ENG-2014 — Page 154

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Employment

compensation applications and paid out $10.07 million in compensation. It also approved 478 applications to finance hearing assistive devices, costing $1.49 million, and provided 468 rehabilitation programmes for people with impaired hearing caused by their jobs.

Retirement Protection

All employees, except those who are not required by law to join a local retirement scheme, are provided with retirement protection under the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance, the Occupational Retirement Schemes Ordinance, or other statutory pension plans.

Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW)

The overall employment market has remained stable since the introduction of SMW in May 2011. Employment earnings of low-income employees have continued to improve. The Labour Department organised various publicity activities to promote the SMW legislation. Labour inspectors visited businesses throughout Hong Kong to make sure employers were complying with the law.

The main function of the Minimum Wage Commission, an independent statutory body established under the Minimum Wage Ordinance, is to recommend the SMW rate to the Chief Executive in Council when required by the Chief Executive to do so. On completing its latest review of the SMW rate, the commission submitted its recommendation in October 2014 for the government's consideration.

Employment Agencies

The Labour Department enforces Part XII of the Employment Ordinance and the Employment Agency Regulations which empower it to issue licences to employment agencies, monitor and investigate complaints, and prosecute offenders. The department issued 2,843 employment agency licences, revoked three and refused to renew two in 2014.

Standard Working Hours

With the help of consultants, the Standard Working Hours Committee in 2014 completed public consultation and a survey on working hours. The views and data collected will help the committee in its deliberations on the way forward in respect of a working hours policy.

Entry of Non-locals for Employment

Employment of Professionals

People 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 that offers a remuneration package broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level. In 2014, 40,989 people from more than 100 countries or territories were admitted for employment in this way. Entrepreneurs who can make a substantial contribution to the economy are also welcome to bring capital and expertise to Hong Kong.

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