ENG-1989 — Page 132

EMPLOYMENT

disabled employees or made special efforts to facilitate the employment of the disabled in the preceding 12 months. A seven-day exhibition on Employment Opportunities of the Disabled was organised in November to show the public the working potential of disabled persons, and the training facilities and technical aids available to them. Some 1 032 disabled persons were placed in employment in 1989.

The placement of socially-maladjusted job-seekers is the responsibility of the Employ- ment Service of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.

Careers Guidance

The Careers Advisory Service of the Labour Department, previously known as the Youth Employment Advisory Service, provides careers information and guidance to young people to help them choose a career best suited to their interests, talents and abilities. In 1989, the service delivered 488 careers talks in 183 schools and five voluntary agencies covering an audience of 86 625. In collaboration with the Vocational Training Council the service also organised a series of regional careers projects. Through the sixth Work Orientation Programme launched in May, arrangements were made for some 1 300 students from 49 schools to visit various establishments in the private and public sectors to gain a better insight into the world of work. In addition, more than 124 500 students from 252 schools participated in the Careers Quiz.

The 18th annual Careers Exhibition, co-sponsored by the Regional Council, was held in December at Sha Tin Town Hall. Altogether, 23 exhibitors from commerce, industry, the services, professional bodies and the government took part in the 10-day exhibition which attracted more than 85 000 visitors.

To promote careers education, the service organises annually a one-year, part-time certificate course for careers teachers in conjunction with the Education Department and the University of Hong Kong. In addition, a seminar was held in July to provide a forum for careers teachers to update their knowledge and exchange views on careers guidance.

The service also produces various publications including careers pamphlets, occupation leaflets and a monthly careers newsletter which are distributed free of charge to schools, youth centres and interested persons.

With the introduction of a new careers information centre at Sha Tin in February 1989, the service now operates four such centres. Each is equipped with a reference library, an audio-visual unit and an enquiry service providing information on employment and training opportunities. In 1989, the centres recorded a total of 26 440 visitors.

Foreign Workers

The Immigration Department is responsible for controlling the entry of foreign workers for employment in Hong Kong. Generally speaking, foreigners who have special skills or experience not readily available in Hong Kong are allowed entry. Those who are able to contribute substantially to the economic well-being of Hong Kong, such as bankers and entrepreneurs and other persons whose activities are likely to stimulate local employment, are also considered for entry. In all cases, normal immigration requirements must be met. The Immigration Department considers special cases in consultation with the Labour Department and other expert departments.

During the year, 11 409 professionals and other persons having technical expertise or administrative and managerial skills from over 30 countries were admitted for employment.

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