Policy Address prioritizes local employment with review of non-local worker approval system

The 2026 Policy Address seeks to prioritize local employment by proposing a comprehensive review and refinement of the non-local worker approval system to better manage the number of non-local workers.

“Regarding youth employment, we will coordinate cross-departmental resources through the Employment Promotion Coordination Working Group to advance public projects and services, with a priority on hiring local employees,” Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai stated during his presentation at the Legislative Assembly.

He stressed that financial institutions and higher education institutions would be urged to create more job opportunities for Macau residents, adhering to the principle that whenever local residents are capable and willing to perform a job, they shall be given priority in hiring.

The Policy Address also outlines improvements to relevant laws and regulations, including adjustments to property prices and annual holiday entitlements through statutory procedures.

It proposes extending specialized employment and training programs to the finance, construction, and public utilities sectors, while advancing the development of an integrated vocational training platform to strengthen social security and social services.

In its initial phase, public higher education institutions and subsidized organizations will be involved, with an expected 500 training courses offered next year.

“We will continue to refine the dual-tier social security system, optimize the social security framework and its regular adjustment mechanism, and encourage more employers, employees, and residents to participate in the pension scheme,” Sam remarked. The Policy Address also noted that the overall unemployment rate and the unemployment rate among local residents stood at 1.8% and 2.4%, respectively, from July to September, both remaining at low levels.

Meanwhile, the Policy Address continues to support Macau youth seeking employment in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area by attracting graduates under 35 years old to work at designated enterprises in the nine mainland cities and the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. This initiative includes providing monthly employment subsidies of up to MOP5,000 for a maximum of 18 months.