Importing non-local workers ‘serves Macau’s interests’, says Anton Tai

The government has reiterated its stance on the employment of non-local workers, stating that the policy continues to prioritize local employment and the protection of residents’ rights.

It has affirmed that the approach remains aligned with the city’s overall development needs at this stage.

The Legislative Assembly (AL) convened a plenary session yesterday, during which several legislators, including Leong Sun Iok, José Pereira Coutinho, and Leong Hong Sai, addressed issues such as employment security following the expiration of the three-year transition period for satellite casinos, the significant increase in non-local workers, and measures to promote local employment, directing their oral interpellations to the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Anton Tai Kin Ip.

In response, Tai cited data indicating a reduction in the number of non-local workers, noting that as of the end of March this year, the total number of non-local workers stood at 183,368, a decrease of 13,170 compared to the end of December 2019, with varying reductions across different job categories.”

He also highlighted the region’s commitment to becoming a world center of tourism and leisure, noting that its economy is primarily service-oriented and has a significant demand for human resources.

“Appropriately importing non-local workers to address the local labor shortage aligns with Macau’s overall interests,” he emphasized.

On the topic of localization ratios in the local labor market, Tai highlighted the percentage of local employees in middle and senior management positions across the city’s six gaming operators, reaffirming the government’s steadfast goal of maintaining a ratio above 85%.

As of the end of March, local employees held 90% of these positions, he noted.

In response to Coutinho’s inquiry about the increase in non-local employees in Macau – from 75,000 in December 2009 to the current 221,000, a 180% rise – Tai presented data showing that the demand for human resources has grown alongside the expansion of the economy, establishing a direct proportional relationship.

“Since the handover, we have made significant progress, with the city’s GDP surging from MOP50 billion to a peak of MOP450 billion, representing a remarkable ninefold increase. For instance, in 2009, the GDP was about MOP172.3 billion, which aligns with the current economic size of MOP403.3 billion,” said Tai.

Tai further indicated that Macau’s employment situation is reasonable in light of its economic development.

“Currently, the private-sector employment rate for local residents ranges between 2.3 and 2.5. When compared to over 190 economies worldwide, our employment situation remains relatively strong, and we are committed to achieving full employment for all.”

“Reducing the number of non-local workers is not a simple matter of addition and subtraction,” Tai emphasized. He acknowledged the vital role of non-local residents in Macau’s tourism industry while promising to optimize human resource allocation.

On the Secretary’s response, lawmaker Ron Lam questioned the authorities’ data for excluding senior executives who immigrated to Macau on technical visas. He noted that between the end of 2022 and 2024, the number of local employees at the six gaming operators increased by 3%, aligning with economic growth. However, the growth in non-local workers surged by 73%, with the number of non-local workers among these companies exceeding 32,000.

Satellite Casinos

11 satellite casinos are set to close at the end of this year as their three-year transition period expires. Lawmakers Leong Sun Iok and José Pereira Coutinho have raised concerns about the future of employees at these venues. Leong specifically pointed out that while the government has stated that gaming companies must “fully absorb” all employees if operations cease, there remains uncertainty about how to best protect employees’ rights, given the involvement of gaming companies, venue operators, and outsourced staff.

The Secretary replied that the government has conducted assessments and developed contingency plans. He emphasized that the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) will take legal action if employees are impacted by changes in the operations of the satellite casinos. This includes proactively understanding the job-seeking intentions of affected local employees and offering appropriate vocational training and relevant information.

He emphasized that, in line with the revised gambling law, the relevant provisions clearly outline a three-year transition period, with specific arrangements already defined.

“As previously noted by the local government, gaming operators and satellite casino holders will engage in negotiations, and alternative plans have been fully prepared,” he stated.

He also shared that these assessment plans encompass the operational status of satellite casinos, the number of surrounding businesses, and the employment situation within these venues, including employees in various roles such as those involved in decoration and other venue-related tasks.

Regarding the business situation of small- and medium-sized enterprises around the satellite casinos, Tai stated that “the government has gained extensive experience in community revitalization over the past 20 years and has established a solid coordination mechanism to address related issues.”

Separately, Leong Sun Iok raised concerns about the shift work system and rest rights for employees in the gaming industry.

In response, the DSAL director, Chan Un Tong, stated that the government has consistently monitored the enforcement of labor laws and regulations. He emphasized the government’s openness to public opinion on improving labor standards and its commitment to advancing relevant legislative work in accordance with legal procedures.

Regarding shift work, according to Chan, the current Labour Relations Law includes provisions requiring employers to ensure that employees have reasonable rest rights, which encompass compliance with maximum normal working hours and guaranteeing a continuous rest period of at least 10 hours, or no less than 12 hours per day.