DSAL: Non-local workers to address local labor shortages only

The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) has once again stated that importing non-local workers is a temporary measure to address local labor shortages, assuring that this approach will not compromise the job opportunities or rights of local residents.

The remarks were in response to lawmaker Leong Sun Iok’s inquiry regarding the approval, oversight, and regulation of non-local workers, along with concerns about wage suppression for local employees.

In a statement from the DSAL released on Friday by Leong’s office, it was emphasized that enterprises cannot deny hiring local employees for positions where qualified residents are available and willing to work.

The statement also noted that applications for non-local employees are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as government policies, socioeconomic development, labor market supply and demand, the scale and operational status of the applying company, the employment status of existing employees, and working conditions.

In response to Leong’s inquiry about measures to prevent the use of low-wage non-local workers to suppress local industry wages, the bureau stated that applications to hire non-local workers will not be approved if a company is found to be offering wages that are deemed unfair.

According to the bureau, to ensure fairness, the bureau will evaluate various factors, such as current wage standards in the industry, prior wage records, and the size of the company, ensuring that both local and non-local workers doing similar jobs receive equal pay.

“The bureau will continue to closely monitor changes in Macau’s employment market, adjusting the number of non-local workers based on economic development trends and the labor market’s supply and demand. We are committed to balancing these factors to protect the priority employment rights of local residents,” pledged the DSAL.

“In addition, we will carefully consider opinions and suggestions from the community to help optimize the approval process for non-local workers and will conduct a thorough factual analysis.”

Job opportunities for older adults

Meanwhile, another lawmaker, Ella Lei, shared yesterday the bureau’s response to a written inquiry about measures to promote employment for middle-aged and elderly individuals.

According to the response, from January to May this year, 4,366 people found jobs or were connected with employment opportunities through DSAL’s programs and initiatives designed to support job seekers.

Among these, 546 individuals aged 55 and above were matched, representing 12.5% of the total successful matches.

The bureau also stated that it has been providing a range of vocational training courses specifically designed for local senior citizens since 2016.

These courses include topics such as Chinese and Western restaurant service, infant and maternal care, postpartum care, Western cuisine cooking, Western pastry baking, and property management. As of May, a total of 334 individuals have participated in these training programs.

Also, the statement noted that the bureau has launched a variety of vocational training courses and skill assessment programs for eligible residents of Macau, regardless of age.

From January to May this year, a total of 235 training courses were conducted, with 4,252 individuals participating. Among them, 243 individuals were aged 55 or older, accounting for approximately 6% of the total number of trainees.