140 Employment
guards wages not lower than the relevant average market rates, and enter into written employment contracts with these workers. If the workers have to work beyond contractual hours, they should be suitably compensated.
The Government will conduct a comprehensive review in October 2008, two years after implementation of the movement, to evaluate the effectiveness of the WPM. If the overall review finds that the WPM fails to yield satisfactory results, the Government will set out to prepare for the introduction of legislation for a minimum wage in the cleansing and guarding services sectors.
Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board
The Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board adjudicates claims under the Employment Ordinance and in accordance with individual employment contracts. The board hears and determines employment claims involving not more than 10 claimants for a sum of money not exceeding $8,000 per claimant. During the year, the board concluded 2 483 cases and made awards amounting to $6 million.
Labour Tribunal
The Labour Tribunal is part of the Judiciary and provides a quick, inexpensive and informal method of adjudicating disputes between employees and employers, which are not within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board.
In 2006, there were 6 524 cases filed with the tribunal, of which 6 443 were initiated by employees and 81 by employers. Of these, 87.7 per cent were referred by the Labour Relations Division of the Labour Department after unsuccessful conciliation attempts. During the year, the tribunal dealt with 6 543 cases and made awards amounting to more than $339 million, down by 27 cases and increased by $4 million compared to 2005.
Imported Workers
General Policy on Entry for Employment
The Immigration Department is responsible for handling matters relating to the entry of foreigners for employment. Foreigners may work or invest in Hong Kong if they possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in Hong Kong and receive salaries broadly commensurate with those on the market, or who can make a substantial contribution to the economy.
Genuine business people and entrepreneurs are welcome to establish a presence in Hong Kong, bringing with them capital and expertise. Qualified professionals, technical people, administrators and managers are also admitted with minimum formalities. During the year, 21 958 foreign professionals and people with technical, administrative or managerial skills from more than 100 countries/territories were admitted for employment.
Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals
The Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals launched in 2003 was set up to attract talented people and professionals to work in Hong Kong to
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