 stock market crash.

to

CONFIDENTIAL