ENG-2010 — Page 178

132 | Employment

Labour Tribunal

The Labour Tribunal is part of the Judiciary. It 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 2010, some 4 670 cases were filed with the tribunal, of which 4 601 were initiated by employees and 69 by employers. Of these, 88.2 per cent were referred by the Labour Department's Labour Relations Division after unsuccessful conciliation attempts. During the year, the tribunal dealt with 4 678 cases and granted awards. totalling more than $219 million, or 1 181 cases and $128 million less than in 2009.

Employment Agencies

The Labour Department's Employment Agencies Administration enforces Part XII of the Employment Ordinance and the Employment Agency Regulations which empower the department to inspect employment agencies to ensure they comply with the law, investigate complaints against the agencies and carry out other monitoring roles. It issued 2 168 employment agency licences and revoked one licence during the year.

Policy Study on Standard Working Hours

The Chief Executive announced in his Policy Address 2010-11 that the Administration would embark on a policy study on standard working hours. The Labour Department is conducting the study.

Imported Workers

Employment of Professionals

Non-local talented people and professionals who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to Hong Kong may apply to take up employment in Hong Kong if they have secured a job that cannot be filled readily by local workers and receive a remuneration package broadly commensurate with those in the market. Business people and entrepreneurs who can make substantial contribution to the economy are also welcome to bring capital and expertise to Hong Kong. During the year, 34 326 talented people and professionals from more than 100 countries or territories were admitted for employment.

Employment of Non-local Students

Since May 19, 2008, non-local fresh graduates of full-time locally-accredited degree, or higher level studies may apply to stay for one year in Hong Kong to take up employment. Those who have previously obtained a degree or higher qualification in a full-time locally-accredited programme in Hong Kong may also apply to return to Hong Kong for employment if the job they have secured is at a level normally taken up by degree-holders and pays market rates.