Talk of the town：Labour shortage in Hong Kong
【明報專訊】To solve Hong Kong's labour shortage, the government eased previous entry rules for foreign workers in June 2023. The Sector-Specific Importation Labour Schemes will bring in 20,000 foreign workers for the construction and transportation sectors, including the aviation industry, public light buses and coaches.
Besides, the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme has been enhanced to ease the import ban on 26 unskilled or low-skilled jobs for two years. These jobs include receptionists, hairstylists and delivery workers. However, local workers must still be given priority to fill job vacancies.
Compete for talents
The ageing population, which is caused by the falling birth rate, will lead to a smaller working population in Hong Kong and pose a big challenge to Hong Kong's economy. Besides, the emigration wave in recent years has also acted as a catalyst for labour shortage in the city's post-pandemic economy. Thus, the government has introduced several policies in 2022 Policy Address to ''compete for talents''. The Talents Service Unit has been set up to recruit talents from the mainland and overseas and to coordinate relevant work.
Respect the newcomers
Newcomers in our community might be different from us in many ways, ranging from physical appearance, communication, religion to customs. Although Hong Kong is known as a culturally-tolerant metropolitan city, discrimination against non-locals is not uncommon. We should respect newcomers and every culture in our world.
◆Grammar Booster
Range from... to...
''Range from (something) to (something)'' is an expression which allows us to express the idea of a variety of things.
E.g. T-shirt sizes range from petite to extra large.
E.g. The store sells a wide variety of goods, ranging from fresh meat to books.
■ Game
(Answer on next text)
I cut my hair every day, but it stays the same.
Who am I? ___________________
■ Gear up
(Answer on next text)
Under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme, local workers must still be employed first if there is a job vacancy. (True/False)
■Glossary
ease (v) 緩解
priority (n) 優先考慮的事
emigration (n) 移民
metropolitan (adj) 大都市的
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view to rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第385期]
