Grassroots group claims job fairs have failed to improve employment situation

[Photo; Yuki lei]

Macau is currently grappling with local employment issues, cited as its most pressing social challenge, with claims that the numerous job fairs organized by authorities have had little impact on improving the employment situation, particularly as individuals with disabilities face increasing challenges in finding work.

The local association Macau People Power recently submitted a letter to Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, urging the authorities to address the root causes of employment issues, reform outdated policies on non-local workers, and prioritize training for local youth instead of focusing on large-scale “talent recruitment” initiatives.

In the written petition, the grassroots group emphasized that while the government has organized numerous job fairs and vocational training programs, the employment situation “has not improved significantly.”

They stated the government has “failed to address the core of the problem” in resolving employment issues.

The petition, as highlighted by the group’s president, Lam Weng Loi, emphasizes that the root cause of employment issues in Macau lies in outdated non-local worker policies, rather than “simply” extending or reducing non-local worker quotas.

He further stated, “Macau currently lacks clear criteria for approving these quotas, resulting in certain companies being able to employ a large number of non-local workers while hiring very few locals.” Additionally, he criticized the authorities for refusing to publish a minimum ratio of local to non-local workers that all companies must adhere to.

Continuing the discussion on the influx of non-local workers, Lam expressed concerns that the unlimited supply of low-cost labor in the market will lead to a “severe distortion” in local labor costs, ultimately resulting in diminished purchasing power for residents.

Amid ongoing discussions to address the root causes of employment issues, the group highlighted a consensus among both the government and the public on the necessity of protecting local jobs.

Concurrently, another organization noted that the economic climate has increasingly hindered employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Hetzer Siu Yu Hong, national director of the Macau Special Olympics (MSO), stated that a lack of diversity in job opportunities leads to all individuals with disabilities competing for a single role, which he described as a form of “alternative competition.” He expressed hope that authorities would introduce more diverse training programs to enhance the skills of people with disabilities, thereby creating broader employment and upward mobility opportunities.

“In fact, when it comes to employment, beyond employers’ willingness to hire, we must also consider how to enhance the capabilities of individuals and align those skills with specific job roles,” he said.

He further suggested that career planning for people with disabilities be incorporated into youth policies, and that professional input should be sought to tailor development pathways for individuals with varying abilities and needs.