ENG-1993 — Page 147

EMPLOYMENT

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$30 per session for half-day and evening courses. A wide variety of courses were on offer. At the end of 1993, 6 903 persons had completed re-training and 1901 were undergoing re-training.

In May, an on-the-job training scheme was launched to bridge the gap between employers with unfilled vacancies and re-trainees looking for jobs. Cash reimbursements of training expenses are made to employers providing on-the-job training. The division is responsible for processing applications under the schemes and assisting the re-trainees to find employment. At the end of 1993, 342 firms (331 already gazetted) had joined the scheme, offering a total of 4 217 jobs.

The Selective Placement Division helps disabled persons integrate with the community through open employment. It provides a free employment counselling and placement service for the hearing impaired, sight impaired, physically disabled, mentally retarded and ex-mentally ill.

The division launched a series of activities to promote the employment of the disabled. These included district-based exhibitions, presentation of awards to employers and disabled employees, and talks to interested parties. Quarterly newsletters were published and distributed to some 20 000 employers. Pamphlets promoting the employment of persons with various disabilities were also issued to members of the public. Apart from making regular promotional visits to employers, special campaigns were conducted in selected trades and industries to identify and secure suitable vacancies for disabled job-seekers.

Careers Guidance

The department's Careers Advisory Service promotes careers education by building up a data bank of careers information and organising careers activities for young people.

The service operates two careers information centres, each equipped with a reference library, an audio-visual unit and an enquiry service. It produces written and audio-visual resource materials, including careers pamphlets, job-sheets, slide presentations and films. All these materials are available to the public free of charge.

The service organises a wide range of activities, including seminars, visits to places of work, exhibitions and quiz competitions. In February, it joined hands with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to stage the Education and Careers Expo '93, which attracted more than 165 000 visitors. More than 136 500 students took part in the 12th Careers Quiz organised by the service in November.

Foreign Workers

The Immigration Department is responsible for controlling the entry of foreign workers. A foreigner may be permitted to work or invest in Hong Kong if he possesses a special skill, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in Hong Kong, or if he is in a position to contribute to the economy. To maintain Hong Kong's economic competitiveness, the department applies the policy in a flexible manner. Genuine businessmen and entrepreneurs are welcome to establish a presence in the territory, bringing with them capital and expertise. Qualified professionals, technical staff, administrators and managerial personnel are also admitted with minimum formalities.

During the year, 17 202 professionals and persons with technical, administrative or managerial skills from more than 60 countries were admitted for employment.