Q1 public cleaning outsourcing sees rise in local hires, drop in jobseekers

Macau recorded an increase in local employment in outsourced public cleaning services in the first quarter of 2026, alongside a significant decline in registered jobseekers for cleaning-related roles, according to the Employment Coordination Working Group.

Officials said the figures reflect the impact of policy measures such as scoring mechanisms and quota requirements introduced in public outsourcing contracts to prioritize local workers.

Compared with the third quarter of 2025, both the total number and proportion of local employees in outsourced cleaning services rose, while the number of unemployed residents registered for cleaning positions with the Labour Affairs Bureau fell sharply.

The working group reviewed the data at its fourth meeting of the year, where members also examined progress on large-scale job-matching events in retail and services and discussed ways to improve employment matching efficiency for young jobseekers. Authorities said such initiatives are aimed at responding more effectively to shifting labor market needs.

They also noted that increased visitor arrivals and consumption in early 2026 had driven demand for manpower in tourism and retail sectors. A recent job fair in May offered more than 700 vacancies from over 20 companies and attracted 340 participants. In addition, about 800 internship placements will be provided for tertiary students under a mainland internship programme scheduled from June to September.